11-07-2025
Traffic stop controversy in Bartow prompts police policy overhaul
BARTOW, Fla. (WFLA) — A tense traffic stop has prompted changes at the Bartow Police Department.
A local pastor said he was racially targeted, and now city leaders are modifying policies and issuing a public apology.
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Bartow police said the officer who pulled Pastor Don'tavius Sanders over was new to the job. Police Chief Stephen Walker admitted the officer lacked communication skills but said the traffic stop was both justifiable and lawful.
Sanders said a June 29 traffic stop left him feeling like he was targeted because of his race. Police said he was stopped because his tag light was out and his window tint was measured at 3%, far darker than Florida's legal limit of 15 percent.
This was also the third time Sanders has been pulled over for his tag light being out. He was previously stopped and warned in January and again in June before the latest incident.
'We observed a vehicle going east on Main Street here in Bartow,' Walker said. 'They noted that the tag light was not functioning in the vehicle. Based upon that, they initiated a traffic stop.'
Sanders said the encounter escalated and made him feel threatened by the officer's harsh tone and a K-9 search of his car.
'The tag light, I have no issue with the tag light being out,' Sanders said. 'Everything after that, just not seeing justified.'
During a community gathering, Walker apologized to Sanders, acknowledged communication issues, and announced changes to policies on K-9 searches.
'I want to say to Pastor Sanders, I apologize if he was treated any way with any less respect, and I apologize for that,' Walker said. 'I've ordered an investigation. I reached out to you as soon as I was made aware of it through Mr. Carter and tried to set up a meeting, because I do care. I care about rights, I care about our city.'
'Let me you about me, all right. I'll fire people if they can be fired. I respect this badge is a symbol of public trust. If you violate that, I have a real problem,' Walker added.
City Manager Mike Kerr also addressed residents, saying officer training is being improved to help police better handle sensitive situations.
'Working with all of our officers to do a better job with respect to our sensitivity and to recognize that, you know, hey, look, there are certain situations that people of color react to and we need to do a better job of communicating,' Kerr said.
Sanders said he hopes promised changes will happen but said the impact of that night still weighs on him.
'I want to see it in action. The way I feel. The pain, the humiliation. It's going to take more than words for me,' Sanders said.
The internal investigation remains open as community members and police work to rebuild trust. Walker said his door remains open to the public.
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