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Investigation Launched Over Police Stop Of Commissioner's Son

Monday, June 19, 2006 – updated: 6:05 pm EDT June 19, 2006

Orlando police are investigating a possible policy violation surrounding the traffic stop of a city commissioner's son. Daisy Lynum's son, Juan Lynum, accused an officer of racial profiling after being pulled over in May.

"It's all about prejudice, and stereotyping, and just how you treat others," he said.

All his life, Juan said, he's been a victim of racial profiling. At Westmoreland Drive and Amelia in Parramore on May 6, he said, it was even worse when a white officer pulled him over at 1:00am.

"The police officer's behavior was inappropriate," he said.

Juan is a criminal attorney and running for county commissioner. In his initial complaint to Orlando police, he wrote he "prayed there was not a search for a dangerous black male" at the time and the "officer had his hand on his gun" after he was pulled over for having a headlight out.

"I mean, I got nervous. I didn't know how to let my window down. You know, it's like what do I do?" he said.

So the 30-year-old called his mother, Orlando City Commissioner Daisy Lynum, and was on the phone with her twice during the stop. Police Chief Mike McCoy said Daisy Lynum later called him and an officer assigned to her city office.

After the calls, the officer at the scene let Juan go without a ticket.

"Was he told not to give him a ticket?" Eyewitness News reporter Dain Weister asked.

"That is, once again, something I can't really speak to. Obviously there's been things reported," said Sgt. Barb Jones, Orlando Police Department.

All involved denied they told the officer to ever squash a ticket, but Juan Lynum later dropped his racial complaint. After a supervisor reviewed the case, a ticket was instead mailed to him later.

Still, as police investigate possible policy violations surrounding the traffic stop, Juan Lynum insisted his calls to his mother were only about one thing.

"My safety is my only concern. Tickets? I've paid tickets before," he said.

The police department's internal investigation will take one month to 45 days to be completed. Eyewitness News' call to Daisy Lynum was not returned Monday.

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