Mr. Gardener was 6’3”, 350lbs. That is a big man, and would likely require more than two men to restrain him, even if he cooperated.
While I have no specific knowledge of police procedure, but of military tactics, a patrol of 4 on an enforcement crackdown, over a large area, makes sense. A 4-man presence makes a statement in a high-crime area.
The man’s death is tragic, and I will assume the officers had no intent to kill him. Should there be a review of procedures? Sure. Does suspension with pay during the review make sense? Sure.
The Grand Jury didn’t think there was enough to go to trial. End of story.
Tase the sob
If he was cooperating why would it take more than one?
While I have no specific knowledge of police procedure, but of military tactics, a patrol of 4 on an enforcement crackdown, over a large area, makes sense.
We're not talking military tactics. We're talking about policing a quiet neighborhood, and arresting a man for what was almost certainly a misdemeanor. Would they send 10 cops for a jaywalker?
The man’s death is tragic, and I will assume the officers had no intent to kill him.
The justice system is full of people who had no intent of killing someone but who, by their actions, caused the death of another person. And almost all of them will face a jury. But not cops.
The Grand Jury didn’t think there was enough to go to trial. End of story.
Because cops can get away with murder. Literally.