Let's look at the beginning of this. It's AFTER the wee hours of the morning. It's by a nightclub known for violations. guns have been mentioned and more than once. It sho' 'nuff sounds like prostitution is not a stranger to this locale.
This is the real world, where lives may be at stake without the deliberations of due process of law. The guys talking about "F*cking so-and-so up," are not talking as if they're thinking in terms of preliminary hearings and methodical arguments with meticulous consideration of objections.
There is arguably probable cause ("I'll do one or two of you, but not all") to suspect prostitution is about to happen right now. There is arguably probable cause ("get the gun," "f*ck him up,") to think that ag assault or homicide is about to happen really soon.
How deliberate do YOU feel like being right about now? "Oh, I want to make sure we have a good plan, and maybe wait for some uniforms to show up and, well, if the guy gets shot before we can do that, those are the breaks." It's not a no-brainer of a decision. I still torment myself with the recollection of a lovely woman whom I should have locked up, but didn't. Fortunately she got home in one piece and lives to mess up her mind again. If I get another chance, though, I'll arrest first and take my chances.
So, maybe you disapprove, but it sounded like there was enough going on for at least a conversation between an officer and the folks headed for the car. But when the officer -- lying no doubt, but let's play along -- identifies himself they run for the car and aim the car at him. Innocent and unarmed as they indubitably are, isn't this at least interesting?
If the officer's account is somewhere near the truth -- by coincidence, of course, not by intention -- who do you think started the fight and kicked it up to the deadly force level? The cop says "Police!" The others let their car do the talking and it says, "Vroom, vroom, squeal, roar" ... right at the cop. THis is not a situation conducive to set-piece battles and Montgomery like strateric planning.
No, maybe you're right. Innocent and unarmed people just tapped a pedestrian and two vehicles and were gunned down by two blacks, a hispanic and two whites because of bigotry and impulsiveness.
If those are the choices, which one do you bet on?
- - - - - - My Imperial Crustiness.
As far as is known now, the talk about getting a gun was all talk and/or lies- at least until they find the other occupant. I am reserving judgement until we hear from more than just the NYPD for reasons which seem obvious to everybody but police officers.
Has anyone stopped to consider that perhaps the three probationary citizens in the vehicle under fire should never have been on the streets to begin with?
It is my suspicion (totally unfounded) that I been on the parole board, these three registered democrats would still have been in durance vile, making li'l ones outa big ones. Perhaps the kid would still be on beer can patrol in an orange jumpsuit along one of our scenic highways.
As I peruse the NYC papers, pursuant to Your Imperial Crustiness' directives, I am also entranced by their description of the dead chap as "The Bridegroom." If I can have a copy of the Bride's rap sheet, I would appreciate it.
It could fill in juicy details enquiring minds want to know.