Rincon police showed “restraint” during July 5 incident

By Barbara Augsdorfer, editor at the Effingham Herald

A traffic stop by Rincon Police on July 5 resulted in the arrest of a Chatham County Sheriff’s deputy in Rincon.

Video and audio of the incident show Rincon police officers confronting CCSO Deputy Carlos Petiote in Rincon on Friday, July 5. The original traffic stop was for violating the Georgia state “Move Over” law.

Petiote was eventually arrested for refusing to sign the summons under Georgia state law. He was booked into the Effingham County Jail and was ordered to post bail on Saturday.

Under Georgia law, signing the summons is not an admission of guilt, but rather an acknowledgment of an obligation to appear in court. Refusal to sign gives the officer reason to believe the person will not appear in court and also requires the person to post cash bail.

Rincon Police issued a statement on July 8 that said, in part, “The Rincon City Manager and Chief of Police have reviewed the camera footage and incident report and fully support their officers. We are fully cooperating with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation.”

“Our officers have shown restraint and patience in a very unfortunate situation,” said City Manager Jonathan Lynn.

“The traffic violation that led to the stop is a very important law,” added Police Chief Jonathon Murrell. “When people don’t comply, lives are lost.”

Georgia’s “move-over” law requires drivers to change lanes when possible when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of a highway. If it is not safe to move over, the law requires drivers to slow down below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop.