Cop shoots DUI suspect after crash, DA won't charge cop

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

JD50

Lifer
Sep 4, 2005
11,928
2,920
136
It looked to me like an accidental discharge caused by bad trigger discipline. Certainly I'd agree there was not justification for shooting the suspect under the circumstances, but this looked like an accident to me. I don't think this moron should be a cop anymore, and would have no problem with his being charged for criminal negligence. I am particularly troubled that he didn't tell anyone he had fired the shot - it speaks to his terrible judgment all around.

Good post, I agree with this.
 

Subyman

Moderator <br> VC&G Forum
Mar 18, 2005
7,876
32
86
Go stuff yourself. Legally speaking the cop was definitely in the wrong, but in this case I can't say I care. Too bad the guy wasn't killed.

Yeah and if that cop has a bad day and pulls you over for a rolling stop, maybe he'll decide you don't deserve to live either or will "accidentally" shoot you. Cops can run amuck until you are targeted eh?
 

werepossum

Elite Member
Jul 10, 2006
29,873
463
126
So, if it was not an accidental discharge the cop was definitely in the wrong, but OP your headline is absurd. First, the asshole wasn't killed, he was shot. Second, "DUI crash victim?" The guy was driving drunk, ran from the cops and killed his wife in the process when he flipped his car. What the hell?
This, exactly. Shot was exactly what he deserved. Surviving was better than he deserved.
 

werepossum

Elite Member
Jul 10, 2006
29,873
463
126
It looked to me like an accidental discharge caused by bad trigger discipline. Certainly I'd agree there was not justification for shooting the suspect under the circumstances, but this looked like an accident to me. I don't think this moron should be a cop anymore, and would have no problem with his being charged for criminal negligence. I am particularly troubled that he didn't tell anyone he had fired the shot - it speaks to his terrible judgment all around.
Haven't watched the video since I don't want to see even this asshole shot - even though I'm kinda glad he was - but legally the cop should have at least given aid.
 

Subyman

Moderator <br> VC&G Forum
Mar 18, 2005
7,876
32
86
Shot was exactly what he deserved.

A trial is exactly what he deserved with an appropriate sentence. Cops blazing unarmed people on the street is not at all what we need. You trust Jim "Jump-the-Gun" Bob to ensure you are treated appropriately, or maybe you are a bystander that gets hit by his gunfire?
 

HamburgerBoy

Lifer
Apr 12, 2004
27,111
318
126
Yeah and if that cop has a bad day and pulls you over for a rolling stop, maybe he'll decide you don't deserve to live either or will "accidentally" shoot you. Cops can run amuck until you are targeted eh?

I'm not saying that the cop shouldn't be charged. I'm just glad the violent danger to society in the vehicle was shot.
 

Darwin333

Lifer
Dec 11, 2006
19,946
2,330
126
Even if it was an accidental discharge which shouldn't get you off of criminal negligence charges, not telling anyone including first responders whose job is to save his life, that he shot the guy should definitely be criminal as well.
 

Darwin333

Lifer
Dec 11, 2006
19,946
2,330
126
It looked to me like an accidental discharge caused by bad trigger discipline. Certainly I'd agree there was not justification for shooting the suspect under the circumstances, but this looked like an accident to me. I don't think this moron should be a cop anymore, and would have no problem with his being charged for criminal negligence. I am particularly troubled that he didn't tell anyone he had fired the shot - it speaks to his terrible judgment all around.

Couldn't the fact that he didn't tell anyone he shot the guy be some sort of criminal negligence as well? Would I get away with shooting someone justifiably and then intentionally waiting 10-15 minutes for them to bleed out before I call 911?
 
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
67
91
Couldn't the fact that he didn't tell anyone he shot the guy be some sort of criminal negligence as well? Would I get away with shooting someone justifiably and then intentionally waiting 10-15 minutes for them to bleed out before I call 911?

Yes, probably. It would depend on local law. I would expect that in most instances a peace officer who knew the guy needed medical attention would be obligated to provide it. On the other hand, he knew an ambulance was on the way.
 

werepossum

Elite Member
Jul 10, 2006
29,873
463
126
A trial is exactly what he deserved with an appropriate sentence. Cops blazing unarmed people on the street is not at all what we need. You trust Jim "Jump-the-Gun" Bob to ensure you are treated appropriately, or maybe you are a bystander that gets hit by his gunfire?
My answer is to quote Hamburger Boy's answer. I'm not saying that this menace to society legally should have been shot, I'm just kinda glad he was shot because that's what he deserved. Hell, he was probably treated and released into custody before he was legally sober. And he can still have his trial.

I'm not saying that the cop shouldn't be charged. I'm just glad the violent danger to society in the vehicle was shot.
Exactly. It's a Chris Rock thing: I'm not saying he shoulda done it - but I understand.
 

Blanky

Platinum Member
Oct 18, 2014
2,457
12
46
Here's the thing really: the guy is a total piece of shit who was driving that car. But, the cop tried to kill him and this new defense he's using of "yes, I was pointing the gun but I didn't mean to pull the trigger" is unbelievable.
 

EOM

Senior member
Mar 20, 2015
479
14
81
Here's the thing really: the guy is a total piece of shit who was driving that car. But, the cop tried to kill him and this new defense he's using of "yes, I was pointing the gun but I didn't mean to pull the trigger" is unbelievable.

First rule of gun safety - never point your gun at anything that you don't intend to destroy
Second rule of gun safety - do not put your finger on the trigger until you are absolutely sure you are ready to fire



too bad cops don't get basic firearm training anymore!
 

EOM

Senior member
Mar 20, 2015
479
14
81
It looked to me like an accidental discharge caused by bad trigger discipline. Certainly I'd agree there was not justification for shooting the suspect under the circumstances, but this looked like an accident to me. I don't think this moron should be a cop anymore, and would have no problem with his being charged for criminal negligence. I am particularly troubled that he didn't tell anyone he had fired the shot - it speaks to his terrible judgment all around.

I concur - it does look like it was accidental..... but i say charge him. If a mere civilian did that they'd be charged for sure.
 

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
167
111
www.slatebrookfarm.com
DVC, would this defense have any chance in court:
"The driver was fleeing from that officer for fear of his life. The officer had on an another occasion when the officer was off duty told my client that he would shoot him on sight if he caught him breaking the law while he was on duty - and that he knew he would get away with it. It is fortunate that my client survived the shooting and can tell his side of the story."

To much fantasy? Or enough to give a jury reasonable doubt?
 

McLovin

Golden Member
Jul 8, 2007
1,915
58
91
First rule of gun safety - never point your gun at anything that you don't intend to destroy
Second rule of gun safety - do not put your finger on the trigger until you are absolutely sure you are ready to fire



too bad cops don't get basic firearm training anymore!

I was thinking the same thing, glad I wasn't the only one.
 

master_shake_

Diamond Member
May 22, 2012
6,425
292
121
cop shot twice.

looking at the video you can clearly see 2 shots.

accidentally on purpose discharge.

anyone else see him looking for something on the ground?

casing perhaps.
 
Last edited:

Jaskalas

Lifer
Jun 23, 2004
36,370
10,681
136
It looked to me like an accidental discharge caused by bad trigger discipline. Certainly I'd agree there was not justification for shooting the suspect under the circumstances, but this looked like an accident to me. I don't think this moron should be a cop anymore, and would have no problem with his being charged for criminal negligence. I am particularly troubled that he didn't tell anyone he had fired the shot - it speaks to his terrible judgment all around.
Not telling anyone is ITSELF attempted murder.
 

Pipeline 1010

Golden Member
Dec 2, 2005
1,987
807
136
Wow, look at the cop's body language. Nothing about the way he moves or acts indicates it was an accidental discharge. The impression I get is of a cold blooded psychopath. And waiting 11 minutes to inform paramedics that he shot the guy? I can't imagine accidentally shooting someone and then just calmly chilling without telling anybody for so long.
 
Nov 25, 2013
32,083
11,718
136
Video: Commander surprised by officer’s shooting admission

"Ayala’s video starts at 12:05 a.m. early Thanksgiving morning, just after the chase from the Canteena on the Skyway to the accident site on Pearson Road. Ayala was the second officer on scene and immediately asks if Ehorn is the only victim. Feaster tells him there is a male in the car who refuses to get out. Moments later, Alvies directs Ayala to hold Ehorn’s head until medics arrive.

Ayala tells Ehorn, “Ma’am, I am just going to hold on to your neck? OK?”

On the audio, Feaster appears to tell Alvies that Thomas refuses to exit the car. Feaster then says, “Get out of the car, sir. You’re not shot. Get out of the car, sir

Ayala spends the rest of the time until medics arrive trying to stabilize Ehorn. While he’s doing that, Alvies can be heard talking to Thomas. He tells Thomas to get out of the car. That’s when Thomas tells Alvies he’s been shot.

“Who shot you? Did you get shot at the Canteena?”

Thomas responds, “The cop.”

“The cop did not shoot you,” Alvies said.

It was the second time that Thomas had told an officer he had been shot. Thomas had told Feaster right after the shooting.

Alvies then returns to Ehorn to check on her status.

As Feaster and Alvies attempt to break the windshield to get Thomas out,

Ayala tells Alvies, “I think he’s hurt in there.” “I know he is,” Alvies said. “I think he’s in shock.”

Ayala’s video later shows firefighters pulling Thomas out of the car with Feaster and Alvies observing. Alvies begins to walk away and orders Feaster to watch the scene. He tells Ayala, “You’re with me! We’re going to the Canteena to see who ...”

It appears Feaster then says, “No, no. I had an A.D. (accidental discharge). ... I don’t think I shot him. I wasn’t even pointing at him but the gun did go off.”

Alvies looks incredulous and says, “Oh my (expletive) God. Are you serious?”

http://www.chicoer.com/article/NA/20151216/NEWS/151219808

The article also notes that Feaster had not turned on his body cam.
 

Vaux

Senior member
May 24, 2013
593
6
81
So many of you here are so damn clueless about police work and it's not worth the time or energy to explain how things are. But I will say this, no question in my mind that the officer had an accidental discharge.
 

bshole

Diamond Member
Mar 12, 2013
8,315
1,215
126
It looked to me like an accidental discharge caused by bad trigger discipline. Certainly I'd agree there was not justification for shooting the suspect under the circumstances, but this looked like an accident to me. I don't think this moron should be a cop anymore, and would have no problem with his being charged for criminal negligence. I am particularly troubled that he didn't tell anyone he had fired the shot - it speaks to his terrible judgment all around.

I agree with you. The cops reaction seemed startled and he immediately put his gun away. He knew he fucked up and that is why he didn't say anything. He was scared to death. It was a bad shoot but accidental.
 

TheVrolok

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
24,254
4,092
136
I can't believe so many people are ok with this officer shooting someone, even accidently (negligently) , with no apparent consequences to date.
 

GarfieldtheCat

Diamond Member
Jan 7, 2005
3,708
1
0
I can't believe so many people are ok with this officer shooting someone, even accidently (negligently) , with no apparent consequences to date.

This.

What happened to responsibility? He has deadly weapon and misused it. That isn't an excuse not to charge him.

And the rest of the bloodthirsty vigilante posters here are just disgusting. I'd saw you should no better, but y'all don't care anyway.