FBI fired as victim unbuckled, lawyer says

Baltimore Sun ^ | March 5,2002 | Gail Gibson and Laura Barnhardt

[ben richards]

I heard the 16 year old girlfriend's father on a local radio talk show yesterday. He said that after the guy had been shot, the agents handcuffed him and placed him face down on the ground. He said his daughter was begging them to call for medical assitance, which they did not do until they realized that they had shot the wrong guy. He also said that when he watched footage from the scene on the local news, several agents could be seen smiling and laughing with each other. This one is about to hit the fan, I believe, as it should. Will anyone be held accountable? We will see.

[NittanyLion]

Is this SOP to confuse the teenage girl?

Well, standard SOP is to shoot the dog. Maybe this is another...

[realpatriot71]

I did not say that it was the kid's fault. The agent in question should be identified, charged and jailed. I merely offered a hindsight observation that might have prevented a tragedy.

I apologize for the flame then. This issue gets me pretty fired up.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

"I think I'd first call it an agent's mistake."

No argument there.We can only pray that the FBI does the right thing in this case. They have a problem agent on their hands.

[Unicorn]

BTTT

[Unicorn]

BTTT

[GhostofWCooper]

Dane, Lord knows we need police. But we need police that uphold the law. They should arrest suspects and bring them safely to jail, so a judge and jury can decide their fate.

We do not, however, need Columbian-style death squads, judge-jury-executioners all rolled up into one. (Whooping it up? While some young man lays dying on the ground?) If we do not prosecute this murderous agent (and his fun-loving partner) we invite more of the same. And when the fear and loathing of federal agents becomes endemic, our society could come apart like a cheap suit. Do you want that? People busting caps at law enforcement wherever they see them? I certainly don't.

Give me (decent) law and order, any day. I was taught to "respect the police, they are your friends." And most of them are, but it doesn't take too many awful incidents like this to make people distrustful and afraid of them. Know what I mean? I hope so.

Regards,

[sausageseller]

For Dane to answer that question it would require truthfulness. Something Dane is devoid of.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

No sweat. I knew I'd get flamed from at least a couple people.
I am fired up as well. This kid could have been my kid. He's only a few badges from Eagle Scout and is going for his Learner's Permit to drive in a few weeks. I'm all twisted up inside trying to think of what to teach him first about traffic stops.
Oh boy.

[DB]

I don't understand what "his family" has to do with this.

[yarddog]

Consider myself lighter. Oops! not light in the loafers tho.

Anyway, I do the same thing, just was thinking, incorrectly as it turns out, that you were blaming the kid.

[Eddeche]

"after the guy had been shot, the agents handcuffed him and placed him face down on the ground. He said his daughter was begging them to call for medical assitance, which they did not do until they realized that they had shot the wrong guy. He also said that when he watched footage from the scene on the local news, several agents could be seen smiling and laughing with each other. "

Excuse me, I need to vomit now....

[sport]

I am not Donald Stone, but I will answer.
No ,the fbi did not kill an Eagle Scout, but they sure tried.

[Ghengis]

I have been pulled over a number of times by local and state constabulary in my life and never would I reach down to unbuckle my seat belt without first telling the officer that is what I was going to do next. Call it a young man's mistake, but if this kid had only said loudly, "I'm going to unbuckle my seat belt, officer!", he might have avoided a bullet. Law enforcement officers are very interested in where your hands are during a traffic stop.

I agree that this is the smart course of action when a person is detained by a police officer. Yet, this also does not seem to measure up in a police tactical sense (I have had training in police use of force and firearms).

Police are trained to confront the possibility that everyone is armed, ready to do them harm...AND...They are also trained to deal with the inevitable scenario where they must detain an innocent suspect. The suspect who will be confused, afraid and unknowing in how to react in such a way as to reassure the police officer that they do not present a danger.

This young man was, at the time, confined to a car and had not produced a weapon. I have a feeling that the FBI line will be a tough one to swallow. If it turns out to be true that the victim had been denied medical attention, all of the involved agents should be sent up on multiple felony counts (along the lines of felony assault, denying the victim his civil rights, etc.).

These kinds of "unfortunate incidents" seem to be happening more and more since our police have become much better trained (i.e. more militarized).

[takenoprisoner]

What we have here is an example of hotdogism at it's finest. These guys know they are untouchable and will at the worst only be temporarily reassigned...or in some cases, given a medal and promotion for shooting/killing a civilian suspect in the "line of duty."

There was a time in this nation back on Maple St USA when all the folks of the town in support of their neighbor's children would have been on the streets with their ropes demanding release of this hotdog agent to them.

[Cvengr]

Am I the only one to notice that the criminal caught for the robbery never was in a red car let alone the Red Grand Am which the FBI claims was their sole justification for making the apprehension in the first place and then a shot in the face after the passenger complied with their orders?

What's wrong with this picture?

Why such an obvious goof and then a simple, oh, We've reassigned him to a desk,..oops no a job where he probably won't have to use his weapon as much...???

The statement alone exemplifies the incredible lack of wherewithal which isn't just randomly displayed, but now always a signature of FBI agents in every press report over the last 5 or so years I can think about. Maybe the FBI had a purpose 20 yrs ago, but maybe it's time to rethink their mission.

Perhaps its better to dissolve federally organized forces and move the same funding to local jurisdictions.

[bvw]

Yes but, when you say "I'm tired of the 'big-wigs' getting away with whatever they want", there you are mistaken. It is all the wigs, big and small, black, blond, brown, red and gray.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

"just was thinking, incorrectly as it turns out, that you were blaming the kid. "

No prob. Mebbe I have hire a proof reader for when I go a Freepin'.
I tried not to let that impression stain my reply #50, because I do believe the agent in question should have his feet held to the fire on this one. Right after they have been separated from his legs.

[bvw]

There is also an M4 tactical shotgun.

[Darth Sidious]

The agent should be flogged.

No, let the punishment fit the crime.

If you catch my drift.