A police body camera captured a tense interaction between Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo and a Miami Police Department officer during a traffic stop on June 14 in Coconut Grove. The incident resulted in the mayor receiving two fines totaling $308.
The Miami Herald obtained and released the video nearly a month after the incident took place.
The Incident Unfolds
Officer Yasmani González pulled over Mayor Calvo for making an illegal left turn from a right-turn-only lane. The situation escalated when the officer noticed the black Chevrolet, owned by the Hialeah Police Department, activating its red and blue emergency lights during the stop.
When asked for identification, Calvo responded confidently, "I'm an elected official."
Surprised, Officer González questioned, "Excuse me?" and turned his attention to the vehicle, asking, "Is this a police car? Is it personal?"
Upon confirmation that the car belonged to Calvo, the officer pointed out, "You have police lights and I just stopped you in a traffic control. You activated your police lights to try to leave after committing a violation."
Legal Implications and Warnings
Officer González warned the mayor about the legal repercussions of using such lights without being law enforcement. "That's a criminal offense, and I can easily take you to jail. I don't care if you're the mayor. If I stop you and you're not a cop, you must stop and not turn on your police lights," he stated.
He further explained the citations, noting, "You were in possession of a police vehicle, but you're not a police officer. This could be a third-degree felony."
González also mentioned that officials in Miami typically travel with an officer if they require that type of transport: "Clearly, you are not accompanied by another officer and have no law enforcement authority to drive this vehicle with police lights activated."
After a muted 16-minute phone call, the officer returned to issue two civil citations.
Mayor's Defense and Public Reaction
In a statement, Calvo attributed the issue to the car's previous modifications: "One citation pertains to a traffic maneuver, and the other involves equipment installed on a Hialeah Police Department vehicle, modified before I took office and before it was assigned to me."
However, Jose Smith, a former city attorney for Miami Beach and North Miami Beach, was clear in his assessment to the Miami Herald, stating that Calvo "does not meet any of the state exceptions," and "a mayor has no authority to drive a municipal vehicle equipped with emergency lights."
The video sparked criticism on social media, with many focused on the alleged unequal treatment under the law.
"Anyone else would have been arrested on the spot," one user commented. "Rules apply to everyone," noted another.
Officer González received praise: "At least one cop had the courage to do the right thing."
At 27, Calvo is the youngest mayor in the history of Hialeah and the state of Florida. This incident is not his first traffic-related issue; in July 2023, as a council member, he was pulled over for ignoring a traffic signal in a red Tesla. The $277 fine was dismissed at the officer's request.
The case is still pending in Miami-Dade County courts, with no preliminary hearing date set.
FAQs on Hialeah Mayor's Traffic Incident
What was the reason for Mayor Calvo's traffic stop?
Mayor Calvo was stopped for making an illegal left turn from a right-turn-only lane.
What were the legal consequences Calvo faced?
Calvo was issued two civil citations and warned about potential criminal charges for using police lights without being a law enforcement officer.
How did the public react to the incident?
The public criticized the perceived unequal treatment under the law and praised Officer González for standing firm in his duty.