Caesar Robinson - faux outrage.
Officer Induced in Texas?
Marvin Smith - big guy running.
1. Caesar Robinson
This Officer-Involved-Shooting (OIS) occurred in April 2023 in New York City.
In the immediate aftermath of the OIS there were protests, marches, and shouting in the streets by anti-police activists. They claimed that the deadly police shooting of 78-year-old Caesar Robinson was not justified and called for the involved officers to be “held accountable”.
The police body cam footage has recently been released. Now those loud activists are nowhere to be found.
I will interpret their silence as their apology.
This incident started when Mr. Robinson (or his nephew) called police to report a burglary. Police officers responded and rang the doorbell.
Mr. Robinson opened the door holding a gun - that was pointed at one of the officers. Mr. Robinson then took a few steps towards officers - with the gun still pointed.
The officers went from code white to the largest single dump of immediate adrenaline that they had ever experienced and responded with deadly force.
•This OIS is justified (ie. within the law, policy and training).
When a gun is pointed at you the time to de-escalate has passed - as your life may only have moments left to it.
(video)
2. Officer Induced?
This OIS occurred in Mesquite, Texas and involved a 19-year-old suspected car thief name Payton Lawrence.
An officer was conducting an investigation into a stolen vehicle. The car in question was occupied multiple times and Mr. Lawrence was in the driver seat.
The officer stood in front of the vehicle and pointed his firearm at the driver/occupants. The officer gave Mr. Lawrence multiple commands to, “Stop!”.
Mr. Lawrence did not follow the commands and slowly and slightly moved the car forward. Then reversed the car. Then again pulled the car forward slightly. During this the officer tracked the car by moving forward and back with the vehicle.
The officer then fired 3 rounds - killing Mr. Lawrence.
Of course Mr. Lawrence should not have stolen a car and he should have followed the commands of the officer.
But. Stop standing in front of cars! This looks like unnecessary Officer induced Jeopardy. And is just fucking stupid.
There is no reason to risk your life over a property crime.
Here’s a good rule to follow - if your agency (or common sense) would not allow you to engage in a vehicle pursuit over the crime - do not use your body to try and block a car from moving.
I am not saying that the officer’s actions were criminal. But they were objectively idiotic. And, most departments have a policy prohibiting this behavior.
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