The patrol vehicle's camera and radio system provided additional evidence.
The officer's written explanation would have to be compared with all of it.
Several hours after the roadside confrontation, investigators arranged a formal interview with Cross.
He arrived with legal representation.
The interview began with questions about the reason for the stop.
Investigator: "You stated that you received information about illegal materials being transported in the vehicle. Is that correct?"
Daniel Cross: "Yes."
Investigator: "Who provided that information?"
Daniel Cross: "It came through departmental channels."
Investigator: "The original dispatch entry does not contain that allegation. Can you explain why?"
Cross shifted in his chair.
Daniel Cross: "I received additional information before completing the stop."
Investigator: "From whom?"
Daniel Cross: "I don't remember the exact name."
Investigator: "Was it someone from your department?"
Cross glanced toward his attorney.
His attorney requested that the question be clarified.
The investigator continued.
Investigator: "Did you receive a telephone call before approaching the Hayes vehicle?"
Cross remained silent for several seconds.
Daniel Cross: "I received a call about the situation."
Investigator: "Who called you?"
Daniel Cross: "A person who had information about the property dispute."
Investigator: "What property dispute?"
Cross looked uncomfortable.
Daniel Cross: "The Hayes property. I was told there had been concerns about the family."
Investigator: "Who told you?"
Cross finally answered.
Daniel Cross: "A contractor connected to Victor Hale's development company."
The investigator placed a document on the table.
It contained the available call record showing that Cross had contacted a number associated with Daniel Price shortly before the traffic stop.
Cross studied it.
Investigator: "Was this the communication you were referring to?"
Daniel Cross: "It could have been."
Investigator: "Did Mr. Price tell you that illegal material would be found in the vehicle?"
Cross hesitated.
Daniel Cross: "He told me there might be something suspicious."
Investigator: "Did you independently verify that information?"
Cross did not answer immediately.
Daniel Cross: "No."
Investigator: "Did you have any physical evidence before stopping the vehicle?"
Daniel Cross: "No."
Investigator: "Did you observe any illegal activity before approaching the vehicle?"
Cross looked down.
Daniel Cross: "No."
The investigator allowed a few seconds of silence.
Investigator: "Then why did you point your firearm at Victoria Hayes?"
Cross attempted to explain that he believed the situation was dangerous. He said he had been concerned about the possibility of a weapon inside the vehicle and claimed that he needed to maintain control.
However, the recording showed that Victoria had complied with his instructions and had not threatened him.
The investigator asked him about the moment he drew the gun.
Cross said he had reacted to what he considered suspicious behavior.
The recording did not support that explanation.
The interview continued for several hours.
Cross eventually admitted that he had expected to find something inside the vehicle that could support the allegation he had received.
He could not identify any independent source that had verified the information before the stop.
The investigators recorded his statement and compared it with the available communications.
His admission became an important part of the evidence.
But the investigation was far from complete.
The next person investigators needed to speak with was Laura Mitchell, the communications supervisor whose account had been used to add the later allegation to the dispatch record.
Laura worked in the county communications office. She had been responsible for reviewing incoming information, updating records, and ensuring that important details were correctly entered into the department's system.
She had not been involved in the roadside confrontation.
When she learned that the dispatch record was being examined, she initially became nervous.
She requested an opportunity to speak with investigators and agreed to bring copies of the messages she had received.
Laura arrived at the interview office carrying a folder.
She appeared tired and anxious.
Daniel Mercer explained the purpose of the interview and reminded her that she could request legal advice.
Laura placed several printed messages on the table.
Laura Mitchell: "I didn't think this would become such a serious matter. I was told the original entry needed additional information."
Daniel Mercer: "Who told you to add it?"
Laura Mitchell: "The instruction came through the supervisory office."
Daniel Mercer: "Did the instruction identify the person who had supplied the information?"
Laura shook her head.
Laura Mitchell: "No. It said the information had already been checked."
Daniel Mercer: "Did you personally verify it?"
Laura Mitchell: "No. I believed the supervisor had done that."