Cops: the hits keep coming - literally...

[widebody911]

Maybe this cop was pissed for not being called up into the NHL. The kid he hit is still in a coma.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9llvTQn8v-c

http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=364153

[the]

Should have tased him instead.

[Zeke]

Certainly not the smartest move the cop could have made. Running away does have it's consequences. Too bad it worked out like that.

These days in the LB, we are getting either a homicide, shooting, or a cop shooting a "suspect" a couple times a week, mostly on weekends. I think things are on edge only to get worse. I'd like to know what went on in the last 48 hours of the cop in the video, not that it makes any difference other than understanding a little more why these guys go off like they do.

[Tim Hancock]

He shoved the guy.... Unfortunately the guy hit his head on the wall. Accidents happen, but ultimately, I am glad cops go all out when they chase bad guys. I NEVER have felt any pity for when a fleeing perp gets a couple fists or boots after they are run down. I do feel bad for this guy if it is true he was not tthe bad guy, but like I said, accidents occasionally happen in all aspects of life.

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by the

Should have tased him instead.

No justification for a taser either. Bad call on the cops part. The kid was backing up for crying out loud.

[Gogar]

Whatever. Fire that cop right now.

[Zeke]

You know what would have happened if the kid ducked?? That's kinda too bad that he didn't have the presence of mind.

[the]

I'm starting to believe that while certainly livening up an otherwise dull day, making the police chase you isn't the best idea.

[Super_Dave_D]

The guy was fingered by someone and he ran??? It appears to be a tragic accident. Why the heck did he run? The cop just pushed him down.

Now if they started to lay 'hay-makers' on him and kick him while he was out cold then I would have a major issue.

[Heel n Toe]

What is correct procedure for police (when approaching a suspect) in regards to identifying themselves? This could have been avoided if the kid knew who they were... maybe he wouldn't have run.
_____________________________________
Deputy who tackled innocent man placed on leave
by Marlee Ginter

Originally printed at http://www.komonews.com/news/local/44843582.html

SEATTLE -- The King County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident involving a deputy that left a man in a coma.

Christopher Harris has been in critical condition ever since he was tackled by a deputy who thought Harris was a suspect in a knife attack. Harris, 29, suffered multiple skull fractures and is currently on life support at Harborview Medical Center.

"The 270-pound young officer hit him, full-force, tackled him and drove his head into the wall," said Todd Keeling, Harris' stepfather.

Sgt. John Urquhart said Dep. Matthew Paul, 26, tackled Harris because he ran when deputies ordered him to stop.

Witnesses said several men, some covered in blood, ran into a convenience store where Harris had been shopping. Deputies chasing down the suspect were mistakenly told by witnesses that Harris was the man they wanted. Harris had not been in the fight, but he ran.

But Harris' family attorney argues anyone else would have reacted in a similar fashion.

"If you see a 275-pound man and another man both in paramilitary outfits, yelling at you from half a block away down a dark alley and they don't identify themselves as policeman but yell at you, 'Hey!' I think that's good cause to run," said attorney Sim Osborn.

Osborn claims the deputies had the real suspects right in front of them, but chased Harris instead.

"He had blood all over him," he said.

The sheriff's office is investigating the incident, but detectives do not believe Paul, a four-year veteran of the force, meant to hurt him.

"This is a huge tragedy certainly for Christopher Harris and his family, but for our deputy as well. This looks to be nothing more than an accident. Certainly the deputy didn't plan on injuring Christopher, as it turned out," said Urquhart.

Urquhart said another deputy, 28-year-old Joseph Eshom, was involved in the foot chase. Eshom, who has been with the department for about two years, transferred from the Phoenix Police Department.

Both Paul and Eshom are assigned to the graveyard shift of Metro Transit Police duty to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on overnight bus routes.

Eshom is scheduled to return to work on Wednesday. Paul, however, will be placed on administrative leave for the duration of the investigation as is protocol.

Sheriff's detectives expect to complete the investigation in a few days, at which time the Seattle Police Department will review the findings as requested by King County Sheriff Sue Rahr.

If the probe finds no criminal conduct on the part of either deputy, detectives said the case would be reviewed by the Internal Investigation Unit and disciplinary action may result.

[Jeff Higgins]

The KOMO story above is out of date (from May 12th). The sheriff has already ruled there was no criminal action on the part of their deputy. Anyone surprised?

So, a very fit 26 year old deputy tackles a man with that kind of force and they contend he "did not mean to hurt him"??!! And now, the Seattle Police Department will review the Sheriff Office's findings??!! Yup, there is "fair and unbiased" for you.

Citizens's review boards, people - citizens' review boards. Of course we had one in Seattle (comprised of former mayors, congress people, etc.) that quit in frustration over the fact that the chief had veto authority over any and all of their decisions.

We, as citizens of a "free" country, have the right to decide what is acceptable from our police. We, as citizens, have the final word. Not other police.

[Jim Bremner]

275# COP plus 40 MORE POUNDS OF GEAR

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by the

Should have tased him instead.

How about "STOP! POLICE! DONT MOVE!"

Why's it gotta be violence first? WTF is this nazi germany? Sheesh.

TOTALLY effing uncalled for.

Originally Posted by milt

Certainly not the smartest move the cop could have made. Running away does have it's consequences. Too bad it worked out like that.

Running away? The kid was slowing down as soon as he saw the cop approaching- watch the video. The kid can clearly be seen to slow down to a walk. And nah, after just watching people get stabbed to there's no reason to be wigged out and run, lest you be the next guy to get stabbed.

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

He shoved the guy.... Unfortunately the guy hit his head on the wall. Accidents happen, but ultimately, I am glad cops go all out when they chase bad guys. I NEVER have felt any pity for when a fleeing perp gets a couple fists or boots after they are run down. I do feel bad for this guy if it is true he was not tthe bad guy, but like I said, accidents occasionally happen in all aspects of life.

You totally sicken me.

I am embarrased to call you a countryman. I honestly mean that.

If this was your son your dumbass would be singing a much different tune, i'm sure. Poetic justice would dictate that the next innocent put into a coma will be. Bet you'd have a whole different outlook then, wouldn't you?

[Moses]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

How about "Stop! POLICE! DONT MOVE!"

Why's it gotta be violence first? WTF is this nazi germany? Sheesh.

TOTALLY effing uncalled for.

Was the kid posing ANY physical threat to the officer? No. The officer should be charged with assault.

No wonder people run from the police. The kids only mistake was that he STOPPED running.

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by Super_Dave_D

The guy was fingered by someone and he ran??? It appears to be a tragic accident. Why the heck did he run? The cop just pushed him down.

Now if they started to lay 'hay-makers' on him and kick him while he was out cold then I would have a major issue.

Just pushed him down? At a dead run and as hard as he could- into a wall. And he's 270 plus pounds.

How about i "just push you down" like that a few times and see how you like it? I'm only a bit over half that size (about 155lbs, but im sure i run a lot faster), and i guarantee you wouldn't like it too much. I'll even be "nice" and go down low for your knees. You won't get any skull fractures, but you won't be walking for a long time either. Hey, what's the big deal? I'm only pushing you down, right?

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

"This is a huge tragedy certainly for Christopher Harris and his family, but for our deputy as well. This looks to be nothing more than an accident. Certainly the deputy didn't plan on injuring Christopher, as it turned out," said Urquhart.

I feel ill....

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Both Paul and Eshom are assigned to the graveyard shift of Metro Transit Police duty to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on overnight bus routes.

FAIL

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

The KOMO story above is out of date (from May 12th). The sheriff has already ruled there was no criminal action on the part of their deputy. Anyone surprised?

So, a very fit 26 year old deputy tackles a man with that kind of force and they contend he "did not mean to hurt him"??!! And now, the Seattle Police Department will review the Sheriff Office's findings??!! Yup, there is "fair and unbiased" for you.

Citizens's review boards, people - citizens' review boards. Of course we had one in Seattle (comprised of former mayors, congress people, etc.) that quit in frustration over the fact that the chief had veto authority over any and all of their decisions.

We, as citizens of a "free" country, have the right to decide what is acceptable from our police. We, as citizens, have the final word. Not other police.

Obviously you just hate cops.

[widebody911]

With my back-of-the-napkin math, I calculate a 275lb cop + 40lbs of gear at a dead run into a tile wall was probably the equivalent of 800lbs of force. Probably the functional equivalent of Barry Bonds taking a Louisville Slugger to the back of his head.

[Danimal16]

Earlier today one of the blogs said the kid has died? Anyone else see this?

[Moses]

Originally Posted by the

I'm starting to believe that while certainly livening up an otherwise dull day, making the police chase you isn't the best idea.

The police chief has opined that the officer broke no rules when he put the suspect (who was not resisting in any way) into a life threatening coma. That's a really good reason for running any time the police are chasing you.

[gtc]

IMO, the only testimony that could clear the officer of wrongdoing is that of the guy in a coma. If he's dead, it seems to me like the officer should be charged with manslaughter at least.

I was pulled over about 4 blocks from there, by officers from the same department (King Co. Sheriff) on my way home last year. I had just dropped off a friend after we had gone to a shooting range, and when asked if I had any firearms in the car I made the mistake of saying yes. They then put me in cuffs, searched my car without my permission, ran a check on my pistol, and asked me why I didn't have a permit (not a requirement in WA, so why would I?). Before letting me go, they told me to expect a speeding ticket in the mail - I wasn't speeding, and they didn't have radar in their car - which I'm actually surprised didn't materialize.

It's funny how 99% of the general population are good people, yet 99% of police are complete scum.