THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The city’s police chief said he erred when he ordered an officer to use a patrol car’s lights and sirens to help speed a trip to the airport.
Chief Daniel Oates was heading to Detroit Metropolitan Airport Tuesday when he said he told the officer driving him to activate the emergency lights to get around a traffic jam, The Ann Arbor News reported in Saturday’s editions.
When he realized he forgot his luggage and had to return to the station, Oates asked the officer to use the lights again.
“In retrospect, it was a poor decision,” Oates said.
Oates’ comments Friday came a day after the union representing city police officers asked for an investigation into the incident.
City Administrator Roger Fraser said any disciplinary action taken will be between him and Oates.
Under Michigan law, using emergency lights at any time other than responding to an emergency can lead to a misdemeanor charge.
“The chief’s forgetfulness and tardiness is not an emergency,” said Michael O’Hearon, attorney for the Ann Arbor Police Officers Association.