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Trouble for Tracy Reed

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The older brother of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Tracy Reed, could be in trouble. The HR department in Atlanta is investigating the possibility that Reed was driving city-owned vehicles for many years. Not only was he possibly driving these city-owned vehicles, he was also driving with an expired license.

Officials have confirmed that in late October, Tracy Reed was stopped for a traffic violation but got away without being issued a ticket although his license was suspended. When Tracy Reed was stopped for a traffic violation at the end of October, there was already a warrant out for his arrest because he did not show up for a court hearing that was scheduled on the 6th of October. When a member of law enforcement pulls over an individual with an outstanding warrant, they have the right to arrest them immediately. Because Reed was able to drive away without being arrested, people are questioning the actions of the police officers who originally pulled him over.

Robert Highsmith, the lawyer of Tracy Reed, says that Reed never knew his license was suspended. Apparently, Reed had no idea he was driving with a suspended license. A new court date has been set for January 10th and an arrest warrant is no longer intact. When asked about the situation, Highsmith said, “It is really a tempest in a teapot.”

While an investigation is still taking place, most people are still questioning what went on in late October when Reed was pulled over but was able to drive away without any violations or tickets. If an officer pulls over a person and their license is suspended or they do not have a license with them at all, the officers are allowed to arrest the individual. Because the officers could have arrested Reed, people are asking why it did not happen and why Reed received special treatment when he was pulled over.

William Head, an attorney with plenty of experience dealing with traffic court, spoke up about the altercation. Head says, “I can’t think of a single one of mine who had a warrant out there and didn’t get arrested.” Head also said, “I don’t know of any discretion an officer has in that circumstance. … I don’t know how the officer could not make the arrest.”

In Atlanta, if an individual drives with a suspended license, they are subjected to at least two days in jail and will also have to pay a fine. It is obvious that Reed did not have to go to jail, did not have to pay a fine, and was not issued a ticket for his traffic violation in the first place.

When the mayor was asked about the ongoing investigation against his brother, he said, “My brother has behaved in an honorable way.” Mayor Kasim Reed says, “I love him. He is the closest person to me. And I believe he has done an outstanding job as an employee of the city of Atlanta.”

Trouble for Tracy Reed by
Authored by: Harrison Barnes