Free Republic

Petitioners seek review of the decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals arising out of Deputy Gelhaus’ fatal shooting of 13 year-old Andy Lopez, who was carrying a toy replica automatic rifle by its grip. At all times, the toy rifle was pointed towards the ground, with Lopez’s hand on the grip, away from the trigger. Deputy Gelhaus shot at Lopez eight times, hitting him seven times, from approximately 62 feet. The question presented is whether there is qualified immunity for a police officer who shoots a 13-yearold boy seven times, particularly where there is evidence that the first...

4. He Shot Andy Lopez Eight Times: Gelhaus stepped out of his vehicle and ordered Lopez to drop the gun. When the teen did not drop the weapon and turned facing the deputies, Gelhaus fired eight times at Lopez. //SNIP// (If a Deputy slaughters a child in the forest, will the Sharif make a sound?) //and then// http://rt.com/usa/andy-lopez-protest-return-deputy-093 Decision to reinstate officer who killed 13-year-old carrying toy gun ... The police officer who fatally shot a 13 yeae old child will be reinstated. Sonoma County Deputy Erick Gelhaus returned to work in Santa Rosa on Monday... (but) at a desk...

The Santa Rosa Police Department has completed its investigation of the Oct. 22 shooting of 13-year-old Andy Lopez by Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputy Erick Gelhaus. The results of the investigation conducted in conjunction with the Petaluma Police Department have been sent to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office. It is time for my staff consider all the facts // Snipp // http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/01/07/sonoma-deputy-who-killed-andy-lopez-faces-new-allegations-in-amended-suit/ According to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, a 20-page document was filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco alleging that Deputy Erick Gelhaus has a history of using excessive force.