Cops Make Man Do Push ups in Freezing Weather, But He Fires Them the Next Day...

Marcus Chen rubbed his tired eyes as he drove his black Toyota Camry through the empty streets of downtown Baltimore the digital clock on his dashboard showed 11:45 p. m. and the temperature reading made him grateful for his car's heating system a freezing 20° fahr -6° C snow was starting to fall softly adding to his exhaustion after the 5-Hour City Council budget meeting as the finance committee chairman Marcus had spent the entire evening arguing about allocating funds for various City departments including the police force the meeting had been particularly tense when discussing the police department's request for increased funding for military grade equipment Marcus had strongly opposed it suggesting the money would be better spent on community programs and officer training the streets were quiet with only the occasional car passing by Marcus was looking forward to getting home to his wife Sarah who had probably left his dinner in the microwave as she always did when he worked late his house was just 15 minutes away and he could already imagine sinking into his comfortable armchair with a warm plate of food the flash of red and blue lights in his rearview mirror starled him out of his thoughts Marcus checked his speedometer he was going exactly at the speed limit confused but calm he signaled and pulled over to the side of the road making sure to stop under a street light for visibility his father a former police officer himself had taught him all the proper procedures for traffic stops two officers approach approached his car one on each side their flashlights beamed directly into his windows making it difficult for Marcus to see their faces the officer on the driver's side wrapped sharply on his window with his knuckles even though Marcus was already rolling it down license and registration the officer demanded without any greeting his name plate raid Brady his voice carried a tone that Marcus had heard too many times in his 15 years of Public Service Authority mixed with unnecessary aggression good evening officer Marcus said politely reaching slowly for his wallet may I ask why I'm being stopped officer Brady's partner whose name plate Reed Thompson shifted his position moving his hand to rest on his holster a subtle but clear intimidation tactic that didn't go unnoticed by Marcus your right tailight is out Brady said though Marcus knew this wasn't true it just had his car serviced the previous week I apologize but I believe there must be some mistake Marcus replied calmly I had my car checked last week and all lights were working perfectly the temperature seemed to drop even further as officer Brady's demeanor changed he straightened up pushing his chest out in a display of authority step out of the vehicle Sir Marcus felt his heart rate increase but he kept his voice steady officer it's freezing outside and I don't see any reason why I said step out of the vehicle Brady's Voice boomed through the the quiet night a few lights came on in nearby buildings curious residents peeking through their windows at the scene unfolding below Marcus knew his rights but he also knew the reality of the situation as a city council member he had heard numerous complaints about police misconduct but experiencing it firsthand was entirely different with deliberate movements he unbuckled his seat belt and opened his door the bitter cold hit him immediately his suit jacket offered little protection against the freezing wind and snowflakes began settling on his shoulders his leather shoes crunched on the light dusting of snow that had accumulated on the pavement hands where we can see them officer Thompson instructed a flashlight beam following Marcus's every movement Marcus raised his hand slightly maintaining his dignity despite the humiliating situation he noticed both officers had their body cameras turned off a direct violation of Department policy the realization sent a chill down his spine that had nothing to do with the weather what happened next would change not only Marcus's life but the entire police department's future however at that moment standing in the freezing cold with two aggressive officers Marcus Chen was just another citizen facing the harsh reality of power unchecked or so the officers thought the city council member took a deep breath of the frigid air his mind already racing with thoughts about tomorrow's consequences but first he would have to survive tonight's encounter with his dignity and possibly his safety intact officer Brady circled Marcus like a shark his boots crunching in the fresh snow the street light cast Long Shadows on the ground and the few people watching from their Windows had now pulled out their phones recording the scene from above so you think you know more than a police officer Brady asked is breath forming clouds in the cold air you want to argue about your taillight he was shorter than Marcus but carried himself with the confidence of someone used to being in control Marcus stood perfectly still his expensive suit collecting snowflakes the wind had picked up making the 20° weather feel even colder his fingers were starting to become numb but he kept them visible as instructed knowing any wrong move could make the situation worse No Sir Marcus replied calmly I simply wanted to point out that there might be a misunderstanding is corporate training in dealing with difficult situations was proving useful even as his teeth began to chatter officer Thompson the younger of the two kept his flashlight trained on Marcus while checking the car's interior Through the Windows hey Brady this guy's got some fancy stuff in here custom leather seats high-end laptop in the back oh really Brady's tone changed to one of mock interest so you're one of those Rich guys who think they're Above the Law he stopped in front of Marcus deliberately invading his personal space the officer's face was so close that Marcus could smell the coffee on his breath breath a passing car slowed down to watch but quickly drove away when Brady glared in their Direction the snow was falling harder now and Marcus's dress shoes were completely unsuitable for the weather his feet felt like blocks of ice I assure you officer Brady I have complete respect for the law Marcus said maintaining his composure he considered showing his city council ID but decided to wait wanting to experience exactly what ordinary citizens faced in these situations prove it then Brady said with a smirk since you're so respectful drop and give me 20 push-ups right here right now Marcus blinked in disbelief excuse me you heard me Brady said his hand resting casually on his taser 20 push-ups consider it a lesson in humility unless you prefer we search your vehicle for anything illegal officer Thompson chuckled already pulling out his personal phone to record the threat was clear do the push-ups or face worse consequences Marcus looked at the wet freezing pavement then at the officer badges memorizing their numbers the ground is frozen Marcus said quietly and this is hardly standard procedure for a traffic stop Brady stepped even closer oh now you're an expert on police procedures too make it 30 push-ups and every time you complain I'll add 10 more Marcus could see his car's exhaust creating warm cloud clouds in the cold air a reminder of the Comfort he'd been in just minutes ago more lights had come on in the surrounding buildings more phones recording from Windows above the whole scene was being documented though the officers seemed either unaware or unconcerned slowly Marcus got down on the ground the freezing pavement immediately soaked through his soup pants at the knees he placed his hands on the wet ground the coold biting into his palms like needles his wedding ring clinked against the Frozen conrete count them out loud Brady ordered clearly enjoying his power trip and make sure their proper push-ups no half measures here Marcus began the push-ups his voice steady despite the humiliation 1 2 three each time his chest lowered toward the frozen ground his tie would drive through the slush his expensive suit which had impressed the city council just hours ago was getting ruined officer Thompson walked around him recording everything on his phone while adding his own commentary this is what happens when people don't respect authority he said to the camera laughing what neither officer noticed was Marcus's wallet slowly sliding out of his breast pocket as he continued the push-ups it would fall open in just a few moments revealing his city council ID and changing the entire Dynamic of this cold winter night but for now Marcus kept counting his arms shaking from both the cold and exertion as he experienced firsthand the abuse of power he'd heard about so many times in Council meetings the night was about to take an unexpected turn and tomorrow would bring changes that neither officer Brady nor Thompson could imagine 28 29 30 Marcus counted the final push-ups his arms trembling from the cold and effort his once prestained navy suit was now soaked through from the snow and slush small pieces of gravel had dug into his palms leaving painful indentations officer walked around him boots deliberately splashing dirty snow near Marcus's face not bad for a fancy boy he taunted while officer Thompson continued filming on his phone snickering at his partner's comments as Marcus started to push himself up from The Frozen Ground something fell from his breast pocket his leather wallet hit the wet pavement with a soft thud flipping open as it landed the Gold city council seal caught the street light gleaming bright enough to catch officer Thompson's attention uh Brady Thompson's voice suddenly lost its mocking tone he lowered his phone and stepped closer to the wallet chining his flashlight on the ID card you might want to see this Brady stopped his pacing and looked down his face previously filled with arrogance drained of color as he read the ID Marcus Chen city council member chairman of police oversight committee the change in the officer's Behavior was immediate and dramatic Brady quickly bent down trying to help Marcus up sir I am so sorry we had no idea who you were please let me help you Marcus stood up slowly on his own his legs stiff from the cold his suit was ruined wet patches on the knees and elbows tie dripping with dirty slush and small tears in the fabric From the Rough pavement he reached down and picked up his wallet rushing off the snow with deliberate calmness officer Thompson Marcus said quietly looking at the younger cop who is now frantically trying to delete the video from his phone I wouldn't delete that if I were you destroying evidence is a serious offense Thompson's hand froze over his phone screen both officers stood in uncomfortable silence as Marcus brushed off his suit as best he could the snow continued to fall around them but the atmosphere had changed completely the power Dynamic had shifted and everyone knew it sir please understand Brady started his voice now almost in this was just a routine traffic stop that got a bit out of hand we meant no disrespect Marcus turned to face him his expression calm but his eyes intense a routine traffic stop for a taillight that isn't actually broken with both of your body cameras conveniently turned off the officers exchanged nervous glances Marcus could see residents in the nearby buildings still recording everything on their phones he had a feeling these videos would be all over social media by morning MrChen sir Thompson stepped forward we can explain everything maybe we could talk about this somewhere warmer there's a coffee shop just around the corner no thank you Marcus replied his voice carrying a chill colder than the winter air I think we've had enough conversation for tonight he walked back to his car his shoes squishing with each step leaving wet footprints in the snow before getting in he turned to face the officers One Last Time officers Brady and Thompson I suggest you both prepar detailed reports about this incident include everything why you really pulled me over why your body cameras were off and why you thought it appropriate to make a citizen do push-ups in freezing weather during a traffic stop the officers stood rigid knowing their careers might be over Brady opened his mouth to speak again but Marcus held up his hand submit those reports to my office by 9:00 a.

m. tomorrow he continued and officer Thompson I expect the complete undeleted video from your phone to be included good night gentlemen Marcus got into his car the warmth of the heater hitting his wet clothes as he drove away he watched in his rear view mirror as the two officers stood in the falling snow looking like statues under the streetl they had no idea that their small power play would lead to the biggest police reform their city had ever seen tomorrow would be a busy day at the city council but tonight Marcus had experienced something that that would change not just his perspective but the entire police department's future sometimes he thought the most powerful lessons come from the most humbling experiences the heater in Marcus's car blasted at full power but he still couldn't stop shivering his wet clothes clung uncomfortably to his skin and His Hands trembled slightly as they gripped the steering wheel the clock on his dashboard now showed 12:30 a. as he drove through the quiet streets memories of the last hour kept playing in his mind like a bad movie the sound of Officer Brady's mocking laughter the feel of the Frozen pavement against his hands and the way his tie had drag through the dirty slush each detail was burned into his memory his phone started buzzing on the passenger seat was probably Sarah wondering where he was but Marcus couldn't bring himself to answer how could he explain to his wife that her husband a respected city council member had been forced to do push-ups in the snow like a recruit at boot camp at a red light Marcus caught his reflection in the rearview mirror his usually neat black hair was wet and messy and his face looked older than its 45 years small pieces of gravel were still stuck to his suit sleeves and a dark wet patch spread across his chest where snow and soap through marus Chen he said to himself you just had to experience it firsthand didn't you for years he had sat through countless Community meetings where people complained about police harassment he had listened taken notes and promised to look into their case es but until tonight he had never truly understood their helplessness his phone buzzed again this time it was a news alert someone had already uploaded a video of the incident to social media Marcus watched a few seconds the shaky footage showed him doing push-ups while the officers laughed the video was gaining views by the minute as he turned onto his street Marcus noticed his hands had stopped shaking the initial shock and humiliation were being replaced by something else theer in his 15 years on the city council he had never felt more certain about what needed to be done he pulled into his driveway but didn't get out immediately instead he reached for his briefcase and pulled out his tablet opening his email he began typing emergency meeting notice police oversight committee time 9:30 a.

m. tomorrow location main Council chamber agenda review of recent police conduct and departmental policy attendance mandatory after sending the email Marcus started making calls first to his assistant Mary who answered despite the late hour Mary I need every complaint filed against officers Brady and Thompson from The Last 5 Years on my desk by 800 a. m.

and get me the police department's body camera compliance reports for the past 6 months Mary used to Urgent requests didn't ask questions yes sir anything else yes Marcus said watching snow continue to fall in his driveway contact it I want all footage from the traffic cameras at the corner of Pine and Fifth Street from 11:45 p. m. to 12:30 a.

m. tonight and Mary thank you finally Marcus called the one person he knew would understand the significance of what had happened his father retired police Captain James Chen the phone rang three times before his father's Voice still sharp despite the 70 years answered dad Marcus said his voice slightly cracking remember all those times you told me about how power can corrupt good officers I just lived it as Marcus explained what had happened his father listened quietly when he finished the old Captain was silent for a long moment before speaking son sometimes the worst experiences make the best fuel for change what are you going to do about it Marcus looked at his ruined suit then at his Council badge sitting on the passenger seat I'm going to do what should have been done years ago dad tomorrow we start cleaning house finally stepping out of his car Marcus walked toward his front door the house was dark except for the porch light Sarah always left on for him tomorrow would bring a storm to the police department but tonight he needed to hold his wife warm up and prepare for the battle ahead the wet Footprints he left on his front porch would drrive by morning but the impact of this night would last much longer than that at exactly 7:00 a. m.

Marcus walked into City Hall looking like a different man from the one who had done push-ups in the snow just hours ago he wore his sharpest black suit his lucky red tie and carried a thick folder under his arm the security guard at the entrance did a double take Marcus was never in this early his assistant Mary was already at her desk dark circles under her eyes suggesting she had worked through the night five stacks of papers were arranged neatly on her desk along with a large coffee cup good morning MrChen she said standing up I have everything you asked for officers Brady and Thompson have had 17 complaints filed against them in the past 5 years none were properly investigated she handed him the first stack of papers Marcus nodded taking the documents and the body camera footage reports Mary picked up another stack interesting pattern there both officers reported their cameras as malfunctioning 12 times in the last 6 months that's four times the department average the office started coming alive as more staff arrived many gave Marcus curious looks the video of last night had gone viral it had over 100,000 views already and local news stations were running it on their morning shows Marcus's phone hadn't stopped buzzing since he woke up the police chief had called six times the mayor twice and reporters from every local news Outlet were requesting comments he had ignored them all at 8:45 a. m. officer Brady and Thompson arrived at his office they looked different in the daylight smaller somehow less intimidating Brady's usual confidence was replaced with nervous fidgeting and Thompson couldn't meet Marcus's eyes your reports Marcus asked simply holding out his hand the officers handed over their paperwork their hands were shaking slightly very different from last night when they had been so bold in the cold sir Brady started about last night mark has cut him off with a raised hand save it for the committee meeting that's in 45 minutes I suggest you both go prepare after they left Marcus read their reports as expected both officers tried to downplay the incident Brady claimed he was conducting a standard field sobriety test while Thompson wrote that Marcus had volunteered to do the exercises at 925 a.

m. Marcus walked into the main Council chamber the room was packed all committee members were present along with dozens of citizens who had heard about the emergency meeting local Muse cameras lined the back wall the police chief sat in the front row his face read with anger or embarrassment possibly both officers Brady and Thompson sat nearby now in full-dress uniforms looking uncomfortable Marcus took his place at the center of the committee table he arranged the documents in front of him the complaint reports the body camera records the traffic camera footage from last night and the officers false reports before we begin Marcus said into the microphone his voice calm but firm I want to thank officers Brady and Thompson the room fell silent in confusion the two officers looked up surprised last night these officers showed us exactly why we need major police reform in our city Marcus continued they didn't know they were dealing with a city council member they thought I was just another citizen they could humiliate and that's exactly the problem he pressed a button and the large screen behind him came to life the traffic camera footage started playing showing the entire incident from last night from multiple angles the room watched in stunned silence today Marcus said his voice growing stronger we're not just going to discuss two officers who abused their power we're going to talk about every officer who thinks a badge gives them the right to humiliate Citizens We're going to examine every complaint that was ignored every body camera that mysteriously malfunctioned and every false report that was filed looking directly at officers Brady and Thompson Marcus added and we're going to start with last night the room was completely silent now every eye fixed on Marcus the next few hours would change the city's Police Department forever and everyone in the room could feel it the meeting was about to begin and Justice was finally going to be served Marcus picked up the first file on his desk his movements deliberate and calm the the room remained silent filled with tension as thick as the previous night's snowfall the local news cameras worred softly in the background recording every moment let's start with officer Brady's report Marcus said his voice clear through the microphone according to this you pulled me over for a routine traffic stop and suspected I was intoxicated is that correct officer Brady Brady shifted uncomfortably in his chair his dress uniform suddenly seemed too tight around his neck yes sir that was my professional Judgment at the time Marcus nodded and pressed another button the large screen behind him showed the traffic camera footage from the previous night the image was crystal clear showing Marcus's car driving perfectly within his Lane following all traffic rules interesting Marcus said because the traffic camera shows I was driving perfectly normally no swerving no speeding no broken tailight he turned to face Brady directly would you like to revise your statement before Brady could answer Marcus pulled out another document and officer Thompson in your report you state that I volunteered to do exercises in the snow is that your official statement Thompson's face had turned pale the young officer looked at his Superior Chief Williams who sat red-faced in the front row then back at Marcus I I may have misremembered some details a murmur ran through the crowd Marcus played the video from a bystander phone showing bravy ordering him to do push-ups while Thompson recorded and laughed the sound of their mocking laughter filled the chamber Miss remembered Marcus repeated quietly like you misremembered to turn on your body cameras like you misremembered to follow proper traffic stop procedures Mary walked in and handed Marcus another file he opened it and addressed the whole room in the past 5 years these two officers have had 17 civilian complaints filed against them want to know how many were properly investigated zero Chief Williams stood up his face now purple MrChen with all due respect this seems like a personal Vendetta because of one unfortunate incident one incident Marcus interrupted his voice still calm but carrying an edge that silenced the chief letun ask the room he turned to the crowd how many people here have experienced similar treatment from our Police Department slowly hands began to rise first a few then more until nearly half the room had their hands up the news cameras panned across the crowd capturing every raised hand each hand represents a story Marcus continued stories of humiliation abuse of power and fear stories that were ignored or dismissed until now he pulled out another document this is a proposal for immediate police reform it includes mandatory body camera usage with strict penalties for non-com liance civilian oversight of all complaint investigations and immediate suspension for any officer found abusing their power Brady and Thompson sat slumped in their chairs their earlier arrogance completely gone Chief Williams had stopped trying to defend them and was staring at his shoes officers Brady and Thompson Marcus said you have two choices you can resign immediately or we can continue this investigation which will include reviewing every complaint against you every traffic stop you've made and every report you filed the room held its breath Brady would seemed so powerful last night in the snow now looked small and defeated Thompson was visibly sweating despite the room's cool temperature will resign Brady said quietly his voice barely reaching the microphone Marcus nodded A wise choice he turned to Chief Williams Chief your department needs cleaning up either you can lead that change or we can find someone who will the chief nodded stiffly knowing his own job was now on the line Marcus picked up the police reform proposal committee members it's time to vote last night showed us what happens in our City under cover of Darkness today we bring everything into the light one by one the committee members raised their hands in support the vote was unanimous as Marcus gathered his papers he caught sight of his father sitting quietly in the back of the room the old police captain gave his son the small proud nod sometimes Justice needed a push or in this case 30 push-ups in the snow to finally be served the news of officers Brady and Thompson's resignation spread through the city like wildfire by late afternoon every local TV station was running the story showing clips from the committee meeting alongside the viral video of Marcus doing push-ups in the snow Marcus sat in his office watching the coverage on a small TV while responding to hundreds of emails people from all over the city were sharing their own stories of police harassment his inbox was flooded with messages of support more complaints about other officers and thank you notes from citizens who finally felt heard MrChen Mary called from the doorway the mayor is here to see you mayor Roberts walked in looking tired and worried unlike his usual confident stride he moved cautiously like someone approaching a sleeping lion Marcus we need to talk about what happened today yes we do Marcus replied turning off the TV but first I want you to see something he opened his laptop and showed the mayor a spreadsheet these are all the civilian complaints filed against our Police Department in the last year over 300 cases and only eight were properly investigated the mayor sank into a chair loosening his tie I had no idea was this bad nobody did Marcus said because nobody wanted to look he he stood up and walked to the window looking down at the crowd of reporters still gathered outside City Hall but now everyone is looking his phone buzzed another message from his father the retired police captain had been receiving calls all day from his old colleagues some angry some supportive the good officers of thanking you his father's message read they've wanted change for years a knock on the door interrupted them it was Sarah Marcus's Wife Carrying a fresh suit in a garment bag she had been his Rock through all of this proud of what he was doing but worried about the backlash the press conference is in an hour she reminded him gently after setting down the suit she squeezed his hand you're doing the right thing Marcus changed into the fresh suit while the mayor paced nervously the police Union is threatening to fight back mayor robertt said they're saying you're on a Witch Hunt let them Marcus replied adjusting his tie we have evidence we have witnesses and most importantly we have the truth it's time for Real Change just then Mary rushed in with breaking news two more officers from another Precinct had resigned after citizens shared videos of similar abuse the movement was spreading at exactly 5:00 p. m.