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LAPD Spokesman Uses City Car to Threaten Uber Driver in Altercation

LAPD spokesman Peter Sanders is being accused of using a city vehicle, equipped with emergency lights and sirens, to threaten an Uber driver who had gotten into an argument with Sanders’ wife last week.
LAPD spokesman Peter Sanders, a civilian, uses an official car with lights and sirens 15 photos
Photo: latimes.com
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The incident is being reported by the LA Times, which mentions that Sanders isn’t directly named in the police report. He refused to comment for the publication, when contacted.

However, Harry Michaels, the Uber driver, is convinced of his attacker’s identity. He says he was driving his 2015 Mercedes-Benz out of the parking lot of Trader Joe’s in Studio City, when he passed by Sanders’ wife’s car. An argument ensued (the report doesn’t mention what caused it) and later escalated.

While Michaels was arguing with the wife, Sanders pulled up behind him in a black car with lights and sirens on.

“Michaels stopped, and Sanders and his wife jumped out of their vehicles and swore at him,” the publication writes. “The wife then allegedly kicked the door of Michaels’ 2015 Mercedes-Benz. Michaels told police he got out to warn the couple not to touch his car. That's when Michaels said Peter Sanders pushed him in the chest, urging Michaels to hit him.”

Sanders also told Michaels that he was about to “f**k him up” because he was the Fire Department and could arrest him at any moment. For the record, Sanders is a civilian who happens to be employed by the LAPD, he is not an actual officer.

Michaels says that Sanders also punched Michaels’ car and continued to follow him even after he drove out of the parking lot. Michaels stopped his car again and informed Sanders that he had called the police, and Sanders drove off.

Michaels went to the police, and they determined there was some damage to the car. They evaluated it at $200. He also gave them Sanders’ description, down to his t-shirt with the embroidered fire brigade badge.

“Assistant Chief Pat Butler, the former president and vice president of the Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Officers Assn., said he had complained previously about Sanders having a car with lights and siren, as well as getting a firefighter uniform, because he is a civilian employee,” the LA Times points out.

An investigation is underway.
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About the author: Elena Gorgan
Elena Gorgan profile photo

Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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