How quickly can things go sideways?
This body camera recording a police encounter shows how quickly things can go from an uncooperative driver who just had a car crash threatening to cut himself to a deadly force encounter.
The cop makes contact with the guy about 1:40.
The guy advances on the drawn gun of the cop and despite repeated commands to stay back, to drop it and retreating by the cop (sound familiar for those of you who have had training?), less than ten seconds later, the cop fires repeatedly.
Good shoot?
You bet.
If you’ve got a drawn gun on someone who is acting irrationally (threatening to cut yourself is irrational behavior, as is refusing to discuss a simple incident) and they advance upon you, that should be a clue that things aren’t going to end well for one party or another. If you’re unable to retreat with complete safety, then it’s up to you to decide which half of that equation will go home to their family and loved ones.
The video is also a good lesson about being able to handle your gear. If you’re fumbling a draw or grip on your gun as Mr. Knife Wielder is advancing on you, particularly within 21 feet as was the case in this video, then you’re probably going to be toast.
In this case, “Eric” wasn’t thinking straight and decided to commit suicide by cop.
Comments are closed.