Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) blasted the Palisades traffic court Thursday after it dragged Chaveirim volunteer David Konnhauser to multiple hearings and rescinded a dismissal of a ticket he received for operating an “unauthorized service vehicle” while helping a member of Hatzolah change a flat tire at a rest stop.
Assemblyman Hikind joined Konnhauser in court to fight the violation Nov. 3 and last evening, in which the police officer didn’t make an appearance. While the original “unauthorized service vehicle” violation was dismissed, the Chaveirim volunteer was fined $50 for parking illegally.
“In the state of New York, if an officer doesn’t appear in court, the case is dismissed; Period,” Assemblyman Hikind said with disgust following last night’s hearing. “It’s bad enough the court decides to penalize someone for being a good Samaritan and helping another in need, but then to drag him out to court multiple times and rescind the prosecutor’s recommendation to dismiss the ticket is the epitome of disrespect.”
Hikind added: “The Chaveirim volunteer wasn’t even operating out of a service vehicle in the first place. So whether it’s considered an unauthorized or authorized vehicle is irrelevant. He was helping another good Samaritan change a flat tire.”
Konnhauser, who resides in Brooklyn, appeared in the Alpine, N.J. court four times dating back to mid-September, in which he continued to plead not guilty for the violation. The Palisades Interstate Parkway Commission offered Konnhauser a plea deal of $50, but he refused to pay based on principle. A hearing was then scheduled for Nov. 3.
With Assemblyman Hikind appearing at the hearing on Nov. 3, the prosecutor recommended to dismiss the ticket altogether. However prior to the judge approving this recommendation, the police officer informed the court of his desire to go to trial, thereby nullifying this agreement.
Another hearing was slated for last evening, in which Assemblyman Hikind appeared once again with Konnhauser and once again, the police officer failed to appear in court. Rather than schedule another hearing, Judge Marc Raso decided to dismiss the “unauthorized service vehicle” violation and, instead, issue a ticket for illegally parking.
Hikind, disgusted at the series of events in traffic court, is calling on the Bergen County presiding judge to conduct an immediate investigation into the behavior of the court.
“Something is not Kosher on the Palisades Interstate Parkway,” Hikind said. “This cannot be allowed to continue at the expense of the general public. Good Samaritans should never be victimized for their volunteerism.
Added Hikind: “It’s unfortunate that members of Hatzolah, who receive frequent dispatch calls, are being told by the Palisades court that they should wait for an authorized service to change a tire rather than save a life.”
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4 Responses
Where else in the country do you have a police force of 27 officers, a fairly large police station, and many vehicles just to patrol a 12 mile stretch of highway???? If I lived in NJ I would petition my assemblyman to disband the Parkway Police immediately.
If this had been a family member of the P.O. or Judge that needed a flat tire changed on the Palisades, would they even then issue a ticket to a Good Samaritan???? NO…they’d be thrilled to have someone come to their aid!!!!!!!!!!
Five Towner:
Because it’s a cash cow. I had my share of speeding tickets over the years on that little strip. Who drives 50 miles (the speed limit) an hour on a deserted highway late at night? Those officers couldn’t care less about anyone’s safety. It’s all about the revenue and commission. It’s all about gotcha. I’ve seen many times, the officers themselves, ripping down the Palisades, going over 100 mph, chasing after a vehicle before it crosses over the border into New York State, where they have no jurisdiction to issue any tickets. They themselves endanger more drivers with their reckless driving than anyone else. With Christie and his bridge gate scandal it’s no wonder NJ is one of the most corrupt States in the Nation. They are even worse than NY. Just ask the dumb stupid gullible worthless taxpayers of that State.
Does that police department receive all or part of the fine and if they do that is your answer. Judge should have not been able to change but only dismiss the ticket> Shame on the court