Greer, USA - A reserve police officer accused of promoting his religion is cleared of any wrong doing. An internal investigation by Greer Police lasted several months.
FOX Carolina's Jamie Guirola reports, the man at the center of a controversial traffic stop now tells his side of the story.
The "cleared" reserve officer says God put the accusing couple in his life during a traffic stop. He says, every night he prays for a chance to be in a place where God could use him. And that night god answered his prayers.
For the last three months, Reserve Officer Tony Stewart kept quiet so Greer Police could conduct its investigation. This couple accuses Stewart of pulling them over because of this bumper sticker that mentions the Druid religion-- it focuses on nature and art.
D.J. Gainey/Pulled Over by Stewart: "He walked around me and goes and stands next to him and says did those bumper stickers come on the car or did you put them on and I said I put them on and he said do you know what they mean?"
In 14 years on the volunteer police force Officer Stewart admits he's never written a ticket. His heart, he says, and his mission from God get the best of him.
Officer Tony Stewart: "That's not what God wanted me to do while I was out there. In 1991 he told me to join the reserve program because eventually I would be able to help and that's what most of the officers I work with are about, they're out there to make a difference."
Tony and D.J. Gainey say officer Stewart only ran their plates because he condemns their religion. He cited them for improper plates, no proof of insurance, and having a suspended license. Officer Stewart says in addition to the tickets, the Gainey's had their car towed. But, he says, he gave the couple $40.
Officer Stewart: " That night the lady pleaded for my sympathy and she got it."
The couple also got a pamphlet in the mail from officer Stewart preaching his religion. Automatically they questioned whether Stewart was enforcing man's law or the word of God.
Officer Stewart: " Seldom ever do we force anything on anyone. I know I have never forced my religious beliefs, or viewpoints unless they ask leading questions."
And that's exactly what Stewart says the Gainey's did. They asked for help. He says they even provided him with a separate address to mail the pamphlet then the one he used for their tickets.