A Florida correctional officer found himself in trouble after he called 911 to complain about a traffic citation he received for honking his horn excessively while driving. The incident occurred in Winter Haven when Douglas Morse, 34, was pulled over by a Polk County sheriff’s deputy for his disruptive behavior on the road.
Morse apparently believed that honking his horn would help him drive faster, which led to him repeatedly using it. When he was issued a citation for his actions, he became angry and verbally abusive towards the deputy. In a fit of frustration, Morse decided to call 911 to complain about the citation he received, which only escalated the situation further.
Refusing to hang up the phone as requested by the deputy, Morse ended up resisting arrest when the officer tried to escort him out of his vehicle. This led to him being charged with misusing 911 and resisting arrest, landing him in even more trouble with the law. The Florida Department of Corrections was notified of Morse’s arrest following the incident.
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed disappointment in Morse’s behavior, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism, especially for those working in public service roles. He highlighted that calling 911 over a non-emergency situation not only disrupts the system but also takes away resources from those who are facing real emergencies.
This incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of misusing emergency services and the importance of handling situations with maturity and responsibility. It is crucial for individuals, especially those in positions of authority, to act in a manner that upholds the values of professionalism and respect for the law. Let this be a lesson for everyone to think twice before dialing 911 for anything other than a genuine emergency.
