I spent 15 years in internal affairs. I know just how awkward it can be when a cop turns into a suspect. In today's case, we'll see these officers try and navigate just that. Take a look. He pulled up to my car when I was back there. >> Yep. Maybe because I parked my car >> the timing of it, man. You walked my car back there. You're talking you're you're you're trying to sweep this under the rug and I'm not [clears throat] >> sweeping anything under the rug. You're not taking this seriously. Officers were called to a bank after a staff reported a woman attempting to fraudulently cash a check, but this won't be a straightforward case. When I pulled up a short black male in a black hoodie Okay. >> gave me a funny look and he walked around the back of the building. I don't know if he's related to her yet. I'll let you know. Let's go and try and find out. 1280 will be in around that area. Hello. All right, what's going on? She Do you want to come over to my office? Well, I I don't know that I can do that just yet. Uh I don't want people leaving that might not I I I got another officer coming. What Are you able to step over here and tell me anything? Yeah, I know. Basically, we got a check and we don't think it's a legitimate check. Okay. She's trying to cash it on an account we're trying to confirm it with the people that the account was supposed to be for. Okay. Do you know anything about what's going on, ma'am? No. Okay, come here for a second, ma'am, please. Oh. No, no, no. Hey. We have We have >> Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's go. Come here. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. What? Whoa. No. Come on back in here. We're We're going to investigate. No, no, no. Okay, you can let me go. >> Okay, well, then you're going to come back in here. All right, you can let me go. No, no, no, no, no. Why are you touching me like this? Get off of me. Why are you touching me? Hold on. All right, BUT YOU DON'T HAVE NO RIGHT TO LOCK ME UP. OH, YES, she does. Do not resist. What are you doing? Ma'am. Why are you touching me? Why are you touching me? The bank manager said that she's cashing a fake check. She's trying to She's trying to take off running. >> not. What the hell? We're We're going to We're going to You're going to be detained. >> Detained, all right. And we'll figure this out. Okay, okay. Okay, okay. Can I call? Not just Not just right now. You're being detained. All right, no. Don't touch You You are not telling us what to do. Okay. Don't tell us what to do. But you know what, Sarge? Why grab her arm and do all that, man? Just go ahead and firm grip, put the arms behind the back, and you know what? Cuff her up. Cuff her up first. That's the first thing you need to do before we start talking any further, man. Take some action. If you want, you can sit back in here. You can We can sit out here with you, whatever, but Okay. Were you with a guy? Huh? Were you with a man in here, too? No, I was by myself. >> Okay. Here you go. Okay. What are you talking about? I'm You're the one that's tripping. No, cuz you're locking me up for no reason. >> Who said you locked up? I said you're detained. Come on inside. Is this your ID in here? No, that's not mine. Let me make sure these are double locked so they don't close on you. This isn't you. It looks like you. No, it doesn't. Then who is this? >> Uh-oh. Who is that, then? Who is that? You guys locked me up, so I don't know what's going on. So, if you If you're just not going to say anything, that's fine. Don't say anything, but >> All right, can I just make a phone call, please? Absolutely not. Why? Maybe later. You're not cooperating with me. Eric, stay here with her. Hang on. >> Yeah, we got amnesia now. I don't know what's going on all of a sudden. Can I make a phone call, please? No, come on. Okay. Well, that's a clue when she tries to run away, huh? Are any of these vehicles yours? Did you come here in a car? No. Okay. Okay. How'd you get here? Uh got amnesia. No. Why? >> J- Just stand over here away from the darkest people are going to be walking in, okay? Well, you got me locked up already. You just want me to just stop right here. Uh let's take it to the car. 100 is with me. I want another one. Put her in there. I don't want her trying to resist and go anywhere. I got to talk to them, but I'm going to wait. I'm going to wait until I get another officer up here. Okay, Sarge, you know what? Why don't we just tell the officer, you know what? Put her in the vehicle. Put her in the black and white. That's so important for you to know. And by the way, double lock the cuffs cuz what ends up happening is that every time that you move a certain way or you start grabbing, it starts clicking clicking and clicking and clicking [music] and clicking, right? So, it has become policy by probably every agency across the nation to call ahead and double lock those so that cuffs doesn't move at all. And you know what? Let's get her in the black and white. I think that's the best thing right now, yeah. 1253 Do you have any ID on you? No, you got No, No, you mean I got your ID, the one that's in your phone? That's not you. It looks just like you. Uh-oh. That No. We don't know who you are. We're going to find out who you are. Let's see what happens. There we go. And now we're talking. Are you talking about the guy you saw? Did he get in a car? I walked around the corner, right? I When I first pulled in, I drove in the back. I didn't see him. He gave me the shittiest stink eye ever walking out. And can I please make a phone call? No, ma'am. How you doing, sir? Not much, man. How are you? What can I do for you? Well, you were following me out of here, so I'm a police officer in Cleveland Heights. So, I know there's a steal. Okay. You followed me for a reason. You ran my plates. So, I want to What did I do? Yeah. No, no, no. You Somebody We had an issue up here at the bank right now. So, do you have your ID have your ID with you? Is this Cleveland Heights police officer? Yeah. Okay. Can I take a look at it? >> with me? Well, I don't know. We had a suspicion potentially that maybe you were involved with the problem we have in dealing with the bank right now. That's all. Uh what's your name, bro? >> Okay. I was in there doing business in there. Here's my receipt. >> Okay. Do you have your uh Yeah, I'm about to show it. police ID? Here's my badge. Can I see that real quick? I was the third responding officer up here. One of our responding officers >> said anything to me, but I know >> Exactly. I know the steal. I know you pulled up to my car when I was back there. >> Yep. Maybe because I parked my car >> the timing of it, man. You walked >> my car back there, and then I went to the back door to try to get in. >> We had an issue with some fraud going on in the bank. >> I know it wasn't me. >> As soon as one of our first officers responded, he saw you walking back, and you guys made eye contact. It was just a hunch, man. That's all. Yeah, I mean, I'm You're an observant person. If you're a police officer Okay, hold the phone, man. Time out for a second here. Just because you guys made eye contact and you had a hunch doesn't necessarily give you the authority to start having this back and forth with this off-duty officer, man. It's It's It sounds very uh not just aggressive, but it's a little offensive. And if I were the off-duty cop, I'd be like, "Hey, man, you're kind of tripping, dude. What are you talking about? Why would you even accuse me or attempt to accuse me that I'm involved in some type of a fraud?" I don't know, man. I'm going to call BS on that one. Here comes the other person. I don't know if I knew if I actually knew the cop cuz I teach at the police academy. >> Okay. Uh probably not. He's like a 25-year veteran. >> saw I saw I saw the look. I said he owns We're good. We're good. Yeah. All right, man. I appreciate it. All right. Thanks, man. Be safe. What What's your name? How do you spell it? Good job on the officer. Let's get her name before we actually run her. There's no question that she's trying to defraud the bank. Mhm. And she had no ID to try to cash this check. You have a person named Mykies Edwards that opened an account here within the last few days. Mhm. And this person's coming in saying she's Mykies Edwards. Mhm. Trying to cash it. That's what the debit card she swiped. Trying to cash a check that's written to her for $8,600. Mhm. Written on an account that is a real account with real routing, real account numbers within the normal sequence range to real customers. So, basically, since it's a Citizens check coming to a Citizens account, and she's had the account open, she can cash the check. We don't need to do the same like closing process where we request the money from the other bank and move it over. Since it's Citizens to Citizens, we would make We make those funds available, and that's how the scam works is that they essentially take the money, Mhm. and then by the time we find out it's not legit, they're already They're already gone. Thanks, Ron. That's They've already gotten the cash and they're out the door. Thanks. Okay, as you can see, that's a pretty good explanation about fraud, right? It can trace the money, you know? You got to trace it to see if it's fraudulent. I mean, this bank manager was very knowledgeable as to explain [music] how is it that we get defrauded here, right? I mean, [music] the money goes to her, and she's got an ATM. It's has an open account. She gets the money. So, at what point do we consider this to be a felony? >> [laughter] >> Well, it's a exciting morning. Yeah. Hey. Um The The They're messing stuff up in the jail on me. Get a hold of South Euclid. See if they can send that female officer back before she gets too far away. That inmate needs She needs dressed into the jail oranges. Hey, you didn't let her get into the bathroom yet, did you? God damn it. You know that thing just went down the [ __ ] toilet. You shouldn't let her go to the bathroom, man, because she has a lot of maybe evidentiary value, right? Because we're looking at that ATM. That's evidence to prove [music] this felony, this fraud, to prove as further investigation. So, golden rule number one as a rookie cop, you know what? When you arrest her, someone has to pat her down. In this case, it has to be a female, but it must be patted. >> What do you want to talk about? Me? Yeah. Is there something I can help you with? Yeah. What's that? So, I just conducted business in here, right? I walk out of here and you guys pull me over saying I match the description of a male committing fraud here. No, no, no, makes no sense to me. That's that's not what was asked. You were pulled over? Yeah, okay. He ran he pulled up behind my vehicle in the back, ran my plate. I left, followed me, almost to Beachwood Mall, and then turned around and did a U-turn, came back here. So, I came back and So, he So, he talked to you back here, he didn't talk No, he did not. He talked to me out front. I was the guy only police officer clearly asked to pull came back over and talked to y'all. None of that makes sense to me. Okay. Nobody said that you did anything with fraud. I I contacted with you and that's why I was stopped. That makes no sense at all. Sometimes things have to be looked into. And and nobody knew anything. I'm not a rookie police officer. Okay, well, then I think you might understand what I was Well, then I then I don't understand what you don't understand. Because they looked at you. I Nobody Nobody Nobody was told to stop anybody. Yeah, I mean, if if you have something you feel you want to make a complaint about, you can stop at our station and do that anytime. Okay. So, can you explain to me why I was stopped? You weren't Nobody told anybody to stop you. You were walking out at the exact time that I was walking in to investigate a fraud. up, you wasn't out of the car yet. You were still sitting in the car when I walked out. Either way. You were leaving right as I was arriving, didn't know who all we had involved in this yet. So, I asked him to try to locate you because you just left the bank as I was coming up to investigate this other thing. To keep a description? To keep an eye because we didn't you a description? We didn't know how many people were involved. Okay. Okay, so what the sergeant didn't tell him is that, you know, he gave me that meanest stink [music] eye. Of course, he's not going to say that, but you know what? I would be very, very upset. Of course, man, you just can't have a detainment based on the fact that I'm looking at you and perhaps tell your partner or give him that impression that, you know what? Maybe he's involved. So, that's what we do. We're responding to a an active investigation. We're going to keep an eye on everything we can until we figure out what all we need. Okay. And I'm not sure what you don't understand about that. Nobody was targeting, profiling, anything like that. You happen to be leaving here at the exact time that somebody was trying to pass fraudulent checks. I I'm I'm sorry if you think it doesn't make sense. It it it makes perfect sense to me. You know, sometimes as a police officer, you do have that hunch, right? You do have that belief that, you know what? I'm walking into a situation here like, uh-oh, you know what? Fraud, one suspect, maybe two suspects, I don't know. You're always walking into the unknown. It is reasonable, but the sergeant did know that the partner officer was going to go ahead and stop him uh to conduct uh not just a consensual stop, but to conduct a legal detainment as he believes all based on what? A stink eye and the fact that the uh sergeant had a hunch. No Nobody stopped you, nobody Nobody detained you, nobody arrested you. Anybody that uh You got stopped. What? Right. Anybody that's out in public You're not talking necessarily. It's not smart talk, I'm just saying. Anybody that's out in public we I don't want to hear it, bro. speak to us, they don't have to. You could have just walked away from it, never said anything, that would have been fine. He wouldn't have done anything else. You know, he's thinking, this guy, come on, man. I'm telling you what your officer told I know and I'm saying you're misunderstanding exactly what took place. No, that was never said. There is a misunderstanding on the part of the off-duty officer, for sure, but I don't necessarily think there's a misunderstanding on the part of the sergeant from his lens. There's probably definitely some misrepresentation >> [music] >> from the sergeant's lens because he doesn't know that the partner officer detained him or stopped him and asked him for ID. What was said was that a male exited right as I was walking up, walked around the back, not sure if you were involved with it. Here's the description. I told him the description of the person that left right as I was walking up, which is me. Correct. >> As you were sitting in the car. Right. I understand why you would I understand why this would this would not be a good experience for you. Why? Good. Good, serge. >> Anybody that thinks that they're being accused of something they didn't do is not going to feel good about it. But you have to understand you were not accused of doing anything. You got to listen to what I'm saying You got to listen to what I'm saying. You know what, sergeant? I I I got to hand it to you, man. Reassurance goes a long way and you did explain yourself. You weren't being like abrasive, aggressive, your attitude was was cool. In the beginning, you know what? You had a little bit of an attitude, you know, your approach could have been different, but you're starting to de-escalate that situation and try to have a conversation to make him understand that, you know what? We got it wrong and we apologize for that. >> want to stand here and talk to you unprofessionally. So, you you you got to listen to what I'm saying. We did not know how many people were involved. And if you've ever responded to cases of bank fraud with with fraudulent checks I've been a police officer for many years, so I get all of this. So, then you understand Officer told me I matched a description of a person in this bank committing fraud. Okay, that was not accurate. He called it in. Yes or no? Yes. Bingo. I told you that. Right, did you say I was Oh, okay. I mentioned >> So, you understand what I'm getting at here? Yes. And >> He just said he called it in. And I keep telling you that the officer was wrong. >> said I matched the description. >> was wrong with saying that. >> You're talking You're You're You're trying to sweep this under the rug and I'm [clears throat] I'm getting upset. You're not taking this seriously. I'm I'm I'm taking it completely seriously. >> You're not cuz if you was, we could have handled this kind of more professional instead of talking about it out there. You wanted to do all of this in front of customers when I asked could we talk about it. Right off back, you ain't handling things professional as a police officer, as a sergeant. So, you obviously don't care about the situation. This don't sit well. Yeah, I looked at you cuz I was trying to see if I knew knew you. Okay. So, you told him because I made eye contact with you to stop me. That's what he told me. Okay, he is wrong in saying that, that is not what happened. And and I can only tell you that so many ways. >> to stop somebody. >> That's good. You know what? Accountability is goes a long way. You have to apologize. You got to let him know that he wasn't involved. As you can tell, man, no cop likes to feel like they're being accused, especially of fraud, man. That's like a felony. [music] Kind of treating me like a suspect. You know what? Certainly that doesn't feel good at all. But it feels like Which is exactly He was not told to stop. I will listen to anybody camera that he had going on from that. I will listen to exactly You want to take it further. I just asked can he come up here so we could talk to him. I can't But I get it, you're in the middle of doing this. I I understand that. And I'm I I understand that. >> And that's why that's why I suggested if if you want to make any kind of complaint, you can come to the station, we we can handle it all formally. >> I I understand that. And and I'm I'm more than happy to do that. I am not You just try to reverse the roles and I know it's kind of hard cuz we're different colors, but >> Well, see, and I'm not I'm not making it about that. It has It has nothing to do with that. Nothing at all. Just just try to understand how I feel. The fact is I was coming up here into a situation where I know with these fraud calls that what happens is is the the pigeons that are dropped off inside Run out. The the the people who drop them off, the cars then wait outside or somebody acts as a lookout. And the second that this police car rolls up They walked out. they're gone, they leave. So, you understand why >> came out at the wrong time? >> Right. You you came out right then and there. It had nothing to do with the fact that you just looked at me. It's that I'm coming up here and I don't know how many people are involved. I know for sure there's one woman. That's all I know and I had a description of her. I don't know if she has a ride sitting around the corner cuz that's how it I I've never seen I've never seen a network >> Very, very good explanation, serge. Yeah, and I think that part of that is >> Yeah, man. Not not being good enough with describing the situation to you. So, you understand what happened? Do you understand where I'm coming from? >> Totally, totally. And and I you know, it it it upset me, too, but you're right, there's some things about our roles that I can't reverse and I can't put myself in your place. But there are other things as you know, just as a man that I can't like I wouldn't like that if if I felt like just because I walked out of the There you go. Good job, serge. Yes, good explanation. >> You kind of understand now like everything that took place? All right. You feel better about it? A little bit. >> Cool. But is this Stuff like that just don't sit well with me. No, I get it. All right. Sorry Sorry that happened. Good job, serge. Apologies go a long way. I want to I want to strangle that officer that took her back to jail. Um cuz we have to have We don't have a female working. So, we had to We had to South Euclid come up with a female to do the full pat down on her. They let her go to the bathroom before they dressed her into the jail clothes. Oh, man, they had a emoji again. >> card. I'm certain of it cuz they can't find it. Do Do your records keep record of what she swiped here at the counter? Rookie move, cop 101. the card that she swiped. How long does the transaction history stay stored in your like computer information? Oh, forever. Forever? Yeah. All right. We're probably going to need that at some point. Thank you, officer. Yep, Stephanie, here's my card, the report number's on the back. And like I said, we'll be in touch about I guess subpoenas for some of those computer records and stuff. Okay. Other than that, that was outstanding catch by you, good job. Thank you. All right, there you go. Okay, so the suspect was charged with two counts of forgery, aggravated theft, and receiving stolen property. Look, these are all lessons learned when it comes down to getting that rapport, especially with an off-duty officer. Look, nobody likes to be accused of any wrongdoing whatsoever, but sometimes we just kind of do it to ourselves. We eat our own. We are our worst enemies, but you know what? I got to tell that sergeant did de-escalate, he did apologize, but this could be an internal affairs investigation. He did tell him, "Hey, man, let's let's go back and handle this formally," but they were able to come to some agreement. So, those are the lessons learned. Please subscribe. Ring that bell notification. Check out the Marlon Marachi Show to see me, and catch you on the next one.