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Franklin mayor apologizes for behavior at crash scene

Franklin Mayor Carl Bray accused Springboro police of being overzealous in citing him for driving a motorcycle on the sidewalk around a crash scene in Springboro on Wednesday, Sept. 1.

File photo Franklin Mayor Carl Bray accused Springboro police of being overzealous in citing him for driving a motorcycle on the sidewalk around a crash scene in Springboro on Wednesday, Sept. 1.

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By Lawrence Budd and Ed Richter, Staff Writers Updated 9:18 AM Thursday, September 23, 2010

SPRINGBORO — Franklin Mayor Carl Bray paid $175 for driving on city sidewalk to avoid a crash scene during a court hearing this morning in Springboro Mayor’s Court.

Bray, 47, apologized after he was found guilty of the misdemeanor charge filed against him on Sept. 1, for driving his motorcycle onto the sidewalk on Park Lane near Bayberry Drive, around a crash scene in Springboro.

“I didn’t want to cause any harm to the city (of Franklin) or the city of Springboro,” Bray said.

At the crash scene, Bray accused Springboro police of being overzealous during a heated exchange.

“No wonder nobody comes to this town. You’re a punk cop. I’m the Mayor of Franklin. I’m going to call your city manager,” Bray said, according to Officer Dustin Christian’s statement.

Christian noted he pulled out his Taser before another police officer responded with back-up. Bray was ordered to sit on the curb, while Christian issued a citation. Contrary to statements made by Bray, authorities said the officers never pulled their service weapons, Bray was never handcuffed or pushed to the pavement during the traffic stop.

To avoid the accident scene, Bray said he drove onto the sidewalk so he could return to his mother’s home, which was four houses down the street, to deliver a fly swatter he purchased for her.

Bray said he drove directly from the crash to Springboro City Hall, where he continued his complaints with police administrators. The next day, Bray attended the Springboro City Council meeting to complain publicly about the incident and ticket.

Bray did not attend Monday’s Franklin City Council meeting due to his mother’s illness, officials said. Vice Mayor Jason Faulkner expressed frustration about the issue and apologized to the community.

This morning, Bray pleaded no contest, and was found guilty and fined by Magistrate Jeff Kirby, who suggested Bray consider asking to walk his motorcycle down a sidewalk next time he is delayed at a crash scene.

“As public officials we are just people. We are held to a higher standard,” Kirby said.

Bray apologized and expressed hope the controversy was over.

“Hopefully I can get on with it,” he said after the hearing.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2261 or lbudd@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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