Chief 'Embarrassed' by Hospital Delay

Dallas police Chief David Kunkle apologizes for a traffic stop at a local hospital that prevented an NFL player from seeing a relative before she died.

The incident happened earlier this month when Houston Texans' running back Ryan Moats was visiting his mother-in-law, who was dying at a Plano hospital.

Moats and his wife, along with other family members, drove to Baylor Regional Medical Center on March 18 on word that Jonetta Collinsworth was dying.

Inside the hospital parking lot, 25-year-old Officer Robert Powell pulled over the family's sport utility vehicle for having rolled through a red light.

Despite pleas from Moats and his family about the dire situation, the officer refused to allow family members into the hospital and, according to Kunkle, "berated" Moats while demanding proof of insurance. The officer also repeatedly threatened to arrest him, Kunkle said.

Moats' wife ran into the hospital and was there when her mother died, but Moats missed the woman's passing.

On Thursday, Kunkle said he was "embarrassed" and "disappointed" by Officer Powell's behavior. Kunkle also issued a formal apology to Moats and his family.

"His behavior, in my opinion, did not exhibit the common sense, the discretion, the compassion that we expect our officers to exhibit," Kunkle said. "It just seems to be so unreasonable based on the circumstances … Hard to find the right words and still be professional in my role as a police chief," Kunkle said.

He also said the Moats' family exercised extraordinary patience and restraint dealing with the officer.

He said Officer Powell would be placed on paid leave and that the department would file administrative charges against him. Possible disciplinary action could include dismissal, Kunkle said.

Officer Powell has been on the force for nearly three years.

Kunkle said the DPD learned about the incident via a tip from a Plano officer who witnessed the traffic stop.

• More: Officer Delayed NFL Player at Hospital