Gates 911 call and arrest report released

It's worth noting, I think, that the caller, Lucia Whalen, seems awfully calm during the call, and never mentions anything to indicate that the alleged "burglers" were black men. Even more interesting, she claims that she never spoke with the arresting (or assisting) officer at the scene.

Whalen's attorney told CNN, "Let me be clear: She never had a conversation with Sgt. Crowley at the scene. And she never said to any police officer or to anybody 'two black men.' She never used the word 'black.' Period."

The arrest record indicates otherwise. In it, officer Crowley claims to have spoken with a woman outside the residence before he approached who identified herself as the 911 caller, and who had "observed what appeared to be two black males with backpacks on the porch" and that they appeared to have been attempting to force the door. It also indicates that Sgt. Crowley ultimately retreated from the residence after verifying Mr. Gates' identity because the "acoustics in the kitchen and foyer" were making it difficult for him to communicate with his dispatch. Gates then, as we know, followed him outside, and was arrested after some additional carrying-on.

Crowley notes that he was "quite surprised and confused" by the behavior Gates exhibited towards him...and I can't really blame him. Upon advising Mr. Gates that he was leaving the residence, and would gladly speak to him outside if he wanted, Gates allegedly responded "Ya, I'll speak to your mama outside".

Ouch.

Gates 911 call and arrest report released