Police: Man Killed By Officers Was Pointing A Water Nozzle

AP) ^ | December 13, 2010 1:52 PM

[BenLurkin]

McDonnell says the officers believed the man had a gun and were awaiting the arrival of backup when the man pointed the object in a two-handed posture that looked like what a person would do when they are about to fire a weapon.

[Yo-Yo]

Suicide by cop.

[bigheadfred]

when the man pointed the object in a two-handed posture

Doesn't say the man pointed it AT the occifers. Hmmm...

[skr]

The officers apparently thought he was about to shoot someone, either one of them or a passer-by. Of course, they could just be trigger-happy, but since they were reportedly trying to avoid a confrontation, that seems unlikely.

[One Name]

Sounds like a watered-down version of the truth.

The Government should issue a warning about gardening by a busy street. Perhaps Michelle should take it up as an adjunct cause.

[Kevmo]

Never bring a water nozzle to a gunfight.

[bigheadfred]

I voting for the trigger happy theory.

[The Comedian]

No-idea-how-a-water-nozzle-could-be-mistaken-for-a-weapon ping

Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.

[Seven plus One]

[Gator113]

New DADT version?

[TChad]

"black pistol-grip water nozzle"

[Kickass Conservative]

Assault nozzle. I wonder if it was licensed?

[Popman]

I wonder if he had the 50 ft auto feed hose attachment screwed into his “gun” ?

[anglian]

His older sister, Eden Marie Biele, offered this thought of the day: ”We’re outraged. You can’t get drunk in the city of Long Beach and not get shot?"

[higgmeister]

Of course, they could just be trigger-happy, but since they were reportedly trying to avoid a confrontation, that seems unlikely.

Police said they did not have time to make their presence known or to tell Zerby to drop the weapon before opening fire because they believed he was a threat.

Unlikely in a pig's eye! How is sneaking up on someone and immediately shooting him dead not murder?