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Cop cleared of misconduct charges
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Posted on Mar 09 2001
The Department of Public Safety Internal Affairs Office has vindicated Sgt. Sylvan Rangamar of complaints that he went beyond proper police conduct when he pulled a gun at a traffic violator while administering a felony stop last month.
Police investigation revealed that the law enforcement officer was merely conforming to standard police procedures when he assumed a gun-ready stance after he pursued popular radio broadcaster Monty Engs who traveled the 35 miles per hour speed limit highway at 64 mph.
In an earlier report, DPS said Mr. Rangamar pointed his department-issued firearm downwards after pulling over Mr. Engs’ vehicle past National Office Supply, claiming he saw the alleged traffic violator leaning over to his right side.
Police said the procedure is necessary every time law enforcement officers find probable cause to believe their life is being threatened.
But the driver of the vehicle countered his sideways movement was an attempt to get his driver’s license and car registration ready, as he was in a hurry to reach the Hot 98 station that morning.
Police reports said that around 6am last February 15, DPS conducted a laser speed enforcement along Beach Road Chalan Laulau when the subject’s automobile passed by, traveling at a high speed.
With a laser speed instrument, Sgt. Rangamar was able to register the radio personality’s vehicle running at 64 miles per hour at a 35-mph speed zone.
The officer immediately activated his emergency device and began to pursue Mr. Engs. The alleged violator openly admitted he was driving fast in a rush to get to his Garapan-based workplace.
Mr. Engs reportedly overtook two vehicles in front of him without making the necessary signals.
According to police, he only made a complete stop right after passing National Office Supply.
Mr. Rangamar had cited Mr. Engs for refusing to stop, failing to stop for a police officer, and for speeding and recklessly overtaking other vehicles on the highway. (Marian A. Maraya)
