Alex Wubbels, attorney react after firing of Salt Lake City police detective
(KUTV) Alex Wubbels is still processing news that the detective who arrested her in July is out of a job.
Jeff Payne was fired Tuesday from the Salt Lake City Police Department after video of him arresting the University of Utah nurse spread worldwide.
Wubbels, who spoke to reporters Tuesday evening, thanked people for their interest in her story. She credits one thing with the video spreading so quickly.
“I think I owe it to the body camera footage,” Wubbels said. “Without that, my story would never have had the impact that it has had.”
“I do feel some relief, frankly, that Detective Payne was terminated,” added Wubbels’ attorney, Karra Porter, but said if he hadn’t been fired, “there would have been enormous public reaction, starting with us.”
And this story is far from over. Porter said there is a long road ahead for the Salt Lake City Police Department to regain trust. She and Wubbels plan to meet with the city and the University of Utah to talk.
Later this month, Porter said, they'll likely decide whether or not to file a lawsuit.
Payne’s attorney, Greg Skordas, told 2News Tuesday his client is sorry and hopes to communicate that at a later date. Porter said she has yet to hear from him.
“I think sometimes people are sorry that they get caught more than they are for what they did,” Porter said.
Payne will likely appeal, his attorney said Tuesday. Speaking to the media, Porter criticized that.
“If Detective Payne really believes this is not a fire-able offense, then I am glad that Detective Payne will not be out on the streets in a uniform tomorrow,” said Porter.
As for Wubbels, she didn’t want to comment specifically on Payne’s firing. She does hope everything that happened to her will end up making a difference for others.
“I truly believe that body cameras are available and should be used for the protection of everyone,” Wubbels said.
