Qld: Police apologise for steering lock "gun" arrest
By Steve Gray13 Apr 2009 5:52 PM
BRISBANE, April 13 AAP - Queensland police have apologised to a teenage driver arrested and handcuffed when officers mistook a steering wheel lock for a gun.
A statement from police said 18-year-old Chris Hastings' car was stopped for a routine RBT just after 5am (AEST) on Thursday in North Brisbane.
Mr Hastings was incensed over the incident and demanded an apology.
Police said it was dark at the time.
"When a constable shone a light into the front of the vehicle, he observed what he believed to be a part of a weapon," the statement said.
"The constable, who was working with a first year constable at the time, acted with caution and the driver was removed from the vehicle and handcuffed while the officers called for assistance.
"Upon closer inspection the officer identified that it was not a weapon but a steering wheel lock with parts obscured from view between the front passenger's seat and the door.
"The driver was immediately released."
Police said the incident had been further explained to Mr Hastings by a senior officer, and he had received and accepted an apology.
Earlier, Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said officers had to move quickly in such situations.
"If that means a person is very briefly detained, then as long as these actions are reasonable, then I think that's a fair call," Mr Atkinson said.
"Where a firearm is potentially involved, personally I think it's very wise to be cautious."
AAP stg/it
