Family Affair!

14 Mar 08

Family affair in LA, from an LEO friend in the area:

"Wednesday evening, two of our gang-officers, on foot-patrol in ourmost ' active' housing project, spotted a known gang-member who was in direct violation of our City's gang-injunction just by physically being there. Under this ordinance, any violation generates instant arrest.

Being obviously familiar with our ordinance, the suspect immediately took off on a bicycle. Both officers are on our Station's running team and had no problem closing the distance. As they caught up with the suspect, he produced a pistol and, from under his arm (as he continued frantically peddling), started shooting backwards at our officers.

Our officers both stopped, took aim, and fired at the fleeing suspect with their G22s. Firing a total of four rounds, they struck the suspect in the torso with all four. None exited. He wobbled, stayed upright for another second or two, and then fell off the bicycle. By the time the ambulance crew arrived, he was DRT.

As other officer arrived, this kid's 'family,' consisting of over a dozen ' relatives' showed up and, as expected, created the usual, contrived, emotional scene commemorating their 'son-of-the-year.'

Eventually, the crowd disbursed except for one, who identified himself as the decedent's father. He continued to create a one-man scene, cursing our officers and verbalizing threats. Our guys went about their duties, doing their best to ignore him. He was not arrested, because we were trying to be understanding by just letting let him blow off steam.

We won't do that again! Without warning, 'dad' himself produced a pistol and began firing at our officers and detectives. Fortunately, our perimeter guys were alert and immediately gunned him down. This new suspect was subsequently transported and was last reported 'critical' by the hospital.

None of our guys were hurt. As you may know, our overall violence rate here is exhibiting a slight downward trend, but gang-related violence is rising dramatically. We don't see it leveling off any time soon."

Lessons: Don't relax too soon! Don't relax at all! Keep you head up and stay alert. When it's least expected, you're elected!

At any crime scene, or other police activity, routinely set up security-in-depth. This means layers of protection. Evidence techs and detectives tend to get engrossed in the tedium of their tasks. Someone always needs to be"on watch."

Never be part of, or anywhere near, any "protest," rally, demonstration, or other emotional gathering. When people around you become outwardly emotional, get out of there without delay! Long before bullets start flying, arrange to be somewhere else!

In many parts of the Country, our civilization is descending into anarchy, as we see! No matter where you are, be alert, armed, ready, confident, particularly when you wear a uniform!

Train continuously! Expect the unexpected. Never be "surprised."

/John