A Tulsa police husband and wife were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man on a street near downtown, and the couple's daughter said her father shot at her, too.
Shannon Kepler, 54, a 24-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department, was booked into the Tulsa Jail on first-degree murder and shooting with intent to kill complaints. His wife, Gina, 48, also a Tulsa police officer, was jailed on an accessory to murder complaint.
The two weren't on duty at the time the shooting of 19-year-old Jeremy Lake occurred in the 200 block of North Maybelle Avenue about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, police said. Shannon Kepler works at TPD's police academy and worked Tuesday, public information officer Jillian Roberson said. Gina Kepler is a patrol officer at the department's Gilcrease division, and did not work Tuesday, Roberson said.
Both are held at the Tulsa jail, police chief Chuck Jordan said, but are confined in an area away from other inmates they may have come into contact with on the job.
The gun involved in the shooting was not a service weapon, Jordan said. Police have not said whether the weapon has been recovered.
Police said an argument occurred between Lake and Shannon Kepler, who was in a black Chevrolet Suburban. Lake, who reportedly was with Kepler's daughter, was shot "two or three times" after he told Kepler that he was her boyfriend, according to an arrest report.
Lisa Kepler, the 18-year-old daughter of Shannon and Gina Kepler, spoke with the Tulsa World on Wednesday morning from the front porch of the home she shared with the homicide victim, who also was her boyfriend.
Lisa Kepler and Lake were walking back from Guthrie Green and were in the street in front of their home when a black SUV pulled up, and Shannon Kepler stepped out.
Lisa Kepler said her father shouted at her and that as Lake attempted to introduce himself, Shannon Kepler shot Lake.
Lisa Kepler said she had attempted to stop the shooting but then ran and hid behind a large rose bush in the front yard as her father fired a shot at her that missed. Lisa Kepler said she told authorities it was her dad who was the triggerman.
"I'm not scared of my dad," she said, in tears and openly wondering why he would shoot someone he didn't know.
Josh Mills, 23, a friend of Lake's, said he was also at the scene during the shooting. He said Shannon Kepler also fired a shot at Lake's 13-year-old brother, who was sitting on the front porch. The bullet ricocheted and grazed the boy in the upper arm, Mills said.
Mills said he had paramedic training and tried to stem Lake's bleeding and locate the bullet wounds. Mills said it appeared Lake had been shot in the chest and neck from about 3-feet away. Mills and Lake hadn't known each other long but had become close.
"He was like a brother to me for two weeks," Mills said, tearing up as he described how Lake died in his arms.
Lisa Kepler said her parents had kicked her out of their home recently because of poor "life decisions" she had made and dropped her off at the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. Lisa Kepler declined to say what those life decisions were.
"I really hope they rot in prison for a very long time," Lisa Kepler said of her parents.
A neighbor of the Kepler family, who wished not to be identified, said the husband and wife are "wonderful neighbors." She said the parents had "given and given" to their three daughters.
Friends and neighbors said the couple had adopted Lisa Kepler and her two siblings several years ago.
"They've done everything in the world for (Lisa)," the neighbor said.
She said Shannon and Gina Kepler were the type of neighbors who would shovel sidewalks or bring food over.
A second neighbor, who also asked for anonymity, said he was "tickled to death" two police officers lived nearby because it made the neighborhood feel secure. The neighbor said he didn't have a lot of interaction with the Keplers, whom he called "the perfect neighbors," but that Gina Kepler sometimes would stop in her patrol car and say hi to him.
"The whole neighborhood — it's unbelievable," the neighbor said when asked if he was surprised by the turn of events.
Lisa Kepler said the Day Center is where she met Lake, who offered to let her live with himself and his aunt, Pam Wilkins, within the past week. She said Lake was a sweet man and had been nothing but good to her since they had met.
Sandra Lewis, executive director of the Day Center, said Lake had never been a volunteer or employee with, nor a client of the center.
Lewis said she knew of Lake and that he "came around" sometimes. There weren't any incident reports involving him, she said. Lake would help carry in donations or pick up trash.
"He was always very helpful," Lewis said.
Wilkins, 50, said Lake had "a lot of love" for people, including those in the homeless community. She said her nephew was "the life of the party."
"No matter if we argued, he never let a day go by without saying, 'I love you,'" Wilkins said.
Police said Shannon Kepler turned himself in after investigators contacted his wife, Gina Kepler.
The couple are expected to be placed on paid administrative leave until they are charged, Roberson said.
Lake's death is the city's 27th homicide.
Showing posts with label shooting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shooting. Show all posts
Monday, August 11, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Officer Carlos Antonio Wilson Charged with Kidnapping
The Bibb County sheriff’s office said in a news release Wednesday night that 39-year-old Carlos Antonio Wilson is accused of following his ex, 41-year-old Reeshema Wilson, and Hiram Simmons, also 41, while they were driving on Mercer University Drive about 1 a.m. Wednesday.
The sheriff’s news release detailed the encounter:
After Reeshema Wilson and Simmons noticed a vehicle following them, they pulled over at the Food Mart at 4381 Mercer University Drive. Carlos Wilson got out of his 2006 Chevrolet Equinox and started firing a gun at the pair. They drove away, but Carlos Wilson followed them down Log Cabin Drive where he rammed their car at Napier Avenue, causing the cars to wreck.
Carlos Wilson flashed his handgun and pulled Reeshema Wilson from the vehicle about the time sheriff’s deputies arrived. Carlos Wilson fled on foot.
About 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Carlos Wilson turned himself over to the Southeastern Regional Fugitive Task Force, according to the news release. He was jailed in Bibb County on multiple warrants, including two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated assault family violence, kidnapping, aggravated stalking, violation of oath of office and possession of a handgun during commission of a felony.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Bibb Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 and ask to leave a message for the on-call investigator.
Thursday, May 01, 2014
Officer Brendan Cronin Arrested for Shooting
An NYPD officer who works in the Bronx has found himself on the other side of the law for his alleged role in a Westchester County shooting.
According to authorities, Officer Brendan Cronin fired his gun at least 13 times at a car sitting at a stoplight in Pelham Bay Tuesday night.
They say a 47-year-old man was wounded, but is in stable condition at the hospital.
Cronin, a five-year NYPD veteran, is being charged with first-degree assault. He has been suspended without pay.
It remains unclear what led to the shooting.
According to authorities, Officer Brendan Cronin fired his gun at least 13 times at a car sitting at a stoplight in Pelham Bay Tuesday night.
They say a 47-year-old man was wounded, but is in stable condition at the hospital.
Cronin, a five-year NYPD veteran, is being charged with first-degree assault. He has been suspended without pay.
It remains unclear what led to the shooting.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Officer John Torres Arrested in Connection with Shooting
A Baltimore city police officer has been arrested in connection with a shooting outside a central Pennsylvania apartment complex.
Police said officers responding to the York Apartments around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday found a man who had been shot multiple times in the abdomen and arm while sitting in his vehicle. He was identified as David Hohman, Sr.
York Area Regional Police Sgt. Jeff Dunbar said the Baltimore officer is in custody and cooperating with authorities. Dunbar said the officer was among those who called 911 and waited for police to arrive. That officer was identified as John Torres, who was off duty at the time of the incident.
Police believe the incident was the result of a dispute between Torres and Hohman.
The victim was conscious and talking to authorities before being taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police said officers responding to the York Apartments around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday found a man who had been shot multiple times in the abdomen and arm while sitting in his vehicle. He was identified as David Hohman, Sr.
York Area Regional Police Sgt. Jeff Dunbar said the Baltimore officer is in custody and cooperating with authorities. Dunbar said the officer was among those who called 911 and waited for police to arrive. That officer was identified as John Torres, who was off duty at the time of the incident.
Police believe the incident was the result of a dispute between Torres and Hohman.
The victim was conscious and talking to authorities before being taken to a hospital for treatment.
Friday, April 04, 2014
Dectective Hassan Hamdy Charged in 2012 Fatal Shooting
Police in New York City say officers involved in a fatal 2012 shooting of an unarmed National Guardsman should face departmental charges.
NYPD Deputy Chief Kim Royster says in a statement Friday the charges were determined based on an internal review of the Oct. 4 shooting of Noel Polanco during a Queens traffic stop.
Royster says a disciplinary process will now commence. She says regardless of the department's findings, the police commissioner will ultimately decide their penalties.
Polanco was shot by Detective Hassan Hamdy through an open passenger window after he believed Polanco was reaching under the seat.
A grand jury cleared Hamdy of criminal wrongdoing and federal prosecutors said Hamdy didn't intentionally violate Polanco's civil rights. The city has agreed to a $2.5 million settlement with Polanco's family.
NYPD Deputy Chief Kim Royster says in a statement Friday the charges were determined based on an internal review of the Oct. 4 shooting of Noel Polanco during a Queens traffic stop.
Royster says a disciplinary process will now commence. She says regardless of the department's findings, the police commissioner will ultimately decide their penalties.
Polanco was shot by Detective Hassan Hamdy through an open passenger window after he believed Polanco was reaching under the seat.
A grand jury cleared Hamdy of criminal wrongdoing and federal prosecutors said Hamdy didn't intentionally violate Polanco's civil rights. The city has agreed to a $2.5 million settlement with Polanco's family.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Albuquerque Cops Murder Homeless Man, Then Sick Dog on Him
A graphic video that shows a police shooting of a homeless man in the
Albuquerque foothills is raising a firestorm of controversy, and it’s
not the first time police there have faced backlash over citizen
shootings.
Hundreds have posted outraged comments online and a public protest of the Albuquerque Police Department is planned for Tuesday evening after police last week released the helmet-cam video, which shows officers shooting at a homeless man March 16 who they said was illegally camping, reports CBS affiliate KRQE.
In the video, the man, James Boyd, 38, appears to turn away before he is shot by police. Boyd later died. He was struck by at least one live round, but the medical investigator’s office hasn’t determined what killed him, reports the Albuquerque Journal.
According to an Albuquerque police spokeswoman, Boyd was carrying knives and threatening to kill the officers. But critics say the incident raises alarming questions about how Albuquerque police use deadly force.
“We’ve reviewed the video, and like many people who have seen it, we found it to be fairly disturbing,” Steve Allen, public policy director for the ACLU of New Mexico, told CBS News’ Crimesider. “It certainly does raise questions about why this tragedy couldn’t have been avoided.”
For critics, the police shooting is an all-too-common occurrence in Albuquerque. Boyd’s death marks the 22nd deadly police-involved shooting since early 2010, said Andrew Lipman, who chaired the city council’s Police Oversight Task Force.
Lipman’s 11-member task force released recommendations in January calling for the creation of a totally new and independent body to act as a citizen oversight group for police.
The task force also called Tuesday for an independent review of Boyd’s shooting.
“They’re viewing this man as kind of the enemy, in a combat situation, and that’s not really what they’re there to do — they’re there to ensure public safety,” Lipman said. “…This man lost his life because he was illegally camping.”
youtube video
Hundreds have posted outraged comments online and a public protest of the Albuquerque Police Department is planned for Tuesday evening after police last week released the helmet-cam video, which shows officers shooting at a homeless man March 16 who they said was illegally camping, reports CBS affiliate KRQE.
In the video, the man, James Boyd, 38, appears to turn away before he is shot by police. Boyd later died. He was struck by at least one live round, but the medical investigator’s office hasn’t determined what killed him, reports the Albuquerque Journal.
According to an Albuquerque police spokeswoman, Boyd was carrying knives and threatening to kill the officers. But critics say the incident raises alarming questions about how Albuquerque police use deadly force.
“We’ve reviewed the video, and like many people who have seen it, we found it to be fairly disturbing,” Steve Allen, public policy director for the ACLU of New Mexico, told CBS News’ Crimesider. “It certainly does raise questions about why this tragedy couldn’t have been avoided.”
For critics, the police shooting is an all-too-common occurrence in Albuquerque. Boyd’s death marks the 22nd deadly police-involved shooting since early 2010, said Andrew Lipman, who chaired the city council’s Police Oversight Task Force.
Lipman’s 11-member task force released recommendations in January calling for the creation of a totally new and independent body to act as a citizen oversight group for police.
The task force also called Tuesday for an independent review of Boyd’s shooting.
“They’re viewing this man as kind of the enemy, in a combat situation, and that’s not really what they’re there to do — they’re there to ensure public safety,” Lipman said. “…This man lost his life because he was illegally camping.”
youtube video
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Homeless Man Shot by Officer Chrissie Coon
The Clark County Coroner's Office said a man shot during an encounter with a North Las Vegas police officer Monday died of a gunshot wound of the head.
Medical examiners identified the person as 38-year-old David L. Robinson.
According to NLVPD Public Information Officer Chrissie Coon, a uniformed officer was patrolling the area of Woodard Street and Tonopah Avenue about 1 a.m. when he saw a man identified as Robinson walking in a crosswalk. Coon said the officer informed dispatchers he was going to stop the person.
According to Coon, the encounter with the 38-year-old homeless man grew violent.
Within minutes of the encounter, the officer called dispatchers to say there had been shots fired and medical assistance was needed, according to police.
Police said the person shot by the officer died at the scene. There were no injuries to the officer.
An investigation revealed the officer stopped his patrol vehicle along the sidewalk and attempted to approach the man on foot. Police said the man was being uncooperative and he began to back way from the officer towards the backyard of an abandoned residence.
It wasn't until the officer walked towards the man that the incident escalated, police said.
Coon said a knife was recovered from the scene.
"At some point, the suspect presented a knife. The officer fired his weapon, striking the suspect multiple times," Coon said.
Police said the entire incident took place within 2 1/2 minutes.
"We really have to take our time to break that two minutes into pieces and see what exactly that officer was presented with when this incident occurred," said Coon.
Police said they target the area because of its high number of abandoned homes and buildings.
"It's becoming a public safety danger to have people in and around these house. Code enforcement is coming out and boarding up these houses. The homeless are coming in and taking those boards down, and you know there's electrical hazards and things of that nature," said Coon.
The officer in the shooting was only identified as a 31-year-old, five-year veteran of North Las Vegas police. He was placed on paid administrative leave.
The incident marked the first officer-involved shooting for North Las Vegas police this year.
Medical examiners identified the person as 38-year-old David L. Robinson.
According to NLVPD Public Information Officer Chrissie Coon, a uniformed officer was patrolling the area of Woodard Street and Tonopah Avenue about 1 a.m. when he saw a man identified as Robinson walking in a crosswalk. Coon said the officer informed dispatchers he was going to stop the person.
According to Coon, the encounter with the 38-year-old homeless man grew violent.
Within minutes of the encounter, the officer called dispatchers to say there had been shots fired and medical assistance was needed, according to police.
Police said the person shot by the officer died at the scene. There were no injuries to the officer.
An investigation revealed the officer stopped his patrol vehicle along the sidewalk and attempted to approach the man on foot. Police said the man was being uncooperative and he began to back way from the officer towards the backyard of an abandoned residence.
It wasn't until the officer walked towards the man that the incident escalated, police said.
Coon said a knife was recovered from the scene.
"At some point, the suspect presented a knife. The officer fired his weapon, striking the suspect multiple times," Coon said.
Police said the entire incident took place within 2 1/2 minutes.
"We really have to take our time to break that two minutes into pieces and see what exactly that officer was presented with when this incident occurred," said Coon.
Police said they target the area because of its high number of abandoned homes and buildings.
"It's becoming a public safety danger to have people in and around these house. Code enforcement is coming out and boarding up these houses. The homeless are coming in and taking those boards down, and you know there's electrical hazards and things of that nature," said Coon.
The officer in the shooting was only identified as a 31-year-old, five-year veteran of North Las Vegas police. He was placed on paid administrative leave.
The incident marked the first officer-involved shooting for North Las Vegas police this year.
Friday, February 07, 2014
Federal Officer Randal Sutterfield Arrested for Attempted Murder
Morales said the shooting involved CBP Officer Randal Wayne Sutterfield, 41, and his girlfriend's brother, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head. The victim is in stable condition but was taken to the McAllen Medical Center for treatment.
It took place about 2:30 a.m. in a residential area.
Sutterfield was transported to McAllen where he was charged with criminal attempted murder, a second-degree felony, and was waiting arraignment later Friday or Saturday, Morales said.
Sutterfield served as an agriculture specialist at the international bridge in Hidalgo for about four years, but is not on active duty, CBP said in a statement, adding that the agency is reviewing the matter.
“CBP stresses honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission, and the overwhelming majority of CBP employees and officers perform their duties with honor and distinction,” according to the CBP statement. “We do not tolerate corruption or abuse within our ranks, and we fully cooperate with any criminal or administrative investigation of alleged misconduct by any of our personnel, on or off duty.”
Retired Officer Curtis Reeves Accused of Shooting Man in Movie Theater Denied Bail
The 71-year-old ex-police officer accused of shooting dead a man
inside a Florida movie theater won't get the chance to go home -- at
least for now -- after a judge Friday decided not to grant him bail.
Judge Pat Siracusa made
his decision after two days of wrenching, evocative, at times seemingly
contradictory testimony inside a Dade City, Florida, courtroom.
"The state did, in fact,
meet their standard," Siracusa said of prosecutors argument that Curtis
Reeves shouldn't be allowed to post bond. "And I am going to detain Mr.
Reeves, pretrial. He will remain in custody."
Reeves' lawyer signaled
his intention to appeal a decision that -- while not unexpected, given
this is a homicide case -- he believes is unwarranted. The attorney,
Richard Escobar, said that he's optimistic about not only the appeal on
bail, but that a jury of six citizens will side with his client.
"Mr. Reeves is truly an
innocent man," Escobar told reporters. "And we look forward to proving
that at a jury trial at some point."
The widow of the man that Reeves killed, meanwhile, applauded Siracusa's decision.
"I'm just very happy and relieved," Nicole Oulson said. "... I have no doubt in my mind that it was the right decision."
Was it self-defense or an overreaction?
As Siracusa took pains
to point out, his opting not to grant bail has nothing to do with his or
others assessment of Reeves' guilt or innocence. That won't happen
until trial.
The date for that hasn't been set, though Siracusa did schedule the next pretrial hearing for March 12.
That falls on one day
under two full months since Chad Oulson was shot dead inside the Grove
16 theater in the Tampa suburb of Wesley Chapel.
Was the younger, more
physically imposing Oulson killed in self-defense, as Reeves' lawyer
claims? Or did Reeves overreact -- to the idea that Oulson was texting
his toddler daughter as movie previews played -- by taking out his gun
inside the theater and firing, as the prosecution argues?
The bail hearing, which began Wednesday and resumed Friday after a day off, served almost as a mini-trial in itself.
Both sides called witnesses, then often strongly challenged those put on the stand by the other side.
Reeves' daughter,
Jennifer Shaw, testified that her father was supportive and even-keeled,
having never erupted in anger at a stranger from her recollection.
The prosecution called a number of people who'd been in the Florida theater the afternoon of January 13.
Charles Cummings talked
about overhearing Reeves and Oulson talking, and at one point, the
latter said, "I'm just texting my 2-year-old daughter." Soon after that,
a "very agitated" Reeves left the theater, then returned a few minutes
later.
At that point, a fairly
calm Oulson -- according to Mark Douglas Turner, a retired Air Force
veteran who worked as a clandestine officer -- asked aloud whether he
could check a voice mail from his daughter's babysitter.
The situation devolved
after more words were exchanged. Alan Hamilton, an off-duty Sumter
County sheriff's corporal, said he heard Oulson say, "I am trying to
text my f**king daughter, if you don't mind" -- using graphic language
that Reeves' lawyer said suggested Oulson was angry and threatening.
Popcorn flew in Reeves' direction soon thereafter.
"And almost immediately," recalled Turner, who said Oulson threw the bag, "the gun comes out and there are shots fired."
Reeves to police: Oulson 'scared the crap out of me'
Hamilton testified that, soon thereafter, Reeves' wife told her husband "that was no cause to shoot anyone."
Reeves responded by
pointing his finger at her and saying, according to Hamilton, "You shut
your f**king mouth and don't say another word."
On Friday, those in the
Dade City courtroom got to hear from Reeves himself -- not because he
took the stand, but because audio of his interview with police was
played in court.
During that interview,
Reeves told police he had "reason to believe (Oulson) was going to kick
my ass" after Reeves confronted the 43-year-old Navy veteran over his
texting during the previews to "Lone Survivor."
Reeves and his wife both
told police that Oulson began using foul language, and Reeves left to
talk to a theater manager. When he returned, Oulson stood up and turned
to confront Reeves, he said.
"I see that he's very explosive, unnecessarily," Reeves told police. "It scared the crap out of me."
Oulson edged toward
Reeves -- and "he's virtually on top of me" -- and Reeves told him
either "no, no, no" or "whoa, whoa, whoa," he couldn't remember which,
he told the police interrogator.
"He hit me with
something. I assume it was his fist," Reeves told police. "I think he
had a cell phone in his hand because I saw the blur of the screen. ...
My face went sideways. My glasses came partially off."
In her own interview
with police, Vivian Reeves backed much of her husband's story, spelling
out the f-word for police as she described Oulson's language during the
altercation.
Asked, though, whether
she saw Chad Oulson strike Curtis Reeves, she replied no -- though she
said it's what her husband told her after the shooting.
The same went for the
various theater witnesses who testified earlier for the prosecution.
None of whom said that they saw Reeves getting hit by anything beyond
perhaps a bag or some kernels of popcorn before he opened fire.
Surveillance video captures theater shooting
Beyond hearing from
various witnesses, the public -- thanks to the gathered media -- got
their own glimpse of what happened inside that movie theater, thanks to
surveillance video.
The jumpy, grainy
footage shows Reeves return to his seat at 1:26:19 p.m., according to
the video's time stamp. Six seconds later, Reeves appears to lean
forward, but only for a second.
At 1:26:30 p.m., the
video stops -- likely because the motion sensors weren't activated,
according to previous testimony in Reeves' bail hearing this week -- but
it starts recording again five seconds later.
That's when a hand
extends in front of Reeves, from the seat where victim Chad Oulson was
reportedly sitting, and appears to snatch something from Reeves -- the
defense has repeatedly said Oulson threw popcorn -- and throws it into
Reeves' face.
Reeves' right hand, the
one Reeves told police he used to shoot Oulson, thrusts forward at
1:26:37 p.m. A strange dust falls in front of the surveillance video
lens as theater patrons begin walking over to the area where Reeves
remains seated.
It's the row behind
where a mortally wounded Oulson -- after stumbling then collapsing on
another moviegoer -- is taking his last breaths.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Officer Randall Kerrick Accused of Shooting Jonathan Ferrell
A North Carolina police officer accused of shooting and killing an
unarmed man who had apparently been in an automobile wreck is scheduled
to appear in court today to face a voluntary manslaughter charge.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officer Randall Kerrick is charged in the case.
Twenty-four-year-old Jonathan Ferrell, a former Florida A&M University football player, was killed early Saturday.
Charlotte-Meckleburg police say he had sought help at a nearby house. A woman answered the door and called 911 when she didn't recognize the man.
Officers responding to the breaking and entering call found Ferrell nearby. Ferrell ran toward the officers, who tried to stop him with a Taser. Police said he continued to run toward them when officer Randall Kerrick fired his gun, hitting Ferrell several times.
Ferrell died at the scene.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officer Randall Kerrick is charged in the case.
Twenty-four-year-old Jonathan Ferrell, a former Florida A&M University football player, was killed early Saturday.
Charlotte-Meckleburg police say he had sought help at a nearby house. A woman answered the door and called 911 when she didn't recognize the man.
Officers responding to the breaking and entering call found Ferrell nearby. Ferrell ran toward the officers, who tried to stop him with a Taser. Police said he continued to run toward them when officer Randall Kerrick fired his gun, hitting Ferrell several times.
Ferrell died at the scene.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Former Officer Michael Lohman Pleas Guilty to Shooting
A former lieutenant of the New Orleans Police Department, who is charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice, has entered a guilty plea. He is alleged of having helped cover up fellow officers’ fatal shootings of two unarmed people during the chaotic period following Hurricane Katrina.
Michael Lohman, 42, was not initially present at the scene of the shootings, which took place on the Danziger Bridge and which injured four people in addition to the two who were killed. However, Lohman later went to the scene and concluded that the shooting was unjustified, but nevertheless file false police reports. Additionally, as the officer in charge of investigating the shooting, he allegedly looked the other way when another investigator planted a gun at the scene of the crime, asking only if the weapon in question was “clean” — police parlance for a gun that cannot be traced back to a prior crime.
According to survivors of the September 4, 2005 incident, the police fired at people who were crossing the bridge in search of food, during the aftermath of the infamous hurricane which threw the city into turmoil. None of those people were armed.
Killed by police gunfire were a 40-year-old mentally disable man, Ronald Madison, and a teenager, 19-year-old James Brissette.
A recently unsealed indictment says that Lohman and two sergeants, who remain unidentified, wrote two different accounts of the bridge shootings, both false reports. One of claims made was that a victim had come forward to say that her nephew was among those firing guns at police. Federal officials contend that Lohman, unhappy with a false report written by a fellow investigator, then crafted his own false report. He also allegedly told the investigator to collude with the shooters, to make sure that they were “OK with” the bogus report and with giving statements that would back it up.
Seven officers had been charged with murder or attempted murder in the shooting, but a state judge dismissed those charges in 2008, making Lohman the first person to face justice. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 26.
In the days following Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that resulted, there were numerous reports of violence against police and rescue personnel, many of which were later proven untrue. The shootings on the bridge were one of the most highly publicized events, and this notoriety may account for the subsequent cover-up, which U.S. Attorney Jim Letten has called “a pretty elaborate ongoing conspiracy.”
Michael Lohman, 42, was not initially present at the scene of the shootings, which took place on the Danziger Bridge and which injured four people in addition to the two who were killed. However, Lohman later went to the scene and concluded that the shooting was unjustified, but nevertheless file false police reports. Additionally, as the officer in charge of investigating the shooting, he allegedly looked the other way when another investigator planted a gun at the scene of the crime, asking only if the weapon in question was “clean” — police parlance for a gun that cannot be traced back to a prior crime.
According to survivors of the September 4, 2005 incident, the police fired at people who were crossing the bridge in search of food, during the aftermath of the infamous hurricane which threw the city into turmoil. None of those people were armed.
Killed by police gunfire were a 40-year-old mentally disable man, Ronald Madison, and a teenager, 19-year-old James Brissette.
A recently unsealed indictment says that Lohman and two sergeants, who remain unidentified, wrote two different accounts of the bridge shootings, both false reports. One of claims made was that a victim had come forward to say that her nephew was among those firing guns at police. Federal officials contend that Lohman, unhappy with a false report written by a fellow investigator, then crafted his own false report. He also allegedly told the investigator to collude with the shooters, to make sure that they were “OK with” the bogus report and with giving statements that would back it up.
Seven officers had been charged with murder or attempted murder in the shooting, but a state judge dismissed those charges in 2008, making Lohman the first person to face justice. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 26.
In the days following Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that resulted, there were numerous reports of violence against police and rescue personnel, many of which were later proven untrue. The shootings on the bridge were one of the most highly publicized events, and this notoriety may account for the subsequent cover-up, which U.S. Attorney Jim Letten has called “a pretty elaborate ongoing conspiracy.”
Former Officer Kills Man at Sports Bar
A former Chisholm police officer is facing possible murder charges after a shooting at a sports bar on Saturday night.
Authorities say a 47-year-old patron was killed and another suffered life-threatening injuries when the suspect opened fire with one of two handguns inside Jim's Sports Club Bar and Grill just before 10 p.m.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Andy Skoogman said that the suspect had been kicked out of the bar minutes earlier after an altercation with a group of people sitting in the bar with his former wife.
Skoogman said the suspect, a former police officer in the '80s, returned minutes after being kicked out of the bar with two handguns.
"He fired off 5 shots, injuring two people and fatally shooting a third person," Skoogman said. "All three were sitting at the same table as his ex-wife and all three were shot at close range.
"We believe this was a domestic dispute that took place in a public place. It escalated to an extremely violent situation and the true tragedy here is that the victims are all individuals who tried to keep the peace."
A third patron was also wounded in the shooting, and authorities say as many as 100 people may have been in the bar at the time.
Police say a bystander knocked out the suspect with a chair to end the shooting.
----------------------------------
More Information
Authorities say a 47-year-old patron was killed and another suffered life-threatening injuries when the suspect opened fire with one of two handguns inside Jim's Sports Club Bar and Grill just before 10 p.m.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Andy Skoogman said that the suspect had been kicked out of the bar minutes earlier after an altercation with a group of people sitting in the bar with his former wife.
Skoogman said the suspect, a former police officer in the '80s, returned minutes after being kicked out of the bar with two handguns.
"He fired off 5 shots, injuring two people and fatally shooting a third person," Skoogman said. "All three were sitting at the same table as his ex-wife and all three were shot at close range.
"We believe this was a domestic dispute that took place in a public place. It escalated to an extremely violent situation and the true tragedy here is that the victims are all individuals who tried to keep the peace."
A third patron was also wounded in the shooting, and authorities say as many as 100 people may have been in the bar at the time.
Police say a bystander knocked out the suspect with a chair to end the shooting.
----------------------------------
More Information
Monday, March 01, 2010
Former Officer Pleads Guilty in Katrina Killing
A former police lieutenant pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to obstruct justice after federal officials say he helped cover for officers who killed two people on a bridge in the chaos following Hurricane Katrina.
Federal investigators say former lieutenant Michael Lohman knew two people shot to death as they crossed the Danziger Bridge had no weapons, but he and others filed false reports to make the shootings seem justified. Four other people were wounded.
Family members of the victims gathered at the downtown federal courthouse as Lohman arrived to enter his plea.
“We are very, very happy about the progress that the FBI and the US Justice Department have made,’’ said Dr. Romell Madison, brother of Ronald Madison, who was killed on the bridge.
“It’s a tremendous relief for us to see some sort of closure. The people of New Orleans should be relieved that there is still justice for everybody here.’’
Seven officers were charged with murder or attempted murder in the Sept. 4, 2005, shootings, just days after Katrina smashed levees and flooded 80 percent of the city.
But a state judge dismissed the charges in 2008.
Until Lohman’s plea yesterday, no one had been convicted in the deaths of Madison, 40, a mentally disabled man, and James Brissette, 19.
Four others were wounded.
Federal investigators say former lieutenant Michael Lohman knew two people shot to death as they crossed the Danziger Bridge had no weapons, but he and others filed false reports to make the shootings seem justified. Four other people were wounded.
Family members of the victims gathered at the downtown federal courthouse as Lohman arrived to enter his plea.
“We are very, very happy about the progress that the FBI and the US Justice Department have made,’’ said Dr. Romell Madison, brother of Ronald Madison, who was killed on the bridge.
“It’s a tremendous relief for us to see some sort of closure. The people of New Orleans should be relieved that there is still justice for everybody here.’’
Seven officers were charged with murder or attempted murder in the Sept. 4, 2005, shootings, just days after Katrina smashed levees and flooded 80 percent of the city.
But a state judge dismissed the charges in 2008.
Until Lohman’s plea yesterday, no one had been convicted in the deaths of Madison, 40, a mentally disabled man, and James Brissette, 19.
Four others were wounded.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Former Officer Christopher Swanson Will Stand Trial for Shooting
A former Salinas police officer will be required to stand trial on a felony charge of discharging his firearm with gross negligence stemming from a 2009 incident during which he and another officer fired 14 shots into a vehicle occupied by two unarmed people.
A jury trial for Christopher Swanson, 37, is scheduled to begin March 24 in the courtroom of Superior Court Judge Russell D. Scott.
Swanson was on the Salinas police force for about a year late Feb. 3, 2009, when he pulled over a Ford Expedition SUV about 11:30 p.m. in a violence-torn neighborhood in East Salinas.
The routine traffic stop turned volatile when thought he heard a pop, saw what he believed was the flash of a gun muzzle, and felt what he assumed was a bullet striking his Kevlar vest.
As he reeled away from the car, he heard several gunshots fired by officer Steven Mattocks. Swanson then opened fire.
The officers put 14 rounds into the SUV, shattering the rear window and a side window, but did not injure the occupants.
Swanson was terminated from the force, and the city of Salinas paid a settlement of $130,000 each to driver Adriana Velazquez and passenger Julio Hernandez.
Judge Scott determined Thursday that sufficient evidence was presented during pre-trial hearings to warrant a trial, concluding that Swanson "grossly overreacted" after misinterpreting a series of events.
Swanson's defense attorney, Mike Lawrence, suggested during hearings the popping sound the officer heard might have been created when Hernandez crushed a beer can while attempting to conceal it. He implied the flash could have been a reflection from Swanson's flashlight off the can, or a change purse, or CDs in the vehicle.
But Scott noted Mattocks heard and saw nothing as he stood at the passenger-side window, and opened fire because he thought Swanson yelled, "I've been shot!" Swanson testified Thursday that he didn't recall yelling "I've been shot!"
Lawrence expressed confidence Friday the evidence that will be presented during the trial will clear Swanson, a retired Marine who served two combat tours in Iraq before becoming a police officer.
"There is a substantial difference between a preliminary hearing and a jury trial," he said. "At the jury trial, all the witnesses will be subpoenaed and we're confident that we can show that the beer can played a significant part in officer Swanson's perceptions that night in a dangerous area of the city."
Swanson faces as much as three years in prison, or as little as probation, if convicted.
A jury trial for Christopher Swanson, 37, is scheduled to begin March 24 in the courtroom of Superior Court Judge Russell D. Scott.
Swanson was on the Salinas police force for about a year late Feb. 3, 2009, when he pulled over a Ford Expedition SUV about 11:30 p.m. in a violence-torn neighborhood in East Salinas.
The routine traffic stop turned volatile when thought he heard a pop, saw what he believed was the flash of a gun muzzle, and felt what he assumed was a bullet striking his Kevlar vest.
As he reeled away from the car, he heard several gunshots fired by officer Steven Mattocks. Swanson then opened fire.
The officers put 14 rounds into the SUV, shattering the rear window and a side window, but did not injure the occupants.
Swanson was terminated from the force, and the city of Salinas paid a settlement of $130,000 each to driver Adriana Velazquez and passenger Julio Hernandez.
Judge Scott determined Thursday that sufficient evidence was presented during pre-trial hearings to warrant a trial, concluding that Swanson "grossly overreacted" after misinterpreting a series of events.
Swanson's defense attorney, Mike Lawrence, suggested during hearings the popping sound the officer heard might have been created when Hernandez crushed a beer can while attempting to conceal it. He implied the flash could have been a reflection from Swanson's flashlight off the can, or a change purse, or CDs in the vehicle.
But Scott noted Mattocks heard and saw nothing as he stood at the passenger-side window, and opened fire because he thought Swanson yelled, "I've been shot!" Swanson testified Thursday that he didn't recall yelling "I've been shot!"
Lawrence expressed confidence Friday the evidence that will be presented during the trial will clear Swanson, a retired Marine who served two combat tours in Iraq before becoming a police officer.
"There is a substantial difference between a preliminary hearing and a jury trial," he said. "At the jury trial, all the witnesses will be subpoenaed and we're confident that we can show that the beer can played a significant part in officer Swanson's perceptions that night in a dangerous area of the city."
Swanson faces as much as three years in prison, or as little as probation, if convicted.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Brian Macias Shot by His Father
The Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Friday identified the 17-year-old boy who was shot to death by his father in an unincorporated county area near Monrovia.
Brian Macias died Thursday night after his father fired on him during an argument inside a home in the 100 block of East Andre Street, Coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter said.
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m., sheriff's Deputy Aura Sierra said.
The boy's father is a reserve LAPD officer. He was not arrested, and authorities have not identified him.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating the homicide.
They have said it appears to be self defense.
A group of young men who identified themselves as Macias' friends said Friday the teen was a senior at Monrovia High School.
They said said Macias aspired to go to college and become a police officer. They doubted that an argument between the teen and his father needed to end in death.
"He was always respectful to his father because his father was a cop and he wanted to be a cop," said Paul Gilbert, 17."He was just a nice kid, he didn't mean any harm to anybody."
Brian Macias died Thursday night after his father fired on him during an argument inside a home in the 100 block of East Andre Street, Coroner's Assistant Chief Ed Winter said.
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m., sheriff's Deputy Aura Sierra said.
The boy's father is a reserve LAPD officer. He was not arrested, and authorities have not identified him.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating the homicide.
They have said it appears to be self defense.
They said said Macias aspired to go to college and become a police officer. They doubted that an argument between the teen and his father needed to end in death.
"He was always respectful to his father because his father was a cop and he wanted to be a cop," said Paul Gilbert, 17."He was just a nice kid, he didn't mean any harm to anybody."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Former Officer Michael Lohman Preparing to Enter Guilty Plea
A former New Orleans police official is preparing to enter a guilty plea in connection with a federal probe of a deadly police shooting in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath, two people familiar with the case said Tuesday.
Former police Lt. Michael Lohman is expected to enter the plea Wednesday in U.S. District Court, and he is cooperating with prosecutors, said the two people. They requested anonymity because the charge would not be announced before his court appearance.
It's unclear what charge he faces because the case hasn't been unsealed. Lohman wasn't one of the seven police officers charged in the shooting on the Danziger bridge several days after Katrina's landfall in August 2005. He helped oversee a department probe of the men's actions.
A lawyer for one of the original defendants said federal investigators have been looking into what they described as a "corrupt investigation" of the fatal shootings of Ronald Madison, a 40-year-old mentally disabled man, and James Brissette, 19.
The Justice Department's civil rights division opened its investigation after a judge threw out state murder and attempted murder charges against the seven in 2008. So far, lawyers for two other officers have identified their clients as targets of the current probe.
Sgt. Robert Gisevius, who was charged in state court with first-degree murder and attempted murder, received a letter informing federal authorities were targeting him. His attorney, Eric Hessler, said the letter accused him of using excessive force and participating in a "corrupt investigation" of the shooting. Hessler defended his client's actions.
"By all accounts, he was involved in a situation where a reasonable person would be in fear for his life," he said.
Steve London, a lawyer for New Orleans police Sgt. Arthur Kaufman, said his client also received a letter informing him he is a target of a federal investigation. The letter doesn't specify why, but Kaufman worked on the department's investigation of the bridge shooting. Kaufman wasn't one of the seven who faced state charges.
London said his client denies any wrongdoing.
"My client is a 30-year police veteran with not one complaint, has received many awards and is considered an exemplary officer," he said.
Lohman, who retired earlier this month, helped supervise the department's investigation of the fatal shootings, said Fraternal Order of Police spokesman Donovan Livaccari.
Lohman's attorney, Dylan Utley, and U.S. Attorney Jim Letten wouldn't comment Tuesday.
Police superintendent Warren Riley said, "We hope that justice is served," declining to elaborate.
The case is among several involving New Orleans police in Katrina's aftermath that are being probed by the federal government. The others include the fatal shooting of Danny Brumfield Sr. outside the New Orleans convention center; the death of Henry Glover, whom witnesses claim died in police custody; and the fatal police shooting of a Connecticut man, Matthew McDonald.
Survivors of the Sept. 4, 2005, shootings on the Danziger bridge have said the officers fired at unarmed people who were crossing to get food at a grocery store. Madison and Brissette were shot and killed by police; four other people were wounded.
The officers acknowledged shooting at people on the bridge, but said they did so only after taking fire.
Katrina struck on Aug. 29, 2005. In its aftermath, levees broke, flooding 80 percent of New Orleans. Chaos gripped the city, and looting was reported in some areas. Rescuers sometimes said they thought gunfire was directed at them.
Survivors of the bridge shooting said in civil suits that they were ambushed by the officers who jumped out of the back of a rental truck.
Daniel G. Abel, a lawyer for the Brissette family, said they are grateful for investigators' work on the case.
"This first conviction bolsters their hope that the individuals responsible for these and related crimes will be brought to justice," Abel said.
Gisevius, Sgt. Kenneth Bowen, Officer Anthony Villavaso II and former Officer Robert Faulcon Jr. each faced first-degree murder and attempted murder charges in the case. State district Judge Raymond Bigelow also threw out attempted first-degree murder charges against Officer Mike Hunter Jr. and Officer Robert Barrios and attempted second-degree murder charges against Officer Ignatius Hills.
Faulcon resigned from the police force; the other officers were assigned to desk duty after their indictment.
Former police Lt. Michael Lohman is expected to enter the plea Wednesday in U.S. District Court, and he is cooperating with prosecutors, said the two people. They requested anonymity because the charge would not be announced before his court appearance.
It's unclear what charge he faces because the case hasn't been unsealed. Lohman wasn't one of the seven police officers charged in the shooting on the Danziger bridge several days after Katrina's landfall in August 2005. He helped oversee a department probe of the men's actions.
A lawyer for one of the original defendants said federal investigators have been looking into what they described as a "corrupt investigation" of the fatal shootings of Ronald Madison, a 40-year-old mentally disabled man, and James Brissette, 19.
The Justice Department's civil rights division opened its investigation after a judge threw out state murder and attempted murder charges against the seven in 2008. So far, lawyers for two other officers have identified their clients as targets of the current probe.
Sgt. Robert Gisevius, who was charged in state court with first-degree murder and attempted murder, received a letter informing federal authorities were targeting him. His attorney, Eric Hessler, said the letter accused him of using excessive force and participating in a "corrupt investigation" of the shooting. Hessler defended his client's actions.
"By all accounts, he was involved in a situation where a reasonable person would be in fear for his life," he said.
Steve London, a lawyer for New Orleans police Sgt. Arthur Kaufman, said his client also received a letter informing him he is a target of a federal investigation. The letter doesn't specify why, but Kaufman worked on the department's investigation of the bridge shooting. Kaufman wasn't one of the seven who faced state charges.
London said his client denies any wrongdoing.
"My client is a 30-year police veteran with not one complaint, has received many awards and is considered an exemplary officer," he said.
Lohman, who retired earlier this month, helped supervise the department's investigation of the fatal shootings, said Fraternal Order of Police spokesman Donovan Livaccari.
Lohman's attorney, Dylan Utley, and U.S. Attorney Jim Letten wouldn't comment Tuesday.
Police superintendent Warren Riley said, "We hope that justice is served," declining to elaborate.
The case is among several involving New Orleans police in Katrina's aftermath that are being probed by the federal government. The others include the fatal shooting of Danny Brumfield Sr. outside the New Orleans convention center; the death of Henry Glover, whom witnesses claim died in police custody; and the fatal police shooting of a Connecticut man, Matthew McDonald.
Survivors of the Sept. 4, 2005, shootings on the Danziger bridge have said the officers fired at unarmed people who were crossing to get food at a grocery store. Madison and Brissette were shot and killed by police; four other people were wounded.
The officers acknowledged shooting at people on the bridge, but said they did so only after taking fire.
Katrina struck on Aug. 29, 2005. In its aftermath, levees broke, flooding 80 percent of New Orleans. Chaos gripped the city, and looting was reported in some areas. Rescuers sometimes said they thought gunfire was directed at them.
Survivors of the bridge shooting said in civil suits that they were ambushed by the officers who jumped out of the back of a rental truck.
Daniel G. Abel, a lawyer for the Brissette family, said they are grateful for investigators' work on the case.
"This first conviction bolsters their hope that the individuals responsible for these and related crimes will be brought to justice," Abel said.
Gisevius, Sgt. Kenneth Bowen, Officer Anthony Villavaso II and former Officer Robert Faulcon Jr. each faced first-degree murder and attempted murder charges in the case. State district Judge Raymond Bigelow also threw out attempted first-degree murder charges against Officer Mike Hunter Jr. and Officer Robert Barrios and attempted second-degree murder charges against Officer Ignatius Hills.
Faulcon resigned from the police force; the other officers were assigned to desk duty after their indictment.
Officer Jim Torrez Being Investigated in Shooting Death
The Platteville police officer who is being investigated for his role in the shooting death of a 30-year-old man last month was fired from his previous job as Frederick Police Chief.
In 2006, Frederick's town administrator Derek Todd accused Jim Torrez, 50, of using town resources to run his personal firearms-training business, Tactical Skills Institute, according to a Longmont Times-Call article dated June 20, 2006.
Torrez was terminated on March 20, 2006.
In the article, Todd said he cited Torrez with 12 personnel policy violations. He said some of those were related to his business and some were not. Todd did not elaborate on the other citations.
Torrez had been with the Frederick Police Department since 1993, according to the article. In the article, Todd said, "Many of these violations have taken place for many years."
Torrez is now an officer with the Platteville Police Department.
On Jan. 24 of this year, Torrez shot and killed Matt Herrera in a mobile home park in Platteville.
The shooting occurred after a brief car chase. Torrez told police that Herrera tried to run him over with his car, but Herrera's fiancée, who witnessed the shooting, says Herrera did nothing to provoke Torrez.
The Weld County District Attorney has asked a grand jury to review the report and decide if charges against Torrez are warranted.
He is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
In 2006, Frederick's town administrator Derek Todd accused Jim Torrez, 50, of using town resources to run his personal firearms-training business, Tactical Skills Institute, according to a Longmont Times-Call article dated June 20, 2006.
Torrez was terminated on March 20, 2006.
In the article, Todd said he cited Torrez with 12 personnel policy violations. He said some of those were related to his business and some were not. Todd did not elaborate on the other citations.
Torrez had been with the Frederick Police Department since 1993, according to the article. In the article, Todd said, "Many of these violations have taken place for many years."
Torrez is now an officer with the Platteville Police Department.
On Jan. 24 of this year, Torrez shot and killed Matt Herrera in a mobile home park in Platteville.
The shooting occurred after a brief car chase. Torrez told police that Herrera tried to run him over with his car, but Herrera's fiancée, who witnessed the shooting, says Herrera did nothing to provoke Torrez.
The Weld County District Attorney has asked a grand jury to review the report and decide if charges against Torrez are warranted.
He is currently on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
David Gardner Shot by Diabetic Cop Files Lawsuit
A former QuikTrip driver who was shot by a police officer in 2007 said his life hasn't been the same since the shooting.
It happened on Sept. 24, 2007, at St. John Avenue and Belmont Boulevard in northeast Kansas City.
David Gardner, who drove semi-trailers for QuikTrip, said he was backing up his big rig when gunfire ripped through him and his truck, forcing him out of the cab and onto the ground.
"Just out of the blue -- shot. I started hearing shot after shot. The very first shot went through my driver's side window," Gardner told KMBC's Peggy Breit. "I remember looking up and just seeing people running, ducking, hiding. I could hear shots behind me."
Gardner was hit in the side and the back. Kansas City police officers came to his aid.
Gardner said he later learned that the officer who had shot him had diabetes and was suffering from a hypoglycemic, or low blood sugar, episode.
"I've kind of lost that trust in, 'They're here to protect and serve.' For me, it's hard to believe anymore," Gardner said.
Gardner said he's recovered physically but not mentally. He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Gardner still works for QuikTrip, only now it's in the warehouse in Belton. He said his salary is much lower than his driver pay was.
Gardner said it was his choice to work in the warehouse, because he said he feels unsafe to drive a big rig again. He said he's still too jumpy, especially around police.
"I don't want to be behind an 80,000-pound vehicle and have an officer come up beside me. I don't know for sure what would happen, but I don't want to put other people's lives at stake," Gardner said.
Gardner has filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City Police Department, claiming the department knew that Officer Joel Ritchie could be a danger to himself or others.
Ritchie had had two previous diabetic-related incidents on the job. Both were serious enough that responding officers removed his weapon and called for an ambulance.
Gardner said living with the fallout from the shooting has put tremendous strain on him and his family, especially financially.
"It just gets more and more difficult," Gardner said. "It's like a movie -- you can try and pause it or stop it or, but it's always there to replay."
After the shooting, Ritchie worked in police dispatch but has since left the police department.
In response to the lawsuit, the department said neither they nor Ritchie should be held responsible for the shooting. They said no one knew Ritchie's diabetes could trigger such an incident.
Gardner's attorney said officers are trained in the police academy to prepare for a wide range of behaviors from diabetics.
The police department has no policy regarding officers who are diabetic.
Gardner said he knows QuikTrip has a policy for employees who are diabetic because he has diabetes.
It happened on Sept. 24, 2007, at St. John Avenue and Belmont Boulevard in northeast Kansas City.
David Gardner, who drove semi-trailers for QuikTrip, said he was backing up his big rig when gunfire ripped through him and his truck, forcing him out of the cab and onto the ground.
"Just out of the blue -- shot. I started hearing shot after shot. The very first shot went through my driver's side window," Gardner told KMBC's Peggy Breit. "I remember looking up and just seeing people running, ducking, hiding. I could hear shots behind me."
Gardner was hit in the side and the back. Kansas City police officers came to his aid.
Gardner said he later learned that the officer who had shot him had diabetes and was suffering from a hypoglycemic, or low blood sugar, episode.
"I've kind of lost that trust in, 'They're here to protect and serve.' For me, it's hard to believe anymore," Gardner said.
Gardner said he's recovered physically but not mentally. He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Gardner still works for QuikTrip, only now it's in the warehouse in Belton. He said his salary is much lower than his driver pay was.
Gardner said it was his choice to work in the warehouse, because he said he feels unsafe to drive a big rig again. He said he's still too jumpy, especially around police.
"I don't want to be behind an 80,000-pound vehicle and have an officer come up beside me. I don't know for sure what would happen, but I don't want to put other people's lives at stake," Gardner said.
Gardner has filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City Police Department, claiming the department knew that Officer Joel Ritchie could be a danger to himself or others.
Ritchie had had two previous diabetic-related incidents on the job. Both were serious enough that responding officers removed his weapon and called for an ambulance.
Gardner said living with the fallout from the shooting has put tremendous strain on him and his family, especially financially.
"It just gets more and more difficult," Gardner said. "It's like a movie -- you can try and pause it or stop it or, but it's always there to replay."
After the shooting, Ritchie worked in police dispatch but has since left the police department.
In response to the lawsuit, the department said neither they nor Ritchie should be held responsible for the shooting. They said no one knew Ritchie's diabetes could trigger such an incident.
Gardner's attorney said officers are trained in the police academy to prepare for a wide range of behaviors from diabetics.
The police department has no policy regarding officers who are diabetic.
Gardner said he knows QuikTrip has a policy for employees who are diabetic because he has diabetes.
Officer Amparo Sierra Pena Senteced to Just 10 Years PROBATION for Shooting Husband
A certified peace officer has now received 10 years probation for shooting her common law husband in the back.
Amparo Sierra Pena was sentenced in the 406th district court this morning during which the defense told a judge "it was only one shot."
Pena, who is a certified peace officer shot her common law husband in the back in may of last year after he decided to move out.
During her 10-year probation, she will not be allowed to carry, posses or use any firearm and must attend anger management.
She could have gotten jail time but her husband, who still lives with Pena, refused to testify in the case.
Amparo Sierra Pena was sentenced in the 406th district court this morning during which the defense told a judge "it was only one shot."
Pena, who is a certified peace officer shot her common law husband in the back in may of last year after he decided to move out.
During her 10-year probation, she will not be allowed to carry, posses or use any firearm and must attend anger management.
She could have gotten jail time but her husband, who still lives with Pena, refused to testify in the case.
Officer James Peters Involved in 6 Shootings
Sergeant Mark Clark, the spokesman for the Scottsdale Police department, said explaining the shooting history of one of his officers can be difficult.
"We're scratching our heads because we're absolutely amazed," said Clark.
Officer James Peters has been involved in more officer-involved shootings than any other officer on duty in the state of Arizona. A total of six. And in four of those cases, Peters fired a bullet that killed a suspect.
"As a matter of fact, there's no one at the Scottsdale police department that isn't absolutely astonished that this officer has been involved, used deadly force, so many times when a lot of officers have gone through their whole careers and not have to use deadly force," said Sgt. Clark.
In his first incident, Peters shot at a suspect in a domestic SWAT situation, but missed. That suspect recovered from other wounds, according to police.
But the officer's aim improved. In this next three shootings, he shot and killed a disbarred lawyer who was pacing a can with a shotgun, a suspect who reportedly tried to attack another officer with a pipe and a gunman holding a hostage in a supermarket.
"The suspect had the manager -- something like you might see in a movie -- had the manager around the neck with the gun pointing to his head and was backing out the door," said Clark.
In all of those cases, multiple police and county attorney investigations ruled Peters' actions were justified. He was even heralded as a hero and was the focus of an article in an industry newsletter found on policeone.com.
Yet, a CBS5 source who has investigated Peters before and who asked to remain anonymous, questions not only Peters' record, but also the ability of the department to remain unbiased.
In fact, the Scottsdale police department settled with a shooting victim's family out of court in the officer's fifth shooting after Peters and others cut the power to a suspect's home and then fatally shot him when he came out with a gun to investigate, according to police.
"Officers were responding to being shot at in that particular incident. It's important to note that, although you guys know that there was a settlement. There certainly was facts that were beyond the legal and certainly financial considerations of the city and their legal department," said Clark.
On Wednesday night, Peters and another officer opened fire on Jimmy Hammack, a bank robbery suspect, after they say Hammack jumped in his truck and drove right at them. Hammack is in critical condition. If the investigation into this latest shooting fits the pattern of all the others, however, Peters will be cleared within a week and back on the street.
"It's just one of those things where I don't know if we're ever going to be able to explain it. I don't know if you are ever going to be able to explain it. It happened. Every single case, this officer that the investigations were completed on, he reacted exactly the way officers are trained to react," said Clark.
Sergeant Clark said his department has reviewed it's procedures to see if there is anything Scottsdale is doing that might regularly put Peters in harms way, but said they found nothing. To date, Officer Peters has passed every psychological evaluation, and his superiors said despite his luck, he is more than fit to serve. The Wednesday night shooting is currently being investigated by Phoenix police.
"We're scratching our heads because we're absolutely amazed," said Clark.
Officer James Peters has been involved in more officer-involved shootings than any other officer on duty in the state of Arizona. A total of six. And in four of those cases, Peters fired a bullet that killed a suspect.
"As a matter of fact, there's no one at the Scottsdale police department that isn't absolutely astonished that this officer has been involved, used deadly force, so many times when a lot of officers have gone through their whole careers and not have to use deadly force," said Sgt. Clark.
In his first incident, Peters shot at a suspect in a domestic SWAT situation, but missed. That suspect recovered from other wounds, according to police.
But the officer's aim improved. In this next three shootings, he shot and killed a disbarred lawyer who was pacing a can with a shotgun, a suspect who reportedly tried to attack another officer with a pipe and a gunman holding a hostage in a supermarket.
"The suspect had the manager -- something like you might see in a movie -- had the manager around the neck with the gun pointing to his head and was backing out the door," said Clark.
In all of those cases, multiple police and county attorney investigations ruled Peters' actions were justified. He was even heralded as a hero and was the focus of an article in an industry newsletter found on policeone.com.
Yet, a CBS5 source who has investigated Peters before and who asked to remain anonymous, questions not only Peters' record, but also the ability of the department to remain unbiased.
In fact, the Scottsdale police department settled with a shooting victim's family out of court in the officer's fifth shooting after Peters and others cut the power to a suspect's home and then fatally shot him when he came out with a gun to investigate, according to police.
"Officers were responding to being shot at in that particular incident. It's important to note that, although you guys know that there was a settlement. There certainly was facts that were beyond the legal and certainly financial considerations of the city and their legal department," said Clark.
On Wednesday night, Peters and another officer opened fire on Jimmy Hammack, a bank robbery suspect, after they say Hammack jumped in his truck and drove right at them. Hammack is in critical condition. If the investigation into this latest shooting fits the pattern of all the others, however, Peters will be cleared within a week and back on the street.
"It's just one of those things where I don't know if we're ever going to be able to explain it. I don't know if you are ever going to be able to explain it. It happened. Every single case, this officer that the investigations were completed on, he reacted exactly the way officers are trained to react," said Clark.
Sergeant Clark said his department has reviewed it's procedures to see if there is anything Scottsdale is doing that might regularly put Peters in harms way, but said they found nothing. To date, Officer Peters has passed every psychological evaluation, and his superiors said despite his luck, he is more than fit to serve. The Wednesday night shooting is currently being investigated by Phoenix police.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)