5 year old shot and killed by cop

[morningbell]

The article did state that the county did not have any animal controll officers.

then you can look in your phone book under "pest removal" and call them. Common sense is lacking, they're not ok in OK!

 

[AndyMarquisLIVE]

I just don't understand how the cop could think that a snake in a tree could be an immenet threat. If they waited a couple hours the snake would have left the tree.

Am I supossed to believe that the snake could have jumped out of the tree at any point and tried to kill them so they shot it?

Maybe it was a flying snake. :shrug:

 

[TimAllen]

Manslaughter? It seems to me this was a horrible accident. Certainly there should be some civil reprecussions, and at least the Sgt. should not be a Sgt. But jail for two people who went to do their job and made a mistake? How would jailing these people make it better for these parents. Why would the police be called to that scene anyway. It should have been animal control.

I have never been given any training, nor any officer I work with has been given any training in dealing with snakes.

Also, what would the federal prosecutors charge these guys with?[/QUOTE

And tell me why they should not be charged with negligent homicide, discharging a firearm in a residential area, what state is this legal in? If they were not trained to handle the situation then they should not have been there. They should have said, hmmm I'm not trained to handle snakes let's see if someone else has any ideas, leave it alone and it will probably go away. Nobody can justify firing a gun in a residential area because a snake was stuck in a birdhouse. If Joe Blow did that and killed someone they would be charges with Manslaughter/Negligent Homicide/Unlawful discharge of a firearm in a residential area and who knows what else. But because they are cops they shouldnt be. Why does anybody bother argueing with you it just brings them down to your level and you will win every time, you have more practice being an idiot than the rest of us!

 

[smcop]

Manslaughter? It seems to me this was a horrible accident. Certainly there should be some civil reprecussions, and at least the Sgt. should not be a Sgt. But jail for two people who went to do their job and made a mistake? How would jailing these people make it better for these parents. Why would the police be called to that scene anyway. It should have been animal control.

I have never been given any training, nor any officer I work with has been given any training in dealing with snakes.

Also, what would the federal prosecutors charge these guys with?[/QUOTE

And tell me why they should not be charged with negligent homicide, discharging a firearm in a residential area, what state is this legal in? If they were not trained to handle the situation then they should not have been there. They should have said, hmmm I'm not trained to handle snakes let's see if someone else has any ideas, leave it alone and it will probably go away. Nobody can justify firing a gun in a residential area because a snake was stuck in a birdhouse. If Joe Blow did that and killed someone they would be charges with Manslaughter/Negligent Homicide/Unlawful discharge of a firearm in a residential area and who knows what else. But because they are cops they shouldnt be. Why does anybody bother argueing with you it just brings them down to your level and you will win every time, you have more practice being an idiot than the rest of us!

Well, genius, if you read the whole story instead of parts, you might get a better education about what happend rather than showing your ignorance by reverting to name calling. You are like these bleeding liberals who want to have part of the truth told but not the part that makes their side look bad! Apparently I am correct, because the Prosecutor was reluctant to charge as well!

 

[theArtistFormerlyKnownAs]

Well, genius, if you read the whole story instead of parts, you might get a better education about what happend rather than showing your ignorance by reverting to name calling. You are like these bleeding liberals who want to have part of the truth told but not the part that makes their side look bad! Apparently I am correct, because the Prosecutor was reluctant to charge as well!

No. You are wrong and you are full of too apparently. I'm not going to point out the exact posts where I KNOW you are full of chit, because I wouldn't want to sully the good name of our police force , but I'm close enough to enough cops to know that you are wrong/lying. And here I tried to back you up on a few occasions , oh well, whatcha going to do right? Cops DO believe they are above the law and they ARE in many cases. If nothing else this cop deserves to be charged for negligent discharge of a firearm, plain and simple.

 

[RadioPatrol]

No I'm not. Despite your arrogance and your opinion of police, I would never abuse the tools entrusted to me for my own personal gain, or personal intersts. I have integrity, as do most of my fellow officers.

Hmm well I drive a Dark Green, 1996 Saturn SC/2 MD Farm Tags ......... I guess I see how many times I get pulled over now .....





and next Sat Morning I'll be Driving through Waldorf to Hughsville, on to Prince Fredrick, and finally down to Lusby and CRE ..........

 

[theArtistFormerlyKnownAs]

Hmm well I drive a Dark Green, 1996 Saturn SC/2 MD Farm Tags ......... I guess I see how many times I get pulled over now .....

So YOU'RE that bastage that almost ran me off the road??

 

[RadioPatrol]

If you don't like the way I drive, stay off of the sidewalks

 

[smcop]

No. You are wrong and you are full of too apparently. I'm not going to point out the exact posts where I KNOW you are full of chit, because I wouldn't want to sully the good name of our police force , but I'm close enough to enough cops to know that you are wrong/lying. And here I tried to back you up on a few occasions , oh well, whatcha going to do right? Cops DO believe they are above the law and they ARE in many cases. If nothing else this cop deserves to be charged for negligent discharge of a firearm, plain and simple.

Tell me where I lied? Tell me where I'm wrong? The prosecutor saw fit not to charge these guys in the story that was told. The homeowner said beyond the tree there was a field. The cops tried numerous ways to get the snake out to no avail. The cops have no training in how to remove a snake from a tree. I said all along they made a mistake, and there should be some reprecussions, but I oppose the bleeding heart liberals who want them charged with some sort of negligent homicide.

As far as you saying this....

Cops DO believe they are above the law and they ARE in many cases.

Cops are never above the law. As a matter of fact, when bad cops comit felonies, it is my opinion that they be punished harsher than those who are not cops. We have an obligation to act in a responsible professional manner.

You make no sense! You say you aren't going to print posts where I am full of "chit" but in the same breath you say you don't want to sully the good name of the police. Tell me what I am lying about!

 

[theArtistFormerlyKnownAs]

Tell me where I lied? Tell me where I'm wrong? The prosecutor saw fit not to charge these guys in the story that was told. The homeowner said beyond the tree there was a field. The cops tried numerous ways to get the snake out to no avail. The cops have no training in how to remove a snake from a tree. I said all along they made a mistake, and there should be some reprecussions, but I oppose the bleeding heart liberals who want them charged with some sort of negligent homicide.

As far as you saying this....

Cops are never above the law. As a matter of fact, when bad cops comit felonies, it is my opinion that they be punished harsher than those who are not cops. We have an obligation to act in a responsible professional manner.

You make no sense! You say you aren't going to print posts where I am full of "chit" but in the same breath you say you don't want to sully the good name of the police. Tell me what I am lying about!

ok. I will :shrug: The police regularly use their computer system to look up names for personal interest, be it for their own business dealings, people their children associate with, ect.

So you are trying to tell me that other cops do not look the other way when misdemeanors are committed? we're not talking about murders here, I'm saying that cops are above the laws where everyday citizens get penalized (speeding for example). There is a damn sticker that cops and their families get to show their affiliation to the force, not to mention FOP tags. I am not the person to argue with this on. I tried to be nice and not go into details here SM, simply because I like your opinions on most things and I respect our police force.

as far as the cop not having the proper training....
So lets say a cat was in a tree. I don't believe cops are trained for this. Does that give them the right to shoot it out of the tree? Now your opinion sounds pretty stupid, doesn't it? There is NO excuse for this cop shooting at a snake that wasn't even attacking anyone. Even if it had been, it is not like even a quick bite from a venomous snake is going to kill someone instantly...the cop could have simply transported the victim to the hospital. If you are a cop that would shoot without knowing everything behind the target then I don't want you on the force. You willing to give up your name if that is the case so it can be presented to the Sheriff? These cops did not follow their training because they were caught up in the moment. The shooter should most definitely be charged with negligent discharge of a firearm, and in MY opinion, also negligent homicide. Just and fyi SMC, I am most definitely NOT a bleeding heart liberal

 

[smcop]

The police regularly use their computer system to look up names for personal interest, be it for their own business dealings, people their children associate with, ect.

This is illegal, and if I knew of a police officer doing this I would have them charged. So what does this have to do with me? If you know of a police officer doing this, then I would suggest you contact internal affairs.

So you are trying to tell me that other cops do not look the other way when misdemeanors are committed? we're not talking about murders here, I'm saying that cops are above the laws where everyday citizens get penalized (speeding for example).

Within the last two years, I paid for a speeding ticket I received. Police officers have discretion in how they deal with misdemeanors. I personally have given people from all walks of life breaks on speeding. Cops, Firemen, construction guys, government workers, ALWAYS MILITARY, nurses, doctors etc; So what is your point. Cops in the county I work in have been issued citations for various traffic violations.

as far as the cop not having the proper training....
So lets say a cat was in a tree. I don't believe cops are trained for this. Does that give them the right to shoot it out of the tree?

A cat is a domestic animal. Lets say a Lion was in a tree tree in your back yard. Your children are at home, and there is no animal control available. Do you want us to leave or deal with the situation the best we can. I never said the police made the right decision in this matter, I merely said it doesn't meet the standard where the should be prosecuted. I am not the only person of that opinion, the PROSECUTOR of the county it happned in agreed.

Now your opinion sounds pretty stupid, doesn't it? There is NO excuse for this cop shooting at a snake that wasn't even attacking anyone.

Read the story again. The homeowner said the snake was hissing at the police. I wasn't there, but I take the snake hissing at people around it as an immenent attack.

Even if it had been, it is not like even a quick bite from a venomous snake is going to kill someone instantly...the cop could have simply transported the victim to the hospital

Now that is just stupid.

If you are a cop that would shoot without knowing everything behind the target then I don't want you on the force

I might agree with this. Again, after the investigation is or was concluded, that may have been the outcome. I am saying the police shouldn't be arrested for murder!

You willing to give up your name if that is the case so it can be presented to the Sheriff?

Yea, I'll give you my name, you give me yours. What would the sheriff do? Condemn me for my opinion? All four of the Sheriff's are much smarter than that.

These cops did not follow their training because they were caught up in the moment.

You don't know what these officers were caught up in or not caught up in. Your a child who lives at home, has never had to face the responsibilities of living a life and having other lives depend on you. It's easy for you to sit behind your computer and judge these men, but having no real life experience to back it up.


:

It really doesn't matter to me what your opinion of me is. I serve the people I serve with dedication to my profession. If a police officer is doing something wrong, and you know about it but don't report it, then you are partially to blame for that action. I don't know of any officer who has accessed someone elses information for personal gain. I would not condone that nor would I tolerate that.

I'm human, so I will say that I make mistakes. But when I make a mistake I don't do it with malice, nor do I do it with the intent to injure anyone. These officers made a serious mistake. I always said they should be punished, I just don't see this tragedy compounded by having people who went to this residence with the intent to help be put in jail for a tragic mistake.

 

[mAlice]

But when I make a mistake I don't do it with malice,

I should hope not.

 

[smcop]

I should hope not.

lol.

 

[Lugnut]

Since the original shooter wasn't acting in a law enforcement role I think he should be treated in the very same fashion that any other citizen who performed the same actions would be treated.

SMCOP, had this incident been here in St. Marys county and the person who shot the snake been an ordinary citizen. What would have been the reaction when the police were called?

I think the shooter would have been jailed. I don't know that for sure of course.

 

[TimAllen]

Tell me where I lied? Tell me where I'm wrong? The prosecutor saw fit not to charge these guys in the story that was told. The homeowner said beyond the tree there was a field. The cops tried numerous ways to get the snake out to no avail. The cops have no training in how to remove a snake from a tree. I said all along they made a mistake, and there should be some reprecussions, but I oppose the bleeding heart liberals who want them charged with some sort of negligent homicide.

As far as you saying this....

Cops are never above the law. As a matter of fact, when bad cops comit felonies, it is my opinion that they be punished harsher than those who are not cops. We have an obligation to act in a responsible professional manner.

You make no sense! You say you aren't going to print posts where I am full of "chit" but in the same breath you say you don't want to sully the good name of the police. Tell me what I am lying about!

Since when should an officer take a homeowners word for there's a field behind that. Hmmm, let me think they should check to ensure the saftey of the public before discharging the firearm, and on another note, wouldnt it have been more prudent to go grab the shotgun outta the car and use that. Nobody said charge them with murder I said negligent homicide and that may even be th wrong terminolgy, involuntary manslaughter would be a better charge. You say they should be punished, what punishment fits making a mistake that takes the life of a child? Ignorance is not above the law, so officers must also obey the law, inlcuding firearm laws, discharging a firearm in a residential area is against the law! It didnt say the snake was shooting at them did it, if it was then maybe they can justify why they shot back, as far as I can tell the snake was stuck and OH MY HISSING AT THEM?

 

[Roxy1104]

I am very sad for the family of that little boy. The officer made a BAD mistake and should pay for it. IMO, he should lose his badge, never be given a license to carry a gun, should be charged with involuntary manslaughter, and should sit in jail for awhile thinking about what a tradegy his recklessness caused.

And there's one person on here that has done A LOT of name calling in this entire thread which proves, well..... I don't need to say it. It's obvious!

 

[theArtistFormerlyKnownAs]

I am very sad for the family of that little boy. The officer made a BAD mistake and should pay for it. IMO, he should lose his badge, never be given a license to carry a gun, should be charged with involuntary manslaughter, and should sit in jail for awhile thinking about what a tradegy his recklessness caused.

And there's one person on here that has done A LOT of name calling in this entire thread which proves, well..... I don't need to say it. It's obvious!

That sums it up, right there.


one more thing I found funny...

Within the last two years, I paid for a speeding ticket I received. Police officers have discretion in how they deal with misdemeanors. I personally have given people from all walks of life breaks on speeding. Cops, Firemen, construction guys, government workers, ALWAYS MILITARY, nurses, doctors etc; So what is your point. Cops in the county I work in have been issued citations for various traffic violations.

so, you DO hold some people above the law then? Interesting legal system we have here...

 

[Roxy1104]

That sums it up, right there.


one more thing I found funny...



so, you DO hold some people above the law then? Interesting legal system we have here...

It's more than interesting. It's pathetic.

 

[smcop]

That sums it up, right there.


one more thing I found funny...



so, you DO hold some people above the law then? Interesting legal system we have here...

I don't hold anybody above the law. The State of Maryland gives me discretion as to who I write a ticket to. If someone is serving their country, and they commit a minor traffic violation, I tend to give them a break.

I notice you didn't retract your statement about police being above the law. I told you I paid a ticket and other police have been ticketed in the county I work, but yet you don't seem to have any more to say about that.

Are you saying if you were to be pulled over by a police officer for a minor traffic violation, and the officer was going to give you a warning, you would tell the officer that you needed to have a ticket?

 

[smcop]

I am very sad for the family of that little boy. The officer made a BAD mistake and should pay for it. IMO, he should lose his badge, never be given a license to carry a gun, should be charged with involuntary manslaughter, and should sit in jail for awhile thinking about what a tradegy his recklessness caused.

And there's one person on here that has done A LOT of name calling in this entire thread which proves, well..... I don't need to say it. It's obvious!

If you read through the threads, you will find that I never called anyone a name until they called me a name. I can have an adult debate about this issue.

Some people just want to be loose on the facts. I agree and have always agreed the police officers need to be punished. But WE don't have all the facts, and WE are passing judgement on people with out knowing the entire story.

The prosecutor has all the facts and he/she decided not to prosecute.

If the prosecutor changes their mind then I will change mine!