I would have sewed. Maybe not him, but the police force or city itself. If this happened to you it has happened before and is probably a common practice.

I remember sitting in an employee review meeting on weather or not to fire someone with 40+ years of experience who made a huge safety error. Most everyone was defending him saying this is the first mistake he's made in 40+ years and the plant manager responded with no this is the first time his mistake almost cost someone there life, but he's probably been doing this for 40+ years. It was an awkward meeting, but definitely makes you think.