Maybe.... but, I don't think so. I think this incident will continue to raise the ire of people... because, cops and people seem to see it with different eyes. Cops want to defend what most people see as indefensible.
I think, there is a larger debate building about the general use of tasers. Cops LOVE these things.. cause, it makes their jobs SO much easier. People are starting to push back, and demand more limitations on their use.
I think.. this battle is still in it's early stages, and this video will remain Exibition #1 for the case against over-zealous cops.
When I watch the video closely, I believe Gardner had already decided to pull his Taser out before he even set his clipboard down. The decision to USE it.. once pulled, was WAY too quick.
Massey was NOT running... he actually was not even back to the bumper of his car, and no longer moving at all at the moment the Gardner fired. Massey was clearly in shock, asking "What the hell is wrong with you?".... Which, considering the circumstances... was a reasonable question. Not the response Gardner was looking for.... but, the first thing that would have come to my mind.
Had Gardner halfway lowered his weapon, and said... calmly, please come back here and face my car, I'm placing you under arrest." I expect, Massey would have started pleading, "Arrest me?? Why??". Then Gardner could have said, "Too late, shut up... get back here". Or, something along those lines... but, That was too much work. Much easier to just TASER this clown and cuff him.
From reading some of the local message boards, after all the emotional knee-jerk drama calmed down, a whole lot of locals think Massey was the main problem. Copper needs to find a different profession or get some serious refresher training, Massey needs a clue on life.
“When I watch the video closely, I believe Gardner had already decided to pull his Taser out before he even set his clipboard down. The decision to USE it.. once pulled, was WAY too quick.”
If Gardner believed Massey to be a threat why did he turn his back on him? Gardner turned around, walked back to his car and put the clipboard on the hood. All with his back to Massey.
He could not have perceived Massey to be a threat if he did this. I agree that he had already decided to taze Massey though. Because as soon as his hands were empty he pulled his tazer.