Monday, December 3 2012 8:34 AM EST2012-12-03 13:34:51 GMT
He rolled up alongside a Detroit police officer and shouted, "Where's your damn seatbelt?" while his home video camera was rolling. Now, Steve McClain of Southgate says he's in trouble with the law for reckless driving.
He rolled up alongside a Detroit police officer and shouted, "Where's your damn seatbelt?" while his home video camera was rolling. Now, Steve McClain of Southgate says he's in trouble with the law for reckless driving.
By Maurielle Lue Fox 2 News
SOUTHGATE, Mich. (WJBK) -- The viral video has been viewed more than 72,000 times. It shows 60-year-old Steven McClain trying to pull over a Detroit police officer he says was driving recklessly with a K-9 in the back and not wearing a seat belt.
"You are required by law to wear a seat belt. Put your damn seat belt on. Pull it over," McClain shouts at the officer in the video.
In the end, it was McClain who was cited for reckless driving, seen in the video swerving in front of the officer to make a stop.
"When the light turned green, he took off at such a high rate of speed, and I could see it was a K-9 unit, so I was concerned for the possibility of a dog being inside," McClain says.
"I said, 'Sir, you need to wear your seat belt,' and he started laughing."
"It set me off. I was mad as hell."
What was his plan after he stopped the officer?
"I just wanted to speak with him, express my concern for the animal's safety, and I would require him to put a seat belt on. If he refused, I would call the Southgate Police Department and have them come and ticket him."
McClain has made a hobby of catching violators. He has a collection of pictures snapped from a McDonald's parking lot of city officials and police officers he says don't buckle up.
McClain says the problem spreads well beyond city limits.
"Look at Brooks Patterson. How much did it cost the taxpayers for his months of rehabilitation? He should be fired. How is it possible he has a top position in our government and cannot follow the most basic laws?"
McClain pled not guilty to reckless driving Tuesday and will face a judge again on December 14.
"That was many years of frustration built up and I just let loose. I feel much better. I don't regret it," he says.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:48:50 GMT
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction.
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction two months ago on corruption charges.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
