Hacienda Heights, CA (LA County)
LA County deputies were dispatched to a call in reference to a man named Robert Boozer who had just stabbed his own father.
When deputies arrived on scene Mr. Boozer had left the home and was hanging out over on a neighbor’s porch.
Deputies spent a considerable amount of time trying to convince the neighbor to move to safety and away from Mr. Boozer. The neighbor (who was either stubborn or stupid) refused and therefore deputies wasted precious seconds where perhaps a dialogue could have been established with Mr. Boozer.
If police give you instructions during an emergency situation - just follow them. Do not assume that you know more than the responding police officers. Your curiosity is a dangerous annoyance.
Eventually Mr. Boozer emerged from the side of the neighbor’s house - howling like a maniac while still holding the bloody 9” knife. He ran at police officers and they reasonably utilized deadly force.
•How close should police have allowed Mr. Boozer get to them before utilizing deadly force? I think this was about close enough. In my opinion he probably got to enjoy an extra step or two.
Alright. When an offender tries to stab a police officer with the same blood-soaked knife that they had used to carve up a family member - the response from cops will be predictable.
No Tasers. No beanbag. No BOLA. No less lethal force option would be appropriate to combat the threat.
How close do you let them get?