A San Diego police officer was shot, as he sat in his cruiser, at a stoplight, unaware that the car pulled up next to him had been involved in a shooting earlier. (read article)
After the suspect vehicle signaled to the officer to get his attention, the passenger in the suspect vehicle fired a shotgun through an open window at close range.
Hours earlier, police had been pursuing the vehicle and had terminated the pursuit due to “high speeds”.
A dangerous felony had been committed, and an inherent danger to the public was very apparent.
Most of the suspects I’ve encountered that flee from the police usually incorporate some sort of speed, usually high, to get away from the police, whether on foot or with a vehicle.
Many police departments, including LVMPD, have instituted policies restricting officers from pursuing vehicles, usually based on the type of crimes known to have been committed. Now, they’ve even gone as far to limit foot chases, to prevent injuries.
Most citizens, good and bad know of these policies and restrictions and some now flaunt their ability to avoid being stopped for minor violations, knowing the officer will be disciplined for not following policy if they are stopped.
I’ve heard rumors that some motor vehicle related businesses (motorcycles, street racers), usually clubs of some sort, will post department policy on their walls so the members can see that the local PD has restrictions on pursuits.
Some would say that a person signs up to be an officer, knowing full and well, the dangers of becoming an officer.
When most people sign up to be a member of the law enforcement community, they do so as part of the “Sheepdog” mentality, to protect the flock and to confront the wolf, head on.
Departments are now not allowing the sheepdog mentality to prevail, more likely the sheepish mentality.
Those dangers don’t include sitting at the stop light, minding your own business and getting murdered.
Some say that police pursuits are not necessary.
Really?
Suspects, knowing those policies, routinely drive from police while they are attempting a traffic stop.
We’ve all seen the craziest police pursuits on TV, with the drivers waving the infamous one-finger wave at the following officers.
In this case, the suspects got away and were able to murder (RIP) a police officer.
The officer, 36 year old Jeremy Henwood, a 4 year veteran of the San Diego Police Department and United States Marine Corp veteran of 3 overseas tours, might be a husband, father, brother or uncle, just like any other male in your family. Unfortunately, he was wearing a police uniform.
What is the public going to say when suspects pull up to an unaware family in their vehicle and blast them after a police pursuit was called off because they were driving “too fast”.
Unfortunately, police departments are “damned if they do, and damned if they don’t” and appear to be taking the “damned if we won’t” path.
How long will it take before police apathy will result in rampant crimes due to criminals use and knowledge of the police department’s own policies?
Guess you will be looking at the car next to you at the red light…
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