There’s an article in the L.A. Times this morning that provides details from the San Bernardino County sheriff's report of the January 29 shooting of a vacationing Air Force Security policeman by Deputy Ivory J. Webb Jr. Statements attributed to Webb are in direct conflict with what the video seems to show.
I don’t think anyone involved in a violent chase and shooting is capable of accurately describing such a traumatic event immediately afterwards.
Every American except cops have a right not to make statements involving the circumstances of a police investigation under the Fifth Amendment protection against forced self-incrimination. Cops have a special requirement to cooperate in such investigations or lose their jobs. It would have been a lot better for Webb if he were allowed to get nights sleep and consult with an attorney and have him present during such cooperation or not cooperate at all like any other citizen.
This case is going to hinge on intent and Deputy Webb’s state of mind. The event is now going to be second-guessed by a criminal court jury and again by a civil court jury.
Anyone with information on this case should contact Webb's defense attorney:
Michael David Schwartz, Esquire
Silver Hadden & Silver
1428 2nd St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone Number (310) 393-1486
Fax Number (310) 395-5801
Comments
Of course, from the legal perspective, the best advice is just to STFU.
I wonder why no police unions have ever been able to get a post-shooting right-to-remain-silent clause put in their contracts. It would potentially be worth more than a percentage point raise! Departments would also lower their liability by having an excuse for not prying potentially incriminating info out of cops.
JM
Civil damages? Sure, he was shot up, but criminal charges? Bull****
I think we should at least wait for a verdict from a jury before we suggest punishment.
What is the world coming too?
The Powers that be are making Law Enforcement Officers jobs harder and harder...
Sure the P.O. might have made a mistake, but a Criminal...How Ludicrious!!
It seems the one on 'stand' should be the ones who were in the vehicle, especially the Driver!
Its very difficult to see at night, But Not for a Low Lux Digital Camera!!
Webb, The Border Patrol Agents!! Who's next?
It now looks as though it '$pays$' to be a criminal and it seems now that those who have to 'Pay' with house, home, family, finances and prison time is our beloved Police Officers who serve and protect us.
God, Help Us to Open Our Eyes to What is Really Going On, and Who the Real Criminals are!!!
I'd like to hear opinions from people in Law Enforcement on this Deputy's handling of this scene. I'd also like their opinions on the following points.
Why didn't Webb have his vehicle parked length ways across Francis Street, with the cars headlights shining directly on this scene? Why wasn't Webb then standing outside his vehicle, with the drivers side door open, and his weapon trained on the two suspects from a safe distance? I question this Deputy's ability to say the phrase "Felony Stop", let alone conduct one, and this Deputy was an 8 year veteran.
For him to now claim that he shot out of fear because of a belief the unsecured passenger was going for a weapon, while complying with the utterly stupid command to "Get up", makes no sence at all. Especially since this Deputy's position of vulnerability was entirely of his own making.
He chose to stand within 5 feet of two suspects following a felony eluding on the driver's part. He gave the command to "get up" to an unsecure suspect. He made the decision to shoot a second after giving that command. He shot as the suspect was complying with that command. And, as was pointed out earlier, he never searched the suspect for this percieved weapon he now claims was his reason for shooting in the first place.
If his actions weren't as intentional as they sounded, then at a minimum, his actions, and procedural violations were reckless, which supports the charge of manslaughter. Stop defending incompetance. This Deputy's actions have not only resulted in an innocent man being badly wounded, but they have also earned him a criminal charge, and remember, it's not the wounded Airman who can even bring those charges. They came from a DA following lenghty investigations
into this incident.
That video tape is conclusive, and it's story, unlike the Deputy's, never changes. I am an ardant supporter of law enforcement, but I'm not going to condone a criminal act, simply because it was a FORMER member of law enforcement who was charged with commiting the crime.