In our society, police officers have a lot of power. Of course, that power is kept in check by the judicial branch of government, but, for the most part, they have a pretty wide rein.
As a result, law enforcement officials are held to a higher standard. We trust that they're working in society's best interest. We trust that they're not thieves, or abusers or participate in any other criminal activity.
After all, their mantra is to protect and serve.
But sometimes, that trust is broken. Like in the case of Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Adam Spoon, who was found guilty Friday of brandishing a weapon while he was off duty. at a California couple on a motorcycle during a road-rage incident in Carson City.
Spoon argued he drew his gun in fear for his life after the driver of the motorcycle shouted at him while stopped at the intersection of William and Carson streets. The man accused Spoon of tailgating him, and said people get shot for that type of behavior.
Spoon said he was not the one tailgating the couple. In a written statement to police, Spoon also claimed the man got off his motorcycle and approached the window of Spoon's truck. It appears the off-duty deputy changed his story once an eyewitness came forward to say the motorcyclist never stepped off his bike.
Visiting Judge Steve McMorris said the case was the hardest he's had to rule on in his 30 years, but concluded: "I sadly find Deputy Spoon guilty."
Agreeing with Spoon's lawyer that getting fired from his job was punishment enough, the judge didn't sentence him to jail time, community service or levy a fine.
It is now up to Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini to decide between suspension and termination.
Like Judge McMorris, we're sad it's come to this. But a trust has been violated, and we cannot condone irrational violence from a sheriff's deputy. We expect more - and so should the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.