This was a super bad choice and the cop (and whoever made the decision if it was someone else) needs to be held accountable. Animal control (which doesn't even always exist) is usually stretched super thin and only covers certain areas (for instance inside city limits). If it was necessary to bring the snake down and if it was dangerous then they should have done it differently, or at least more carefully.
When there was a rabid (or just insane) raccoon terrorizing my gf's dog and back yard guests we called everyone to get some help with it, but there was no official assistance available to her. So I called county dispatch to let them know I was going to be shooting it and to disregard any phone calls about gunshots. Then I had a couple of our guests go door to door around us to let the neighbors know there was about to be gunfire. I climbed onto the roof so that I could get a downward angle on the shot (the my excellent compatriot was up a tree at the time). I took the shot braced on the chimney stack so that I could be as stable as possible.
First shot from my 3 1/4" carry pistol took it halfway between the left eye and it's nose, dropping it out of the tree. I looked over the edge of the house and saw it trying to writhe away so I took a second shot and put it through the spine at the base of the head, killing it outright. Those shots were about 20-25', and 15' away, the second at a moving target, with a short barreled pistol - and I hit within an inch of where I was aiming both times.
Granted, I'm a good shot, but the cop in this incident should have been at least as careful...especially if he wasn't sure he was that good of a shot. It's certainly possible to shoot a snake out of a tree with a handgun, but take some precautions. No, bad choices all around, and they should be liable.
When there was a rabid (or just insane) raccoon terrorizing my gf's dog and back yard guests we called everyone to get some help with it, but there was no official assistance available to her. So I called county dispatch to let them know I was going to be shooting it and to disregard any phone calls about gunshots. Then I had a couple of our guests go door to door around us to let the neighbors know there was about to be gunfire. I climbed onto the roof so that I could get a downward angle on the shot (the my excellent compatriot was up a tree at the time). I took the shot braced on the chimney stack so that I could be as stable as possible.
First shot from my 3 1/4" carry pistol took it halfway between the left eye and it's nose, dropping it out of the tree. I looked over the edge of the house and saw it trying to writhe away so I took a second shot and put it through the spine at the base of the head, killing it outright. Those shots were about 20-25', and 15' away, the second at a moving target, with a short barreled pistol - and I hit within an inch of where I was aiming both times.
Granted, I'm a good shot, but the cop in this incident should have been at least as careful...especially if he wasn't sure he was that good of a shot. It's certainly possible to shoot a snake out of a tree with a handgun, but take some precautions. No, bad choices all around, and they should be liable.
AMCRambler
Diamond Member
- Jan 23, 2001
- 7,701
- 26
- 91
I can see how the cop could have not known there was a pond back in the woods there with someone fishing in it. Think about it, you look around the tree and see nothing but trees and brush behind. You think "no houses, no people, I can try and shoot the snake". However beyond all the brush it's very possible there's a clearing with a pond. I've been fishing many times and bushwhacked my way through thick undergrowth to come across a pond that you can't see from the road.
Regardless, shooting a snake with a pistol is a bad idea. Should have called animal control. They are equipped to deal with snakes. This is pretty sad for all parties involved. The officer will like lose their job and the boy of course is now gone.
Regardless, shooting a snake with a pistol is a bad idea. Should have called animal control. They are equipped to deal with snakes. This is pretty sad for all parties involved. The officer will like lose their job and the boy of course is now gone.
Man this is sad. But this is just a tragic accident. I don't think the cop actually did anything criminally wrong, it was just a bad accident.
No, it's called manslaughter. You can do a few years for it. Putting him in jail will not only accomplish "ruining" his family. Any other person would face manslaughter charges in the same situation. It's too bad the the lives of the cop's family would be ruined by pressing charges, but that's a stupid way to look at it. It was the cop's actions that ruined the lives of th the little boy; I just hope there's some justice and he goes to prison for a few years for manslaughter. We don't need stupid people like this as police or on the streets. Maybe a few years will teach him not to pull out his gun and fire away without thinking next time.
Wow, you're pretty sure of yourself even though you have no clue what you're talking about. Gun laws in most states base gun-related manslaughter charges on your knowledge of what's behind your target. Don't pay attention to the little boy behind the target and kill the kid? Guess what, you're going to be charged with manslaughter. This wasn't just an unfortunate situation that ended badly, this could be a textbook example of Manslaughter.
Gunslinger08
Lifer
- Nov 18, 2001
- 13,234
- 2
- 81
He's a cop. You'll be lucky if he's even charged. All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.
Pliablemoose
Lifer
- Oct 11, 1999
- 25,195
- 0
- 56
Mermaidman
Diamond Member
- Sep 4, 2003
- 7,987
- 93
- 91
what a stupid cop. there is a reason why we have animal control. he needs to be locked away for stupidity
JulesMaximus
No Lifer
- Jul 3, 2003
- 74,459
- 854
- 126
I'm sorry I actually haven't gotten back here sooner to respond. Things have been so hectic. But trust me, all the kind words means a lot. The police officer's name, although it was given to us already, is not being disclosed by the police department. Essentially, they are wanting the communities interest to die out before they proceed with what should be the punishment. It is really frusterating for us. Nothing else has changed much, we're trying to keep my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew (Dalton) busy to hopefully take some of their mind off the situation. My sister will be going abck to teaching school on the first day, tomorrow, and Jack (her husband, my brother-in-law) will be going back to work on Monday. It is still really tough for them and obviously everything we do and see reminds them of him. I guess time will help heal.... its all we can pray for.
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