The driver eventually pulled over near the intersection of Corcoran and Cobb avenues, where he initially disobeyed orders to exit the vehicle, according to police. When he finally did, he pulled out a gun. Police said more than one officer fired at the man, who died at the scene.
It's usually the same old story, the guy "lunges" or "pulls a gun" or something that can be written up as "lethal threat."
This one sounds a little different though doesn't it, although not uncommon. Often the friends and relatives say "no way, that's just not like him."This is the second officer-involved fatal shooting since December. Guy Jarreau, 34, was killed exactly two months ago by Vallejo police in an alley in the 2100 block of Sonoma Boulevard.
An officer fatally shot Jarreau after police say he aimed a loaded gun at the officer.
Family members and friends, who held a vigil Friday afternoon in his memory, say Jarreau was shooting an anti-violence music video and question whether he actually had a gun.
So here's my theory, which I freely admit I got from the movies. The cops are buying up guns on the black market to plant on their victims after they shoot them. Now, before you object, think about it. It's not really as bad or as far-fetched as you might first think.
Everyone knows that cops have a tough job, right? We also know that, in a sticky situation, if they waited to actually see the gun or to determine lethal threat for certain, it would be too late. They must pre-empt the action, if they want to survive, and this leads to mistakes which need to be covered up. It's that simple.
The attitude which makes all this possible is perfectly illustrated on the popular gun blog MArooned. Jay G. keeps a running "goblin" count. Never mind that those so-called "goblins" have rights and are supposed to be presumed innocent like everybody else. And never mind the fact that some of them may actually have been innocent, these are cases in which the shooter was really the criminal in spite of appearances. But none of that matters to Jay G., just like none of that matters to your average cop who views the folks he's decided are criminals as sub-human and worthy of being destroyed.
What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.
"Never mind that those so-called "goblins" have rights and are supposed to be presumed innocent like everybody else. "
ReplyDeleteThe presumption of innocence is applied in a courtroom. If you break and enter into my house and point a gun at me then a different standard applies.
The moment the person fled from police he became a threat to inflict violence on someone. Why did the dude run in the first place? Why did he ignore commands from the police to exit the vehicle? Why did he draw a weapon? It seems like this guy had at least 4 or 5 chances to comply with the police and not get shot.
ReplyDeleteHow many shots should the police let someone fire at them before shooting back?
Yeah, You're a real tough guy, Anonymous. You and your different standard. The problem with you tough guys is you think it's OK to shoot someone unarmed if they're climbing in your window, of even if they're running away from you and your gun.
ReplyDeleteJim, You're another law-and-order guy, aren't you? We're talking about taking a human life not crushing a bug. About something this serious you can't just say "he had 4 or 5 chances to comply."
mike - how many shots should the police allow the suspect to fire before they returned fire? If the suspect refused to drop the weapon, how many officers should he be allowed to shoot while they attempt to non violently disarm him?
ReplyDeleteWell, Jim, that all depends. One thing for sure, the cops have been erring on the side of caution just like the authors of DGUs do. It's really easy afterwards to say he was making a move or lunging or threatening.
ReplyDeleteSo you do think the alleged criminal should get to shoot first? What does the number of shots he gets to fire depend on?
ReplyDelete