OIS!

19 Oct 09

Good information from an OIS (Officer-Involved Shooting) in the Midwest, from a friend and student:

"One of our patrolmen was involved in a fatal OIS last night (16 Oct 09).

He observed a person throw a small bag from a vehicle. He subsequently attempted to pull the suspect vehicle over, and a high-speed chase followed. It didn't last long! The suspect driver lost control and piled-up, crashing into a parked car.

As is always the case with such crashes, there was a big dust cloud kicked up, and, when our officer's beat-car came to a stop, he realized that both cars were nearly side by side.

A passenger exited the suspect vehicle holding a pool cue. Simultaneously, the suspect driver pulled forward, then shifted into reverse and did his best to run our officer down as he was trying to exit his vehicle.

While dodging the suspect vehicle, our officer drew his G22 and fired a total of seven shots at the suspect driver (Remington Bonded 165 Gr Golden Saber). All seven bullets had to penetrate auto-glass or car-door before striking the offender. All seven did penetrate and subsequently struck the offender (driver), who, as a result, was DRT at the scene. Two in the chest. Three in hip. Two in the legs.

There were two passengers in the suspect vehicle, including the one with the pool cue. Neither were injured, nor was our officer. One passenger was subsequently apprehended, still in the vehicle. The one with the pool cue was picked up a short distance away, without incident.

Our officer reported that the driver was obviously incapacitated within seconds of being struck."

Comment: Officers need to fully expect explosive, violent resistance when attempting any arrest. The suspect (driver) in this case had an outstanding warrant, but it was for a misdemeanor. Nothing serious. Yet, he was more than willing to take what turned out to be fatal risks in order to avoid apprehension. Desperate men do not think clearly!

When threatened, Fight First! Forget about everything else on your check-list. Remember pilots' advice when in trouble in the air: (1) Aviate (2) Navigate (3) Communicate, in that order.

/John