Posted on 02/19/2014 3:37:02 PM PST by servo1969
A Georgia family is in shock following the death of their 17-year-old son, who was accidentally killed by a police officer who believed the video game controller he was holding was a gun, according to the familys lawyer.
Christopher Roupe of Euharlee, Georgia heard a knock at the door of the familys home last Friday night. Upon opening the door, he was immediately shot by a female police officer.
Roupe was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
The officer broke down it tears upon realizing her mistake, according to The New York Daily News.
She had been making a probation-related visit to the home. She thought Roupe was holding a gun, according to a statement from the police department.
Cole Law, the familys attorney, said he believes that the officer did mistake Roupes video game controller for a weapon. Roupe was holding a remote controller for the Nintendo Wii when he opened the door, according to Law.
Standard-issue Wii controllers are white cylinders, but specialty controllers shaped like guns do exist. It is not yet known what type of controller Roupe possessed. (RELATED: Update: Texas teen faces 8 years in prison over Facebook comment)
Neighbors confirmed that Roupe had a Wii controller, not a gun, according to Law.
The eyewitnesses on the scene clearly state that he had a Wii controller in his hand, said Law, according to WSB-TV. He heard a knock at the door. He asked who it was, there was no response so he opened the door and upon opening the door he was immediately shot in the chest.
Roupe had plans to enlist in the Marines after finishing high school. He was involved in the ROTC program at his high school.
The officer has been placed on administrative leave while the police department investigates the matter. The family will likely file suit against the department.
[video]
She cried, so that makes it OK.
[ 17-year-old son, who was accidentally killed by a police officer ]
Been a LOT of acciodental shootings of dogs and family memebers lately....
It’s all in the training manual.
Another graduate of the Fullerton Police Academy.
Indeed!
Time to Sue Nintendo, because they recommend using the strap to hold the wii controller on your hand so it doesn't go flying or so you cant put it down when you answer the door...
Nice shootin’ Fife....
sad
Prayers for the family who lost lost their son.
“She thought Roupe was holding a gun...”
So what? It’s not illegal to hold a gun in the United States of America, especially on your own property. Even if he had been holding a gun, that would be no excuse for killing him.
I’m amazed he was only shot once.
And in the range targets too
Obviously a pic of a shooting range...
So what if it had been a gun? Answering your door with a gun in your hand is now a capital crime?
She was crying because she couldn’t shoot the family dog too.
Well, at least the brave young female officer made it home safely and alive—that’s what counts.
/sarc
In minneeeesota police officers do NOT make probation
related “visits”- unless there is a warrant issued-
Parole and probation officers are supposed to be doing
the visits, sometimes with police backup (if they feel
the offender is violent)
Sounds like this dufus cop had her gun already drawn-
That’s for the NES, manufactured from 1985-1992. It does not work on modern LCD/LED/Plasma televisions. It is also corded, which means that he couldn’t bring it more than eight feet from the console.
So... doubtful.
Dear God, what a horror for this family. I pray God comforts them and relieves their sorrow. What a travesty.
I don’t know what kind of neighborhood this is but it appears this “cop” was primed for something.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.