Police officer off the job, out of jail - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Police officer off the job, out of jail

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Coolidge-- Former part-time Coolidge patrolman Terrance Haywood is charged with theft by extortion, stemming from a traffic stop for a seatbelt violation.

Haywood is accused of asking the passenger to bring him $250 or he would arrest the driver, her brother-in-law. The driver only spoke Spanish. After the stop, the woman filed a complaint.

Coolidge Police Chief James Wright says he wishes it didn't happen, but he took the right action regardless. "Since it did occur, then the proper thing was to do, was to get the GBI involved, and get it over to them and let them handle it."

Authorities say that once the GBI confirmed Haywood's involvement, a meeting was set with him and the woman. Wright says that Haywood was arrested after accepting $250 in marked bills.

He adds that prior to this incident, Haywood was a top-notch officer. "Everybody liked the young man. And he did a good job while he was here. Never had any complaints about him at all. But he made a mistake and because he made a mistake, most likely he will have to pay for the mistake that he made."

If convicted, Haywood could face 10-years in prison and lose his Georgia police certification permanently. He also was a full-time Camilla Police officer, and has been fired from both departments.

posted by dave.miller@walb.com