Suspension for cop caught with
his pants down
St. Petersburg,
Florida -- A St. Pete Police officer was suspended for conduct unbecoming after
he was caught masturbating in his own personal vehicle on Aug. 25.
A tow truck
driver allegedly saw Officer Andrew Cane, who was off duty, in his personal
vehicle in a posted "tow away" parking lot on Central Avenue. He
called police to report what he saw and an investigation was conducted by the
Investigation Services Bureau.
In an interview
with investigators, Officer Cane told them he had just finished his instruction
at the Police Academy and had gotten tired while driving home. He pulled over
into the parking lot to rest and had fallen asleep.
The next thing
he knew, he was being awakened by a tow truck driver knocking on the window.
Officer Cane did admit his penis was exposed and in his hand when the tow truck
driver approached the vehicle.
St. Pete Police
Chief Anthony Holloway said in his report Officer Cane made several
inconsistent statements during recorded interviews with investigators.
On Dec. 9, a
Command Review Board convened and Chief Holloway determined the allegations
against Officer Cane were sustained and he received an 80-hour suspension along
with removal from the Department's SWAT Team and Honor Guard. He has received a
mandatory referral to Employee Assistance Program as well.
In 18 months,
Officer Cane will be eligible to apply for open positions on the Special
Weapons and Tactics Team and Honor Guard.
