That methed-up criminal, Eric Harris perhaps thought that he could do his Knockout King hit on deputy Bob Bates’ chin and take him out in one punch. I guess, with a mind fried on meth, things don’t work out the way you think they will. They never do.
Hi jonrick46,
I’m reminded of one of the writings of Voltaire. Candide. If Harris hadn’t resisted, he wouldn’t have been tased/shot; if Harris had not tried to escape, he wouldn’t have been shot; if Harris had not been actively involved in a crime, he wouldn’t have tried to escape; if Harris was not on meth, he would have been a model citizen (maybe). I don’t have personal experience with meth or amphetamines, but I suspect I wouldn’t be able to make proper decisions.
Several years ago I observed a trial of a law enforcement officer in a criminal’s death. The “victim” was doped up on PCP and acid meth and had become almost superhuman. He broke both of his wrists getting out of cuffs. The defense of the officer was that his firing his firearm was necessary to stop the man. I don’t think that it is the same with Deputy Bates, but I certainly know more than to judge him since I was not there.
But, back to Voltaire - Harris didn’t deserve to die. But, he made multiple wrong choices to put himself in a situation that ended his life. It wasn’t just one choice. It was a multiplicity of choices.
Bates is letting the system work its way. He will accept the results of his actions. He has not blamed anyone else or tried to deflect responsibility.