various videos, snapshots, pic blow-ups set forth a different statement of facts.Bikini girl ignored three requests (orders) to disperse (and mouthed off after the last one. While the officer had the bikini girl down, two youths rushed the officer, stopped just feet, off to his right and somewhat behind his position. 'Relatively innocent kids' crouched down making fists, while one kid placed his left hand on his left back pocket.
Given the ever increasingly dangerous situation, if I saw someone off my peripheral vision crouching, making a fist, reaching behind his back...I too would draw my weapon to defend myself. Two other officers came upon the scene and one officer gave chase to the crouching/reaching youth. Upon discerning the perceived genuine threat removed, the officer simply re-holstered his weapon and directed his attention to bikini girl.
“Given the ever increasingly dangerous situation, if I saw someone off my peripheral vision crouching, making a fist, reaching behind his back...I too would draw my weapon to defend myself.”
Well he did that, and now he’s out of a job! I’ve softened my opinion of the situation but only in light of the other sorry episodes this officer was involved with prior to this event. Nevertheless, he was running around in a semi-out of control mode prior to the gun incident. He should not have been there given what we are told subsequently was his state of mind, I place more blame on his supervisors that they didn’t treat him appropriately and for not sending him alone to the pool melee. Probably a good guy most of the time, but now after 12 years he’s going to have to find another line of work.
...somewhat behind his position.
Liar.
...while one kid placed his left hand on his left back pocket.
Double liar.