[monkeyshine]

The ladder was well hidden behind large trees so it’s possible if you didn’t peek around the trees you wouldn’t see the ladder.

[Zhang Fei]

[The ladder was well hidden behind large trees so it’s possible if you didn’t peek around the trees you wouldn’t see the ladder.]

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when you’re trying to get to the roof without breaking your neck, you don’t overlook something like this. The cop who peeked over the roofline, then ducked, fell 8 feet. People die from concussion just falling from a standing position. Just ask Liam Neeson, whose wife died from that.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natasha_Richardson#Death

[Zhang Fei]

[The ladder was well hidden behind large trees so it’s possible if you didn’t peek around the trees you wouldn’t see the ladder.]

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Apart from avoiding death from a fall, the other reason a pre-existing ladder would have been found is tactical. A ladder gives you a hand free to be able to level a pistol at whomever is on the roof. Having to grab onto the edge of the roof with both hands from being boosted leaves you as vulnerable as a newborn babe.

[Fireone]

The 10’ step ladder belonged to the police.
Crooks’ 5’ ladder was atop the a/c unit on the next building over.
There’s a clear photo of both in place floating around.