Kansas City, Missouri – A former police officer has been forced to quit following a confrontation that turned violent last year, several local Kansas City sources have reported. While off-duty, 48-year-old Jason Q. Moran, a former officer of the Kansas City Police Department, pleaded guilty to charges of assault and harassment connected to a 2023 traffic incident.
The disturbing events took place on December 5, 2023, when Moran was stopped at a traffic light on State Line Road and failed to move when the light went green. This made a car carrying three individuals maneuver around him. Court documents state that Moran then trailed the trio to an apartment building and started a series of events that would finally cause him to quit.
Prosecutors from the Jackson County, Missouri, Prosecutor’s Office described how Moran followed the people slowly and finally ended up waiting outside his destination after being first passed by the vehicle. When the three people tried to approach him, Moran drove off just to come back later. He said one of the people hit the window of his car during the second meeting.
At this time the situation started to get dangerously out of hand. Moran, still not in his police uniform, drew a firearm and pointed it at the group. In an additional escalation, he struck one of the people with his black pickup vehicle. Following these acts, Moran personally called the police.
Read also: Kansas City Planning Director Jeffrey Williams to leave after nine years, to step down on August 1
The victims at the scene flag-down responding police. Two of Moran’s victims claimed that he had used racial slurs and seemed drunk throughout their contact; they noted his bloodshot eyes and the alcohol-smell. Video footage from the area also caught the incidents, which clearly supported the victims’ story and claims.
Despite the evidence, a slow-down in the course of the investigation produced insufficient evidence to charge Moran with driving under the influence. However, the former officer has been sentenced to one year of probation and agreed to several conditions including his resignation from the police force, the surrender of his certification, and a prohibition on any contact with the victims.
Read also: Missouri taxpayers surprised by reduced credits for food pantry donations
This case draws attention to major issues about law enforcement personnel’s off-duty behavior and the consequences of such activities on public confidence and safety. The community and the police have to handle these issues and guarantee justice and responsibility are maintained.
