That unfortunate comment was ill thought out. I am sorry someone said that to you. You didn’t deserve it.
You brought this situation to our attention, because the person in the article was your friend. I’m sure you’re looking for answers, and want to make sure your friend is defended to the extent he can be. I think that’s admirable.
Asking questions about how the officers conducted themselves is reasonable.
If I were you, I would be tempted to ask people at the location if they would mind telling you what they observed. You may be able to work around this though.
I would ask for a copy of the police report, and read it to see if you can find anything out of the ordinary, or contradictory. I believe you can also ask for a copy of any statements taken from witnesses.
I don’t know how much of it I’d share. It might answer some questions and put things to rest, or it might cause more pain. Of course if you find something leading you to think the officers acted outside proper policies, it would be important to convey that.
You have every right to be concerned here. While I’ve tried to explain what the officers face, and what their mindset would be, I cannot state emphatically that they did things right here. I can only respond to what I’ve read here, and I don’t see anything outrageous.
I expressed my remorse for your loss, because I am truly sorry for your loss. I don’t think anyone won here. It was a loss all the way around.
Have you ever been in a predicament where you were trying to defuse a situation, and the person you were trying to reason with, simply wouldn’t reciprocate? Some people are bull headed, and just won’t try to meet you halfway.
Whether someone is a police officer or not, it’s just not worth the negativity to stick with that mindset. People need to be reasonable, because there are times when it could cost you much more than you’re willing to pay.
I only mention this, because it can save people a lot of grief.
Take care.