Click here to follow STATter911.com on Facebook (hit “like”)
Read more from The Star Ledger here, here, here, here, here and here (six articles in two days)
The video above, from June of 2010, has almost two-years later come back to haunt New Jersey State Police. It’s proof that a very high speed caravan of luxury sports cars escorted by troopers down the Garden State Parkway last month was not an isolated incident. It also provides a crystal clear visual aid to the public for what was already considered an outrageous event.
According to The Star Ledger, the March 30, 2012 police escort and the earlier incident have now sparked two investigation and the suspension of Sgt. 1st Class Nadir Nassry, who was the assistant station commander of the Totowa substation, Trooper Joseph Ventrella and the transfer of the commander of the Totowa substation.
The paper also reports that one of the cars in the caravan was driven by former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs. Sgt. Nassry’s attorney has confirmed that Jacobs asked for the escort and that Jacobs and Nassry have known each other for a few years.
While we usually just focus on fire and EMS news, I have posted this one because of the universal messages that apply to all who serve the public (and even those who don’t).
The most recent NJ State Police sanctioned Garden State Parkway 500 was brought to light by citizens witnessing police officers doing something quite dangerous in public. Some of them, who said they feared for their lives from this reckless act, complained to police officials.
It’s just amazing to me that the troopers involved, or anyone who ordered or allowed them to escort these caravans in excess of 100 mph, were either so out of touch with reality, or so arrogant in the abuse of their power, they actually thought no one would dare to complain.
Forget for a moment what would have happened if a collision involving this high speed motorcade seriously injured or killed an innocent motorist. Couldn’t anyone see what they were doing, even without an accident occurring, had the potential to be a career-ender? But, as we all know, this complete lack of vision is not exclusive to cops.
One witness, Wayne Gantt, dubbed the escort “Death Race 2012.”
“I had the great pleasure today of nearly being killed by, not one, but two, Lamborghinis traveling in excess of 110 mph in a (New Jersey State Police) escorted ‘caravan’ of approximately 30 exotic vehicles all traveling well over 100 mph,” Gantt wrote in an e-mail complaint to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which oversees the Parkway.
Isn’t it also just pure stupidity to think, that in our digital age, no one would capture damaging evidence on video of their complete disregard for the safety of those they serve? This occurred in broad daylight on one of New Jersey’s most heavily traveled roads. What were they thinking?
Well, actually, that I’ve seen so far, no video has surfaced of the March escapade. If that’s the case it’s pretty incredible. But less than 24-hours after its original article, The Star Ledger had the June 2010 video posted to its website. It wasn’t hard to find. It had been hiding in plain site on YouTube all of this time.
It’s a good thing the head of the New Jersey State Police or New Jersey’s governor didn’t try to “spin” the press with the knee-jerk reaction that we hear so often, “This was an isolated incident”. The Internet and social media can easily have you eating your words if you try to use the “spins” of yesterday.
This absolutely mind-boggling video of two young men spotting the 2010 caravan, joining in and racing along speaks louder than any words from the witnesses of the more recent event. It has you both laughing at the men taking the video (one who thinks this is the highlight of his life) and outraged at the unnecessary danger the troopers exposed everyone to. From what I see, it elevates the story to a new level and will make it that much tougher for those who have to put the pieces back together following this self-inflicted wound.
Do you want to sell a rig? Click HERE to find out how with SellFireTrucks.com.
Also on STATter911 …
- An unusual event: STATter911.com actually on a fireground. Video from two-alarm house fire in Newark, NJ. – April 30, 2012
- Neighbor discovered downed firefighter in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Hopelawn VFD’s Bruce Turcotte found slumped behind wheel. Son was also at house fire. – January 20, 2012
- Attention Northern Virginia firefighters: Purcellville VFC would like your help in honoring Capt. Michael Quin, USMC. – March 9, 2012
- Quick Takes: April 30, 2012. – April 30, 2012
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
Nothing escapes notice in 2012.
Exceptionally amusing video, though!
Hahaha highlight of his life. Morons are funny. The more I see everyday the more I’m convinced the human race will end up like Idiocracy.
Just another example that nothing escapes the public eye in this day and age. An event that would have “flown under the radar” (excuse the pun) years ago will probably now cost some people their jobs. Some did not use very good judgement here. On a side note, I called one of my friends in the NJSP to see if I could get an escort up the Turnpike on my next visit back. He was not amused.
Yes Former Chief, years ago there is a good chance a complaint by the public such as this would have been quietly dealt with. And, as you know, that’s my point in sharing this. The chances of you getting away with stuff like you used to are very slim anymore. Add this to the phrase “expect fire” … EXPECT CAMERAS!!!
On the Law Officer Facebook page most people (police officers) are actually seeing how stupid this was, but I have to love the one guy trying to defend the indefensible who in a Hail Mary move brings up President Obama -
Dave, who’s been telling you about the “stuff I used to get away with”? I thought what happens in Jersey stays in Jersey. So much for discretion. Geez, some people need to learn how to keep secrets. FYI, I always “expect fire”, especially when I walk in the door at home. Former Chief
Beavis and Butthead
Ren and Stimpy…..The Jersey Shore version.
Charlie Sheen must be jealous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2EbSd3i50g
you might ask…what were they thinking?
but obviously….they weren’t.
Great video ! love the kids excitment and balls to follow in line. How stupid people think they are to be above the law (the cop and group following them)I hope the cops involved in this were fired… Strike Da Box! K
Can’t defend the NJSP here, but the kids in the camera car are industrial strength a-holes.
I do agree that we all drive pretty quickly on the turnpikes and that is going with the flow of traffic. I think the speed limit should be higher, but keeping the speed limit down keeps the cops in business. It’s the misuse of power that is the issue for me, not the speed.
And while I agree that presidential motorcades move pretty quickly, I don’t in any way believe that is the same thing, especially since they are in vehicles with emergency lighting, sirens, etc. and the intersections are controlled for them when they move, at least in every motorcade I have been involved with (that would be presidents of each party).
The long and short of it for me is that if you are the enforcer of a standard (law, regulation, etc.), don’t hold me to it if you won’t adhere it to yourself.
And remember, the trooper who was driving Governor Corzine when they wrecked on the Parkway a few years ago, was traveling at 91 mph at the time of the crash… sheeeshh…
People driving cars of that expense normally know what they’re doing. Just saying. There’s a reason why other countries have lower accident rates and higher speed limits. Food for thought.
It has been my experience, after numerous accident scenes involving expensive high-performance cars, that just because you can afford a car like that doesn’t necessarily mean you know how to drive it up to its capabilities.
Money does not automatically equate to ability.
yes and people that can afford that kind of vehicle do not need to follow rules or set an example for the kids taping the video, they are above the law, money buys everything: get out of jail, elections, police escort in a car that cost more than I make in a year (probably more than what most make in 2 or 3 years) this is what is wrong with society a-holes like the ones driving the fancy cars are idolized instead of police and firefighters. f**k these guys and their “skill in driving these cars.
NJSP have been arrogant for years. It is an everyday occurence to see them come up on drivers at speeds over 90mph without lights on and tailgate the driver till they get over. Rarely is it an emergency. NJSP culture has too change. It is for a reason they are know as “road Nazis” and its not just for the uni.
Rick, I have a few friends who are NJSP Troopers. I’m certainly not defending their actions in this instance and quite frankly, I’ve talked to a couple of my friends recently who are embarrassed by this incident. Some can definitely come off as arrogant. But, as my friends explain to me, they’re taught to be authoritative. They have to be. Often they’re alone on isolated highways with their backup several minutes away, if not longer. They’ve lost a few good Troopers who were outmanned and outgunned over the years. Most of the NJSP Troopers I know are dedicated public safety professionals. Just my perspective.
Some ones going to loose there PBA card over this (anyone from NJ will know what that is)
going to featured on Inside Addition this evening, Dave Scooped the big guys!!!
time to wreck these arrogant pigs to get them off the road. they should have their licenses taken away.
ok everyone whos is against this can whine all they want NO ONE GOT KILLED BOTH YEARS THIS HAPPEND SHUT UP this is for fun not competition its not a need for speed game but its rare for something like this to happen and its not like theres a track locally in the tri states just let people be people no one really cares about your opion any way.
Brandon,
Brilliant analysis. Thanks for sharing. Yes, just because someone didn’t die and no one was injured we should all shut up. You are right. They showed some very responsible and mature behavior.
Statter
Thanks, Dave, you beat me to it.
So, using Brandon’s logic, if a drunk drives through a school zone one afternoon at 80 mph and no one gets killed, why shouldn’t he be allowed to do it every afternoon??
Well, with his version of the English language, I think that’s what he was saying.
Brandon, does your mom know you snuck onto her computer without her permission?
Next, as you grow older, you may understand the following statement. Then again, you may not. Anyways:
Better to remain silent and thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.