Leonard Cure was shot and killed by a Camden County Georgia deputy during a traffic stop last week.
To save the suspense - this is an example of a justified officer-involved-shooting (OIS). In fact, this one is not close. Anyone who is remotely honest can watch the unbiased body and dash camera footage and come to the quick conclusion that the deputy faced an immediate deadly threat at the exact moment that deadly force was utilized.
The point of highlighting this case is to examine and document the dishonest narrative being pushed by lying attorneys and the mainstream media as well as the vicious effort to demonize the deputy who acted within the law and responded with measured self-defense as a violent manic tried to kill him.
Leonard Cure
Up until this traffic stop Leonard Cure was a person that we should all feel sympathy for. Mr. Cure was someone who we should all want to succeed. This is because Mr. Cure was released from prison in 2020 after serving 16 years for a crime that he did not commit. He was exonerated and had been spending a lot of time speaking to community and student groups about his experience.
What Happened
On October 16, 2023 Deputy Buck Aldridge was traveling in the right lane on Interstate 95. A pickup truck driven by Mr. Cure passed the deputy in the left lane traveling in excess of 100 mph. In many jurisdictions traveling that much above the speed limit is considered “reckless driving” and is accompanied by an arrest.
Deputy Aldridge initiated a traffic stop with the intent to arrest the driver.
Initial Contact
It would be dishonest to ignore how Deputy Aldridge initiated the contact with Mr. Cure. Deputy Aldridge started by yelling at Mr. Cure as he approached. He yelled, “Step out! Get out! Step out!”
The deputy did not introduce himself or announce the agency that he worked for. He did not explain the reason for the traffic stop or explain why Mr. Cure was being arrested (at least initially, he did later).
So, this is not my style. In my opinion an officer should start with a “normal” traffic stop introduction or conduct a felony stop. Perhaps, the manner in which the deputy made initial contact was abrasive, rude, and possibly even a minor policy violation. However, the actions by the deputy were not illegal and I should also acknowledge the possibility the deputy had a valid reason for this approach/introduction that we are unaware of.
Mr. Cure did exit the vehicle and Deputy Aldridge continued with, “Put your hands back here!” and Mr. Cure then said, “I ain’t doing shit!”.
As you can predict - the interaction went to shit from there.
Use of Force
The actual use of force by Deputy Aldridge was reasonable and measured.
Deputy Aldridge gave verbal commands and then verbal warnings that force would be utilized to Mr. Cure.
Deputy Aldridge initially started with empty hand tactics as he tried to move Mr. Cure’s hands behind his back. He then warned that Mr. Cure would be tased. These efforts were successful in gaining the compliance of Mr. Cure.
Eventually Deputy Aldridge did deploy the Taser - which did not have the desired effect of neuromuscular incapacitation.
Mr. Cure swung and swatted his arms to combat the Taser probes and quickly advanced towards Deputy Aldridge. Eventually the two men were embattled in a standing wrestling match with their arms wrapped around each other.
Deadly Force
Mr. Cure was able to overpower Deputy Aldridge and wrapped his hand around the law officer’s throat and pushed his head back while he eerily taunted, “Yeah bitch. Yeah bitch.”
It was from this position of extreme disadvantage, with a violent maniac’s hand wrapped around his throat - Deputy Aldridge was able to unholster his handgun and fired one shot at Mr. Cure - killing him.
Analysis
Police officers can utilize deadly force if faced with a deadly threat. Being choked by a man who is resisting a lawful arrest is a deadly threat. There is no question. The use of deadly force in this case was objectively reasonable.
Dishonest Criticism
Due to the fact that the use of deadly force was obviously legal - anti-police activists and their mainstream media partners have lowered themselves to personally attack Deputy Aldridge. They are combing through his Internal Affairs file and personnel history with a different law enforcement agency from a decade ago.
This is how you know that they have nothing.
“If the facts are in your favor - argue the facts. If the law is in your favor - argue the law. If neither the law or the facts are in your favor - pound the table.”
The fishing expedition of Deputy Aldridge is an example of “pounding the table”.
They will attempt to combine all of the imperfect aspects of Deputy Aldridge’s life. This is a way to hide from and bury the relevant facts of this specific case.
Final Thoughts
Imagine if the roles were reversed?
And Deputy Aldridge had his hands wrapped around Leonard Cure’s throat as he creepily taunted, “Yeah bitch. Yeah bitch.” I am guessing that Ben Crump and other anti-police activists would be spreading a different narrative about this case.
How many police stations, businesses, and cities would be burned to the ground if the roles were reversed?
Instead, in this case, it was Deputy Aldridge that played the role of George Floyd gasping for breath - opposite to Leonard Cure doing his best Derek Chauvin impression.