Speeding Cop Fired By Miami Police Department
Miami police Officer Fausto Lopez, also known as South Florida’s infamous speeding cop, has been fired from his position on the force, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Lopez was arrested by a state trooper after being clocked doing 120 mph while leading his fellow officers on a high-speed chase. Before long, footage from the chase when viral, and Lopez found himself thrust into the national spotlight. Not surprisingly, his superiors weren’t overly thrilled with their employee’s behavior. Fausto’s excuse: he was late for an off-duty job.
Although the incident took place nearly one year ago, Officer Lopez wasn’t suspended from the force until mid-July. Following an investigation by Internal Affairs, it was recommended that the speeding cop be fired from the department for his antics on the highway. On Thursday, Lopez reportedly signed his termination paperwork, effectively ending his career with the Miami Police.
“You are herby notified that you are terminated as a police officer effective [Thursday] for having failed to fulfill your obligation as an employee of the department,” the letter read.
According to the CBS News, Lopez apparently has a history of putting the pedal to the proverbial metal. The speeding cop has reportedly been clocked doing at least 90 mph over 80 times. At the time of his arrest, state trooper Donna Jane Watts caught Lopez doing upwards of 120 mph. He ultimately pleaded no contest the charges, and was sentenced to over 100 hours of community service.
Because of the Lopez’s blatant disregard for the safety of those he’s sworn to protect, the incident cost the police officer his job. Although the department has not issued an official statement on the subject, Chief Manuel Orosa expressed his feelings about the incident to the Sun-Sentinel back in June.
“It keeps me wondering as to what were they thinking when they were going over 80, 90 mph, day in and day out,” he explained. “That’s really astonishing.”
The speeding cop now has 15 days to contest his termination. At the time of this writing, he has not responded to inquiries from the media.
