Putting Public Safety First: Police Officer Claims Strange Defense After Arrest For Public Exposure

Bethlehem patrolman Glenn C. Woolard, 35, raised a curious defense recently after he was pulled over after a spotted him fondling himself while driving and “waiving it around.”  After being caught literally with his pants down, Woolard did not deny the actions but rather insisted that he was doing it as a responsible driver to stay awake.  Most of us just pull over to a Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, but Woolard apparently requires something more carnal than caffeinated.

 

Woolard reportedly first denied the allegations but then fell back on the good driver defense.  He insisted that none of it was done for sexual gratification.  So far the defense is falling short.  He was charged with two counts of indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.

Notably, police were seeking a car with the same description from a prior “sighting” by another woman.

 

Woolard has had a distinguished career of public service.    He was honored in May with another officer with a citation for assisting residents out of a burning building. He has never had disciplinary problems in his three years with the department and perviously served with the Army’s 75th Ranger Battalion and had multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.  He was also drafted in the 10th round by the San Francisco Giants after his graduation from Kutztown University. He was a star pitcher but never made it past the minor leagues.

If these incidents are proven, there is obviously a serious compulsion involved here.  It would seem to call for treatment rather than jail, particularly given the public service record of Woolard.  What do you think?