“I hated to see a guy with that demeanor wind up dead. I’m usually a fairly strident defender of officers, but his just seems like the worst possible outcome, and I don’t think the driver was the only one making poor choices here.”
I agree that the death was unnecessary. It was a poor tactical move to reach into the car, but it likely was “encouraged” by the fact that the offender seemed to be somewhat compliant.
The fact that he was *not* compliant, held the door closed, and then started driving off, was certainly instrumental in the end result.
Murder One? Not even close. Where is the premeditation?
Murder two? Maybe
Manslaughter — Could be.
Justified - Have to wait until trial and see what all comes out.
As to the fear of the driver, what was he afraid of? Being ticketed? Having the car towed?
I am seriously attempting to determine the source of the driver’s fear, outside of being held accountable for criminal activity, even if minor.
The officer appeared to be very courteous until the driver refuses to follow commands.
Certainly a bad situation, but I do not see any case for Murder 1.
We’re in general agreement, and I never support a guy driving off like this. My decision is based on the known offense, and whether this guy looks like a big enough threat to the community to be shot dead.
Sometimes you have to back off rather then escalate the situation to the point of taking a life.
To be clear once again, the driver is ultimately the person who escalated the situation, but it is the trained officer that should have found a way to neutralize it short of the death of the man.
If you’re dealing with an armed belligerent felon, by all means take the guy out. This wasn’t that guy.
Thanks for the comments.