FBI fired as victim unbuckled, lawyer says

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

[Donald Stone]

Joseph Charles Schultz, the Anne Arundel County man shot Friday after being mistaken for a bank robbery suspect, was reaching to unfasten his seat belt to comply with an FBI agent's order when the agent opened fire, an attorney for Schultz's family said yesterday.

"They told him to get out of the car, and he was trying to comply with that," attorney Joseph C. Asensio said.

A single bullet from an M-14 assault rifle struck Schultz, 20, in the face, shattering his right cheek and jaw.

[AndyJackson]

Shill. Besides the idiot given a gun I predict that the investigation, or at least the civil trial for damages, will reveal a ring of incompetence surrounding this case from the local agent in charge downwards - and probably some incompetence upwards.

[scouse]

No law emforcement agency will ever be perfect, but that won't stop people pushing their own political points

What does this mean? Is it political to criticize the FBI? Is talking about that innocent man from Boston, who was allowed to rot in prison all those years for something he didn't do, political? Even though he was sent there by the FBI, who knew from the beginning that he was innocent.

[Fzob]

It took several minutes for them to realize the problem. It was a very tight situation.

These guys have a tough job but it sure seems critical thinking skills need to be polished up a bit.

I didn't realize how nervous cops are during a stop until I got pulled over recently and had to open the door to give the officer my paperwork because the electric window was busted.

He body slammed the door shut while reaching for his gun. He quickly realized he made a mistake

The unforunate incident posted sounds like the feds got a little too gung-ho.

[NoCurrentFreeperByThatName]

A single bullet from an M-14 assault rifle struck Schultz, 20, in the face, shattering his right cheek and jaw.

Earlier reports said that the rifle was an M-4. Either way, .223 or .308, this guy has to be messed up.

[George Frm Br00klyn Park]

"Schultz was shot when he reached over to unbuckle his seat belt,"

SB, "Buckle up. It's the LAW!" "Seat belts save lives." Peace and love, George.

[aruanan]

Buckle up for safety,
buckle up.
Buckle up for safety,
always buckle up.
Put your mind at ease
Help your driver please
Buckle up for safety,
everybody buckle up.

Or something like that.

[Khepera]

exactly

[ColdSteelTalon]

That fellow is going to be able to sue sue and sue !!! What gross incompetency.

[Teacher317]

For the first time, however, the FBI indicated that the agent who fired the weapon Friday has been temporarily reassigned.

OOH! They're SO tough on him! /weapons-grade sarcasm>

Imagine this: a civilian, complying with an FBI agent's request to put down a weapon, screws up due to nerves and puts a round into the agent's face. How would they treat him, and what charges would be filed? Would he simply be reassigned new duties at his job and be allowed to go on with life?

When we screw up and injure or kill someone, there are really big consequences, even if it is an accident. LEO's should, too. As we remove these disincentives, we're getting more screw-ups. Notice the trend?

[hgro]

No wonder we have terrorists roaming the country if the F.B.I. agents are concentrating on two bit robbers and gunning down innocent citizens.

[hobbes1]

Joseph Charles Schultz, the Anne Arundel County man shot Friday after being mistaken for a bank robbery suspect, was reaching to unfasten his seat belt to comply with an FBI agent's order when the agent opened fire, an attorney for Schultz's family said yesterday.
"They told him to get out of the car, and he was trying to comply with that," attorney Joseph C. Asensio said.
A single bullet from an M-14 assault rifle struck Schultz, 20, in the face, shattering his right cheek and jaw.

And another lucky contest wins the Police State OOPS! Lotto Jackpot!!!!

[xsmommy]

that is what he gets for walking around looking like a bank robbery suspect!

[arthurus]

but that won't stop people pushing their own political points and do a clinton like blood dance over this unfortunate situation.

"This unfortunate situation" is just a little bit too common. Officers in these situations often seem to be looking for their chance to try out their shooting skills.

[hobbes1]

xscommiestatistmommy!

[xsmommy]

there is a lesson to be learned here. do NOT walk around looking like a criminal, or else you may be shot.

[donozark]

Ya. I would say it (M-14)was a typo. This is not Afghanistan. M-4 no doubt. 5.56MM. But either caliber, citizen is very lucky to be alive...

[Cobra64]

Every time I get pulled over by a cop, I right signal, tap the brakes and pull off the road (parking lot) and consurrently roll down the driver side window. Once stopped, I keep both hands on the wheel... very visible. When the officer approaches and we go through usual verbal disourse... speeding; I explain that I am going to unbuckle seat belt to retrieve wallet, etc.

These guys like the patience and respect we pay to them so that their comfort level is a least a little bit higher that I'm not going to pull out a .357 and whack 'em.

Yep. I drive fast on highways. Sloooow in parking lots. The babes in their SUVs love to bump into things they can't see over a 6 foot high hood when they're sitting just under the windshield.

[SpencerRoane]

"No law emforcement agency will ever be perfect, but that won't stop people pushing their own political points and do a clinton like blood dance over this unfortunate situation."

It's not a question of perfect, Dane. It's a question of basic competence.

[Texas_Longhorn]

It could be refering to a "mini -14 This gun uses a .223 shell.

[GhostofWCooper]

Well, this just goes to show the reason we need an assault rifle ban. It just needs to be adjusted a bit, to ban the use of these arms by federal agencies who have shown a marked lack of ability to control their

ITCHY TRIGGER FINGERS

I can't help but think that the kid could be my son laying there with half his face blown off. This stuff has gotten way out of control. They act all hysterical, shouting orders and knocking people to the floor. The girl was thrown to the ground, AFTER they shot the kid. She must have scared these big tough guys.

Mr. Nervous machinegunner needs to go to the joint. Maybe the message will be heard and understood by the rest of them.
If Mr. Schultz' dad were to go open up a can of wupass down at their headquarters, I would understand.