Ill Man’s Traffic Stop Investigated

Sheriff’s authorities in New Orleans are investigating a deputy who allegedly held up a hospital-bound heart attack victim for 30 minutes while issuing a traffic ticket. Benjamin Basile, 50, of Kenner, La., remained in stable condition after spending a week in intensive care. From his hospital bed, he said last weekend’s traffic stop made him “mad as hell.” Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee decided to investigate Deputy Bryan McClendon after the family filed an internal affairs complaint this week, said department spokesman Bob Garner. Basile was being driven to the hospital by a nephew. According to Basile’s family members, when McClendon finally issued the ticket, he said: “Y’all go ahead and have your heart attack or stroke now. Have a good day.” Garner said the sheriff’s office will look into the allegations.