Man killed in mall shooting likely did not shoot, police say

AL.com ^ | 11-23-2018 | Carol Robinson

[boycott]

A 21-year-old man shot and killed by Hoover police at the Riverchase Galleria Thanksgiving night likely did not fire the rounds that wounded an 18-year-old and 12-year-old, police announced Friday night.

Earlier Friday, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the slain man as Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr. Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector while the department does not typically issue media updates during an internal investigation, there was information discussed with local media Friday night that merits update and clarification.

Preliminary information gathered Friday night, Rector said, indicated that two individuals were involved in a physical altercation that led to a 21-year-old male shooting an 18-year-old male multiple times. The 18-year-old victim was indeed shot and transported to UAB Hospital, where he remained on Friday.

[Celerity]

What a shame. I could see how this happened.

Running around with a gun in your hand is not a smart idea.

I could see how a veteran soldier, especially a recent one, could pull his gun and keep it out - but during flight is what I find odd. Instinct or whatever could bring the gun out, but I don’t imagine such a trained person also running with it in that state.

I’m an armchair tactician on this one, but it sounds odd that he would do that.

[Celerity]

A friend of mine who was never in a shootout gave some pretty sound advice that I think about a lot.

“If you’re in a situation where there is a shooter, say a grocery store, and you need to draw your weapon find some bystanders who can stay near you to basically shout out to the police ‘he’s not the guy!’”

[bort]

Murder by cop? Oh please. The cops have to make split second decisions. The deceased was brandishing a handgun in a mall where shots were fired. Why did he have the gun? Why was it out? Why was he accompanying the killer?

[vette6387]

So he was simply was “collateral damage,” right? You’re sick in the head! Cops today use their firearms first too often, probably because they don’t have the intellect to understand the sanctity of life. You should hope and pray some cop doesn’t decide that you are some sort of a “threat!”

[allwrong57]

18 year old carrying a gun in a mall? I thought there were laws against this!

[Eagles6]

I find that it's better to wait until the smoke clears and all the facts are in instead of making unsupported allegations and jumping to conclusions.

As of now they are saying he may have been involved in the altercation and was fleeing, gun in hand.

[Crucial]

True, it does appear like odd behavior. There is also a picture of him throwing gang signs while in uniform. What that says about him and how it’s relevant, I’m not sure.

[TexasGator]

I don’t jump to conclusions and I don’t defend criminals.

Sorry if that upsets you.

[TexasGator]

NOPE!

[William Tell]

Regardless of the facts in this case, a person who uses his or her concealed firearm must have a plan for not being mistaken for a criminal.

My plan includes making sure the gun is not in my hand when the cops arrive and making sure that any cops can easily count my fingers from a distance. It would not be a good time to be holding a cell phone or any other object.

This case also suggests another potential problem. If you are not certain of who are the bad guys and who are the good guys, you have no business drawing your gun except to protect you and yours. The cops may get a pass after shooting an armed innocent person but I would not count on getting such a break myself.

An additional lesson is provided by the shooting of a concealed carrier outside Costco in Las Vegas. Do not obey orders from police officers that would make other officers believe that you might be trying to draw a gun. Keep all ten fingers visible at all times.

[Hilda]

When police arrive, keep your hands visible, relaxed, and follow instructions. Keep body language and tone of voice calm and friendly.

Why is it incumbent on the citizen to remain calm, make no sudden moves, and keep his wits about him during a scary and threatening situation, but the trained policeman can panic, make false assumptions, and shoot the wrong man?

[Popman]

Why is it incumbent on the citizen to remain calm, make no sudden moves, and keep his wits about him during a scary and threatening situation, but the trained policeman can panic, make false assumptions, and shoot the wrong man?

1. Couple of points: you assume the police panicked...unknown at this point.
2. In a active shooting situation it is incumbent on the citizen to remain calm, make no sudden moves, and keep his wits... the police have no idea who you are, why you are there...especially if are armed and showing your weapon...

Real life isn't a Hollywood movie set

[mac_truck]

I find that it's better to wait until the smoke clears and all the facts are in instead of making unsupported allegations and jumping to conclusions.

Well said...and here is something interesting.

[Eagles6]

"More than one speaker referred to Bradford's military service. But while Bradford noted on his Facebook page that he was a US Army combat engineer, he never completed Advanced Individual Training and did not serve in the Army, Lt. Col. Manny Ortiz, an Army spokesman, told CNN."

From another article. I'm guessing something other than an honorable discharge.