A man whose traffic stop in Centre County drew national attention remains jailed well over a year after the controversial incident.
Now he’s citing that attention as a prime reason in requesting an “out of county” jury for a possible trial.
The state police video of Dereck Raimey’s traffic stop and arrest, in December of 2023, did draw commentary on police tactics and use of force after police admitted to punching Raimey multiple times, although they termed the punches ‘compliance strikes.’
In a court motion filed this week, Raimey’s attorney argues that the video and resulting attention surrounding the case means a fair and impartial trial for Raimey couldn’t be held in Centre County, because the publicity has prejudiced the community.
Now an out of county jury is being requested for a trial.
Raimey’s case was tentatively scheduled for jury selection last month, then a motion was approved for a continuance, to the April term of court.
When it could go to trial is now uncertain.
Raimey was stopped after state police said they first tried to pull him over, for allegedly following a tractor-trailer too closely on Interstate 80, and instead he reportedly led them on a high-speed, 20 minute chase.
Police say Raimey later admitted that he was using cocaine while driving.
He remains jailed in the Centre County Prison.