Deputy Shoots Suspected DUI Drive

[warrior1]

http://www.kcra.com/news/15805006/detail.html

[warrior1]

1. 120 views

and not one reply.

[angstlessk]

4. some people, me included, do not just link to a site..a paragraph

at least to make sure it is worthy of a click, especially for those on dial up. Just a thought? :shrug:

[Wcross]

2. It happens.

The driver ignored orders to stop & started dragging the officer. The officer in fear for his life shot the driver. I am not going to second guess his actions, if he had not stopped the driver and that driver had later killed an innocent person it would have been a greater tragedy.

[High Plains]

5. Hmmm, started dragging the officer?

From the link:

The Sergeant located the car parked a short distance away and walked up to the vehicle before he drove away, witnesses said.

"When the driver of the vehicle ignored the Sergeant's directives, the Sergeant reached into the vehicle in an attempt to gain control of the driver," Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran said.

At that time, the driver began to drive away from the scene, Curran said.

"Fearing the movement of the vehicle placed his life in danger; the Sergeant drew his department issued semi-automatic handgun and fired multiple shots at the driver," Curran said.

****

Doesn't say the officer was being dragged. It looks like he shot the guy because the guy tried to drive away. Or are you suggesting the cop was getting dragged while he "drew his department issued semi-automatic handguan and fired multiple shots at the driver"?

If someone started to drive off with me holding onto his vehicle, I'd probably just let go.

[Wcross]

6. The officer felt his life was in danger.

The reporter was not there when it happened & may have not used the proper words to explain what happened. Maybe the officer COULD have "just let go" or maybe he feared being run over by the rear wheels of the car. Maybe this, maybe that, maybe........

It is unfortunate the driver decided to drink & drive placing everyone on the road at risk. There were 16,885 alcohol-related fatalities in 2005 – 39 percent of the total traffic fatalities for the year. (the latest statistics available) That is more than people murdered with firearms. Would you let an armed criminal get away?

[timtom]

3. K & R

We need to see a story like this, so we can learn to parse out the difference between a Bullshit use of force and a legitimate use of force (which this incident seems to be).

I must admit, I am generally more likely to be critical of police use of force, but stories like this make me exercise my critical thinking skills.

Thanks for this post and I hope more folks K & R it.