Police chief intoxicated & fight with SF

SF_BHT · 11-29-2007, 06:54

Just read this and I wonder which way it will play out. No matter if you are in the right fighting a police chief is not a good Idea. Hope the boys are cleared. Sounds like the old days on Hay street.... Sounds like the Chief also has a drinking problem.

http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/283611.html

Quote:

The Olympian

DuPONT — Police Chief Michael Pohl was drunk in the early morning of Nov. 9, when two Army Special Forces soldiers who had recently returned from Iraq punched him and a friend at a Thurston County home where one of the soldiers lives, a sheriff's report states.

The fight occurred because at least one of the soldiers was angry over a perceived insult against Special Forces by Pohl's friend, an Air Force veteran, according to the sheriff's report. Pohl, 49, and his friend began drinking at the Nisqually Pub about 8 p.m. Nov. 8, according to a bartender's statement in the report. Pohl and his friend said they later were invited to the soldier's residence in the 8500 block of 48th Court Northeast to continue drinking.

Witnesses offer varying accounts in the report by sheriff's Detective Steve Hamilton.
One of the soldiers told Hamilton that Pohl asked whether he was a Special Forces solider and that he found Pohl's behavior "very bizarre." The soldier also said that Pohl's friend accused him of lying about being in Special Forces, then said the Air Force has had to "bail out" Special Forces. The Special Forces is a unit specially trained for guerrilla fighting.

Pohl's and his friend's accounts do not include these details, and both said one of the soldiers overreacted to a perceived slight. The soldiers said Pohl's friend threw the first punch; Pohl and his friend say that is not the case.

The soldiers told Hamilton that Pohl and his friend refused to leave the soldier's residence and had not been invited. Pohl and his friend told Hamilton they were attacked in the front driveway of the soldier's home as they were trying to flee. One of the soldiers concedes his recollection is "fuzzy."

"There are many different viewpoints and perspectives on this case depending on who is being interviewed," Hamilton's report states.
One constant in the report is alcohol. All of the people involved in the incident had been drinking at Nisqually Pub and were intoxicated, including Pohl's friend, who was driving Pohl around the night of the fight, the report says.

A bartender at Nisqually Pub told Hamilton that Pohl and his friend each had three beers and two shots of liquor. A cocktail waitress added that Pohl had two shots and a beer, and his friend had a beer and a soda.

Asked by Hamilton to describe all of the participants' intoxication level before leaving Nisqually Pub, with zero being sober and 10 being so drunk that one is unable to function, the waitress said the group rated between a seven and an eight.

Before heading to the soldier's home, the soldiers and their wives called a designated driver, the sheriff's report says. There is no indication in the report that Pohl or his friend who was driving did the same.

Pohl is on paid administrative leave as DuPont officials conduct an internal investigation of the incident. The DuPont Police Department's procedure manual states that "Members, while off-duty, shall refrain from consuming intoxicating beverages to the extent that it results in impairment, intoxication, obnoxious or offensive behavior."

During Tuesday night's DuPont City Council meeting, City Administrator Bill McDonald said an independent investigation by the Lakewood Police Department into the fight continues.

"My hope is that it will be completed within the next two weeks," McDonald said.

Pohl initially declined to give a statement to sheriff's deputies who began investigating after a neighbor saw the fight and called 9-1-1, the report states.

Thurston County Sheriff Dan Kimball said the case is being forwarded to the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, which will decide whether anyone will face criminal charges.

"We're not referring it for any specific charges," Kimball said.

Pohl said he was struck from behind and kicked in the face while lying on the ground by one of the soldiers. Pohl suffered a broken nose and other injuries and was taken to a hospital.

"As the subject kicked (Pohl) in the face he made a statement similar to 'I don't give a (expletive) who you are,' " reads a sheriff's report.

According to the report:

• Pohl lost his glasses in the attack. After Pohl was attacked, he said he felt dizzy and thought he'd go unconscious.

• Pohl said he returned to his home after the attack and was in a state of shock. He added that he next "had a couple straight shots of rum or tequila to calm his nerves" before he awakened his wife and she helped him get to a hospital.

Pohl is a 22-year veteran of the DuPont Police Department.

The soldiers allege that after the fight, Pohl's friend was driving a truck and struck Pohl as he staggered into the street. Pohl and his friend deny that. Pohl's friend "said that he helped Pohl into the truck and they drove away," according to the report.

Olympian correspondent Heather Frye contributed to this report.

**The Reaper** · 11-29-2007, 09:05

What am I missing?

How did the Police Chief and his friend wind up at the soldier's house (who invited them, or why did they go there, not the fact that they drove there under the influence)?

In addition to the DUI, by going to the soldier's house uninvited, were they not trespassing?

I hate to say it, but unless the department endorses employees overindulging, public intoxication, DUIs, following residents home, and engaging in a fight, it looks to me like the Chief was in the wrong. Incidentally, who has to have a couple more shots before filing a report?

IMHO, the soldiers were the ones acting responsibly here, but all of the facts are not in yet. I hope that they did not actually assault the Chief, and find the allegation that he was run over by his drinking buddy curious. I do wonder what the sober wives and neighbor's statements say? The statements by the participants are usually somewhat skewed.

This should be interesting.

TR

**Pete** · 11-29-2007, 09:27

Notice the 'I don't give a (expletive) who you are'?

To me it sounds like a big belly LEO that tried to push his status into the wrong fight.

Since I have friends from all the services we poke fun now and again at each other but it's all in fun and we realize it takes many moving parts to keep "Big Green" rollin'.

If you're going to drink and party - drink and party with friends. At least you can shake hands after the fight.

Edited to add - They are looking into charges against any of the four. For the two SF guys - this would be an alcohol related incident. Hope the CoC has a sense of humor. You young guys? Take care when you're back here.

sf11b_p · 11-29-2007, 11:07

Quote:

Police chief won't be charged with crime
ROB TUCKER; The News Tribune
Published: November 28th, 2007 03:39 PM

The Thurston County prosecutor's office has declined to file charges against DuPont Police Chief Michael Pohl and others who were involved in a drunken encounter with some Fort Lewis soldiers at a residence earlier this month.

Jon Tunheim, a deputy prosecutor, said today that there was no crime committed.

"As far as criminal conduct went," he said, "it wasn't proveable one way or the other."

thenewstribune.com/news/updates/story/215604.html

Seems there's still an internal police investigation going.

**Bill Harsey** · 11-29-2007, 12:08

This kinda made me think of the Oregon timber towns I grew up around. When law enforcement functions had to be carried out they were but I never once remember a police officer going out his way to start something with a logger.

There is a lesson here somewhere.

82ndtrooper · 11-29-2007, 13:52

I just want to know who got the best of who ?

My money goes to the Quite Professionals. (No offense to the LEO's here)

SF_BHT · 11-29-2007, 14:51

From the article the only one hurt was the Chief. Broken Nose!!!!!

Hell it took a couple of additional shots to get his nerve up to wake the wife and go to the Hospital. Looks like the Team guys have the act together.

Quote:

Before heading to the soldier's home, the soldiers and their wives called a designated driver, the sheriff's report says. There is no indication in the report that Pohl or his friend who was driving did the same.

Grown up call on the SF Guys but looks like the Chief and his friend drove drunk. They also admitted to driving in their state.

Five-O · 11-29-2007, 17:37

IF the story is true the Chief sounds like a good old boy baffon and the soldiers may be up on assault charges.

I would be willing to bet (1$) that this whole thing goes bye bye.....no public drunk and conduct unbecoming for the Chief. If he was DUI forget it as there is no way to prove it now. If the Chief wanted to press charges against the soldiers then his conduct immediately prior to the fight/beat down is brought into play and I bet he would rather not have that happen. So there willbe no assault charges for the soldiers who I am sure were just like little old angels.......

Endorphin Rush · 11-30-2007, 01:26

Of course, the information we have at this point is via a media source, so I take it with a shaker full of salt. However, here goes...

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

What am I missing?

The truth...or, atleast, the whole truth.

Incidentally, who has to have a couple more shots before filing a report?

I agree! This raises my BS flag, also. Pohl and his friend told Hamilton they were attacked in the front driveway of the soldier's home as they were trying to flee. An LEO feels the need to flee and is then attacked, but does not call in the troops????? What missing here? Then again, it doesn't even say that he has a couple shots before filing a report...it says "before he awakened his wife and she helped him get to a hospital".

It should also be noted that NONE of the INVOLVED parties are reported to have called for the police. If I read the article correctly, the police "began investigating after a neighbor saw the fight and called 9-1-1". Doesn't make any sense that Pohl and his buddy follow these soldiers home, uninvited, acts "very bizarre" while in their presence, apparently claiming that he is a police chief, is reported to throw the first punch, and yet none of the soldiers or their wives call the police. Hell, if my own Chief showed up at my house , uninvited, acting that way I'd call in the troops just to have some witnesses to his actions in the event that I had to break his nose.

I hope that they did not actually assault the Chief

...even IF he was asking for it.

I hope that they did not actually assault the Chief, and find the allegation that he was run over by his drinking buddy curious. I do wonder what the sober wives and neighbor's statements say? The statements by the participants are usually somewhat skewed.

I, also, find it curiously odd that there is no mention of any corroborating statements by sober wives or neighbor's (especially the one who calls the police after seeing the fight) is included. Wonder why???

This should be interesting.

TR

I hate to speculate on anything not having FACTUAL INFORMATION, but I'd bet that, had no outside party called 911, this would have died an uneventful death without anyone knowing any better.

SF_BHT · 11-30-2007, 06:29

The News Tribune Published this yesterday:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/l...ry/215934.html

Quote:

No charges in police chief fight DuPont prosecutors can’t determine aggressor

ROB TUCKER; The News Tribune Published: November 29th, 2007 01:00 AM

Thurston County prosecutors have declined to file criminal charges against DuPont Police Chief Michael Pohl and three others who were involved in a fight at a residence earlier this month.
Andrew Toynbee, a deputy prosecutor, said Wednesday that authorities couldn’t determine if a crime was committed in the alcohol-fueled exchange between Pohl, his friend and two Fort Lewis soldiers.

Looks like he is going to lick his wounds and have to move on.

The article did say this ref the chiefs job:

Quote:

WHAT’S NEXT

DuPont Police Chief Michael Pohl remains on paid leave.

He still faces an internal investigation. The city wants to determine if he violated the Police Department’s code of conduct.

The investigation by Lakewood police is under way and could be completed in a week or so, said DuPont City Administrator Bill McDonald. Mayor Steve Young will decide what, if anything, to do.

The department code says off-duty officers may drink alcohol, but must refrain from intoxication or offensive behavior.

Still would not want to live in his area if he stays Chief.

**Pete** · 11-30-2007, 06:56

Well it's clear by what happened in GA that kicking somebody in the face and head is no big deal. In fact fundraisers are held for people who do that.

I see it was the neighbor who said he has hit by his friend's truck. Also that the police found rub marks in that spot on the truck. So he lied there. How much more of his story is a lie?

Goggles Pizano · 11-30-2007, 08:18

This Chief is a turd. Look, you opened your mouth and had it closed for you. Take your L and go home. Nope, I am the big cheese and I will start an investigation using my position as an LEO to get the winners locked up!

Asshat

Ummm, Sorry Ace. Your position is appointed, and after an IA investigation you should be out of a job! IMO the soldier's actions both at the bar and home were completely appropriate. Also this Chief only received a broken nose and a few bumps. He was messing with two professionals who obviously restrained themselves by using defensive reactions, not attacking. He's lucky he does not get sued civilly down the road.

CoLawman · 11-30-2007, 09:41

I imagine this chief has a drinking problem that is well known within the department and the city. It is only a matter of time before "Al" exacts a heavy toll.

A couple of "shots" to settle the nerves, or more plausible, a couple of shots to offer a defense against allegations of "public display of intoxication"?

Wake the wife up "after" the shots so that his story is not incumbent upon her willingness to take part in his lie.

Trip_Wire (RIP) · 11-30-2007, 11:26

As a LE Veteran of some 34 years of service, I hesitate to make any comments on the behavior of this 'Chief.' I have no doubt that no matter what the real story is he was in the wrong. I suspect as a small town police chief he will be fired. There are a lot of politics in small cities anyway. I'm surprised a man or women in that job would frequent public places to drink in his/her own jurisdiction.

It appears to me that he has a problem and should seek medical help, for his sickness.

Endorphin Rush · 11-30-2007, 13:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goggles Pizano

This Chief is a turd. Look, you opened your mouth and had it closed for you. Take your L and go home. Nope, I am the big cheese and I will start an investigation using my position as an LEO to get the winners locked up!

Asshat.

After reading the last links provided, this is becoming clear.