Showing posts with label police involved shooting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label police involved shooting. Show all posts
22 February 2015
10 February 2015
Officer's Discharging Of Firearm Leaves Many Holes In Story -- #InstantAnalysis
10 February 2015
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator In Chief
@BaltoSpectator
Editors Note: The Baltimore Spectator strongly believes that an important role of the free press is to question government and their representation of facts and version of events. A free people deserve nothing less. No government agency, department, nor division or individual agents of the same, should ever be seen as being beyond reproach and above questioning and speculation. In some cases the answers found uphold what was first presented. Others times, the truth learned is vastly different than what was first offered as fact. The following instant analysis is an opinion piece. Based on information available to the public at the time of publication, it should not be misconstrued as anything more. No disrespect is intended to the officer or any other parties.
Police Involved Discharging. 100 block W Cross Street. More to follow.
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) February 8, 2015
Reported Facts:
A Baltimore Police officer was attacked Saturday night and had to use his weapon to defend himself.
The attack happened around 10:45 p.m., after the officer spent time at an establishment in the city's Federal Hill neighborhood -- an area known for it's many bars and restaurants.
Officer Rashard King, age 27, was off duty.
While walking to his car near the intersection of W. Cross and Race streets, King was attacked in an apparent attempted robbery.
The unknown attacker -- described only as 6-feet tall and wearing a dark hoodie -- stabbed Officer King in the upper thigh.
Police say doesn't "appear" anyone got hit after police fired. Still waiting for briefing. W. Cross St. off Charles pic.twitter.com/ecX25fwx7E
— Justin George (@justingeorge) February 8, 2015
During the attack, Officer King was able to draw his weapon and open fire on the unknown assailant. The man ran away. It's reported the attacker did not appear to be struck by King's bullet(s).
It was not clear if the attacker made off with any property or belongings of the officer.
The Baltimore Sun reported Baltimore Police Deputy Commissioner Jerry Rodriguez said Saturday night; police were canvassing the area for the suspect and for witnesses.
It's not clear if anyone saw what happened, or if there are CitiWatch surveillance cameras nearby.
The officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Less than 24 hours later, he was released.
Critical Analysis
The incident as reported seems highly suspicious and lacking credibility. There are key aspects of the story that do not add up, leaving a reasonable person to wonder: A) Did the attack on the officer really happen? B) If so, did it happen the way it's being presented to the public? C) Are there key elements of the incident being withheld either from the public, investigators, or both?
Vague Description Of Attacker & Other Oddities
The average citizen may not make the most reliable eye witness, but police officers are trained to be keen observers. It's an essential part of their job. It's highly disturbing to think a bold, knife wielding attacker could be on the loose, and the public has such a poor description of what to look out for.
It has shades of Det. Anthony Fata's now infamous incident in 2011, where he claimed to have been attacked in a parking garage near police headquarters.
 |
| Detective Fata's phantom shooter. |
- Like Fata, King claimed to be walking to his vehicle when the attack took place.
- Fata's description was also that of a hoodie clad attacker.
- King's attack took place in an area where there seemed to be few, if witnesses. Just like Fata's.
- Fata's wounding -- now known to be self inflicted -- was in the upper thigh. Exactly where Officer King was supposedly stabbed by his attacker.
- After Officer King's attacker escaped, police descended on the area in search of the suspect. Exactly as they did when they looked for Detective Fata's non existent shooter.
The Great Escape
One of the strangest elements of the story is that of the alleged attacker escaping.
In order for the attacker to have stabbed Officer King as reported, that would place him in extremely proximity. What experts call the close quarters combat (CQC) or hand to hand distance. The type of distance where even the poorest of shots are likely to hit their target.
When using lethal force, police officers are trained to shoot to stop a threat.
If the first shot fails to stop the threat, either by missing the target, or due to the attacker not responding to the gunfire, an officer is trained to continue to squeeze the trigger, shooting until the desired effect is achieved and the attacker is no longer able to do harm.
Even if the attacker turned to run away upon Officer King identifying himself as a police officer (it's not stated if King did this), it's still unfathomable for him to completely escape from being wounded, or stopped from that close a range.
It is arguable that due to King being stabbed, he could have been disoriented, causing him to miss. But the fact of his being released from the hospital the very next day, suggests King's wounds were not very serious. Victims of serious knife attacks are rarely released so quickly.
As a police officer it's conceivable that more than the average citizen, King would expend great effort in ensuring his armed attacker did not get away. This includes sufficient counter attack to the ambush, via use of the weapon he carried.
There is also the personal motive of making sure your attacker is apprehended and brought to justice.
Then there is the sense of duty. Protecting the public from an obviously dangerous person, willing to to commit unprovoked attack. This did not happen.
If this part of the incident took place exactly as reported, the question begs to be asked; just where did those stray bullets go? In congested urban environments like downtown Baltimore, there should be great concern anytime there's gunfire, no matter the source.
Adequate training ensures that even under stressful situations, an officer should still be able to achieve at minimum, a modicum level of accuracy. Total misses are unacceptable and makes ones fitness for duty and being issued a firearm, not only questionable, but a potential grave liability and threat to the safety of the public that's supposed to protected.
In the past, Baltimore Police have demonstrated they're quite capable of hitting their targets -- with multiple shots even. Each year we see numerous police involved shootings. They rarely miss.
Last month an officer faced down a man with knife at child's birthday party. Things didn't end well for the man with the knife.
 |
| Det. Anthony Fata enjoyed his work and it's included perks. |
It hasn't been stated whether the officer had been drinking at the time of the attack. The area is known as a hot spot for weekend boozing, and it was stated King had been patronizing an area "establishment" just prior to the attack.
The type of establishment was not disclosed.
If King had been drinking, his carrying of a firearm would be in direct violation of department policy, prohibiting officers from being armed while intoxicated.
Intoxication could also be a factor in being unable to hit a target within close proximity.
Police did not state if King was administered a breathalyzer test as part of their investigation.
In the past, being intoxicated hasn't stopped officers from carrying their weapons, or even using them in questionable situations.
Baltimore Officer Gahiji Tshamba, is currently serving a prison sentence for killing a man in an off duty shooting in 2010. Before that incident Tshamba once shot someone in a different drunken off duty incident. That man lived. At the time the shooting was ruled justifiable and Tshamba was restored to full duty status.
Several years later, in another alcohol fueled incident, Tshamba shot and killed former Marine, Gulf War veteran and city government employee, Tyrone Brown, outside a Mt. Vernon nightclub.
Summary Conclusion
There have been many incidents of police officers, all over the country embellishing facts. Sometimes even completely fabricating incidents. While often under reported in mainstream media, it is not rare in occurrence.
While it is entirely possible that Officer King may have been a victim of attack, at this point, upon examination of the facts given; evidence is strong that things did not take place in the manner in which the public is being told.
In short, the story seems unlikely and improbable.
Either the event did not happen at all, and is a total fabrication, or there is much more to it, including possible targeting, or an attack or retaliation unrelated to robbery took place. There is even the potential of the officer being familiar with his attacker.
Too many questions concerning crucial details remain unanswered in order to draw a firm conclusion one way or another.
Considering the history present, and noted strong similarity to a previous incident of a Baltimore officer fabricating a story of being attacked; it is our hope the department will conduct a vigorous and thorough investigation.
Should the incident be determined unfounded, don't expect to hear about it. The department is known for staying tight lipped about embarrassing events, particularly incidents calling integrity into question.
They've been known to sit on information for extended periods of time, only releasing details when forced too.
The now widely reported Rat Gate incident, involving whistle blower Detective Joe Crystal, took place a year before the public was made aware.
On a positive note, Officer King appears to have not been seriously injured as a result of the attack. Or whatever it was that really happened.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Director of the MacArthur Institute Center For Advanced Analysis and Critical Comparison; occasional media critic, researcher, independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook, YouTube channel
25 January 2015
Police Shoot Man - Killing Him
Baltimore's Second Police Involved Shooting In Two Days
25 January 2015
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
A man was fatally wounded after being shot in the chest by a Baltimore Police officer Saturday night.
The incident took place when a resident flagged down a passing officer on the 1900 block of McHenry Street in south Baltimore around 8:30 p.m.
According to police, the citizen told the officer a family member was inside a residence threatening to harm other family members. Family was gathered together for a 3-year-old's birthday party when the incident took place.
Baltimore Police Deputy Commissioner Jerry Rodriguez stated the young veteran officer -- with less than two years on the force -- entered the residence and found the man with a knife in his hand.
After failing to comply with orders to drop the knife, the officer fired a single shot into the man's upper chest. Police say immediate aid was rendered, however the man died as a result of the gunshot wound a short time later at an area hospital.
View full, unedited video of Baltimore Police press conference.
According to Rodriguez, a full investigation is underway, but preliminary investigations did not indicate alcohol or drugs as a factor. No mention was made of the knife wielding individuals mental state, or what precipitated the incident.
No family members, nor the responding officer was injured during the incident.
Officer Involved In Thursday Shooting Identified
On Thursday night, Baltimore Police officer Angel Richardson, 32, a former city firefighter-paramedic, with just about two years on the police force, shot a man after a struggle related to a traffic stop.
Initially attempting to stop the driver of a minivan on Reisterstown Rd in Northwest Baltimore, the man fled from police.
After crashing the minivan, the driver and another occupant bailed out and a foot chase ensued. The other occupant -- a juvenile -- was arrested without incident.
At some point police say the driver "turned on the officer" and got into a physical confrontation with the Richardson. Feeling "overpowered" Richardson feared for her life, and police say as a last resort, opened fire on the individual.
The man shot was transported to an area hospital. At the time of this writing he was said to be recovering from his injuries. Baltimore police have not yet released any information on any criminal charges.
Thursday's shooting prompted The Baltimore Spectator to publish an editorial analysis asking the question of whether Baltimore Police were "Trigger Happy," resorting to lethal force before other means were first attempted. Two days later, police would shoot another man.
To date the editorial has been one of the most widely read stories at The Baltimore Spectator, garnering nearly 10,000 views in less than 24 hours and prompting hundreds of shares on social media, and a steady stream of comments showcasing varying opinions from readers.
Listen to James MacArthur's initial report recorded live on scene.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researcher,
independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James
MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20
years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by
government under the guise of law enforcement. Although
closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any
credit for his work by mainstream media.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook, YouTube channel
25 January 2015
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
The incident took place when a resident flagged down a passing officer on the 1900 block of McHenry Street in south Baltimore around 8:30 p.m.
According to police, the citizen told the officer a family member was inside a residence threatening to harm other family members. Family was gathered together for a 3-year-old's birthday party when the incident took place.
Baltimore Police Deputy Commissioner Jerry Rodriguez stated the young veteran officer -- with less than two years on the force -- entered the residence and found the man with a knife in his hand.
After failing to comply with orders to drop the knife, the officer fired a single shot into the man's upper chest. Police say immediate aid was rendered, however the man died as a result of the gunshot wound a short time later at an area hospital.
View full, unedited video of Baltimore Police press conference.
No family members, nor the responding officer was injured during the incident.
Officer Involved In Thursday Shooting Identified
On Thursday night, Baltimore Police officer Angel Richardson, 32, a former city firefighter-paramedic, with just about two years on the police force, shot a man after a struggle related to a traffic stop.
Initially attempting to stop the driver of a minivan on Reisterstown Rd in Northwest Baltimore, the man fled from police.
After crashing the minivan, the driver and another occupant bailed out and a foot chase ensued. The other occupant -- a juvenile -- was arrested without incident.
At some point police say the driver "turned on the officer" and got into a physical confrontation with the Richardson. Feeling "overpowered" Richardson feared for her life, and police say as a last resort, opened fire on the individual.
The man shot was transported to an area hospital. At the time of this writing he was said to be recovering from his injuries. Baltimore police have not yet released any information on any criminal charges.
Thursday's shooting prompted The Baltimore Spectator to publish an editorial analysis asking the question of whether Baltimore Police were "Trigger Happy," resorting to lethal force before other means were first attempted. Two days later, police would shoot another man.
To date the editorial has been one of the most widely read stories at The Baltimore Spectator, garnering nearly 10,000 views in less than 24 hours and prompting hundreds of shares on social media, and a steady stream of comments showcasing varying opinions from readers.
Listen to James MacArthur's initial report recorded live on scene.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researcher,
independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James
MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20
years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by
government under the guise of law enforcement. Although
closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any
credit for his work by mainstream media.----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook, YouTube channel
23 January 2015
Trigger Happy? -- Baltimore Police Shoot Unarmed Man... AGAIN
Second Police Involved Shooting In Less Than A Month
23 January 2015
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
NOTE: A previous photo appearing here was used for illustrative purposes only. The decision was made to remove it. It is NOT owned by The Baltimore Spectator, nor is it directly or indirectly connected to this article. The picture showed an interaction between police and suspect. That's it. It's not intended to do anything other than show correlation between Baltimore Police and suspects. The incident described in the story is all that matters. Taken by Baltimore Sun Photographer Andre F. Chung, 6 June 6 1997. Police Officer Raymond Cook is seen arresting 16-year-old Lance Tate on an armed carjacking charge at the corner of Edmondson Avenue and Allendale. Sadly, weeks after the photo was taken, in an unrelated incident, Tate was shot to death in what police called a fight between rival gangs.
Shoot first, and figure out justification later seems to be the current, standard use-of-force operating procedure in Baltimore City these days.
The latest incident, happening Thursday night in Park Heights, involves an unarmed subject who police attempted to perform a traffic stop on. The man sped off, evading capture before crashing the vehicle. At that point the suspect bailed out, and police gave chase.
Although police state there was some sort of physical struggle that ensued, there was no word of any weapon being found on the scene, or on the suspect, nor was there any other articulation of a life threatening situation. We're simply told the suspect struggled with police, so the officer shot him.
At this point, it's clear that Baltimore Police can virtually shoot anyone at anytime, and some how, some way, no matter what, it'll inevitably be ruled a good shoot. Although we weren't there, logic has it that most every arrest involves a physical struggle.
With people getting into fist fights everyday, and no one dying, a mere "physical struggle" is hardly ever considered life threatening, particularly in a situation where the suspect was likely greatly outnumbered by police officers.
There is nothing unusual about a police officer having to get into a physical confrontation as a routine part of his or her job. However it seems now the bar for using lethal force is awfully low in Baltimore.
Police Given A Pass
It's not clear how or even why we've arrived at the current sad state of media affairs in Baltimore. If reporters won't ask tough questions of the public servants who's job it is to keep us safe, then who will?
By their lack of a willingness to ask tough questions, and show any inkling of wanting to hold police accountable, Baltimore media has virtually given an "anything goes" pass to the Baltimore Police Department.
The last time Baltimore police shot a man was a few weeks ago near the end of December. He toowas unarmed. Nothing about the police explanation of events even remotely suggests the burglary suspect posed an immediate threat to responding officers. Desperately seeking justification, the best police could come up with at the time was; the man who they'd caught coming out of an unoccupied store that was closed for the day, had a "shiny object" in his hand. End of story.
The "shiny object" was never identified nor shown to the public. The story was all but completely ignored by media. It seemed no one reporting news in Baltimore found it peculiar that police shot a man who; A) had no weapon, nor even threatened or feigned having one, B) did not engage officers in even the slightest bit of physical struggle.
Strangely in that case, despite the narrative being laid out clearly by Baltimore Police; in a blatant display of the type of statist propaganda mainstream media does best, several news outlets altered the facts, taking the story from a man standing there with a "shiny object" in his hand, to a man "charging" at officers with said shiny object in his hand. The police never made mention of any charging. Where the news got this from we will never know.
Dangerous Suspects Able To Be Apprehended Without Lethal Force
In anticipation of the inevitable usual police apologists and those who habitually justify use of excessive force (because police can do no wrong), the following incidents are placed here for comparative perspective:
Trigger Happy Track Record
Let's face it, Baltimore Police love to shoot their guns. There have been so many cases, more than any other area agency, of Baltimore Police shooting their guns, when it simply made no sense at all. Here are just a few.
Officer William Kern shot police officer trainee, Raymond Gray in the head, nearly killing him dead. IN A TRAINING INCIDENT. At the time of the incident, few grasped the significance.
Prosecutors stated the police trainer had an "unhealthy relationship" and fixation with his gun. These guys LOVE to shoot.
If a veteran trainer of police could be as sloppy, cavalier and dangerous with his gun as Kern was, how much worse are his legions of former students and trainees likely to be?
Kern was one of the organizers of an illegal, unauthorized, highly dangerous training exercise which involved trespassing on state property.
Not only was Kern a dangerously reckless individual, responsible for showing others how to properly use firearms -- a lesson which he obviously never mastered -- but for the observant, he also provides a vivid view of the careless culture of the department. It's no wonder they shoot any time for any reason. It's how they were trained. They don't know any better.
When Officer William Torbit was gunned down in a hail of bullets outside a downtown night club, The Baltimore Spectator was first on the scene, putting out live updates via twitter.
Although deemed a tragic mistake, with no one being charged, punished, or even reprimanded, anyone living in Baltimore should be highly disturbed by the incident.
When a police department can fire 41 shots at one of their own, a veteran well known, well loved officer no less; the rest of us are doomed. Citizens of the city should realize we simply don't stand a chance. These wanna be jackass cowboys will shoot at anything that moves.
BPD = Bullsh*t Police Department
When an escaped steer attempted to go for one last stroll of freedom before becoming hamburger, the last thing any reasonable person expected was the blunted horn, castrated male cow, minding his own business, simply strutting down the street, would be blasted to bovine heaven to hang with the great herd in the sky.
But, despite the congested urban environment, filled with bystanders, despite the fact that it's against policy, safety protocol, and common sense to shoot from a moving vehicle, that's exactly what Baltimore Police did.
No One Is Innocent
20 year-old Dameatrice Moore had stopped off at a carry out food spot on York Rd., when Baltimore Police officer Quinton Smith, attempting to arrest a suspect, opened fire. Moore - an innocent bystander - and another man having nothing to do with anything, were both shot.
With this kind of a track record, which we've only examined briefly, one must wonder why every time there's a police involved shooting here, Baltimore Police aren't met with a phalanx of reporters demanding answers and details as to just what happened.
Instead, it's as if they've been given consent by a complicit silence from a media, who seems to have lost sight of their purpose and ability in protecting citizens from danger. Even if that danger is the police.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researcher,
independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James
MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20
years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by
government under the guise of law enforcement. Although
closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any
credit for his work by mainstream media.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook, YouTube channel
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
NOTE: A previous photo appearing here was used for illustrative purposes only. The decision was made to remove it. It is NOT owned by The Baltimore Spectator, nor is it directly or indirectly connected to this article. The picture showed an interaction between police and suspect. That's it. It's not intended to do anything other than show correlation between Baltimore Police and suspects. The incident described in the story is all that matters. Taken by Baltimore Sun Photographer Andre F. Chung, 6 June 6 1997. Police Officer Raymond Cook is seen arresting 16-year-old Lance Tate on an armed carjacking charge at the corner of Edmondson Avenue and Allendale. Sadly, weeks after the photo was taken, in an unrelated incident, Tate was shot to death in what police called a fight between rival gangs.
Shoot first, and figure out justification later seems to be the current, standard use-of-force operating procedure in Baltimore City these days.
The latest incident, happening Thursday night in Park Heights, involves an unarmed subject who police attempted to perform a traffic stop on. The man sped off, evading capture before crashing the vehicle. At that point the suspect bailed out, and police gave chase.
Although police state there was some sort of physical struggle that ensued, there was no word of any weapon being found on the scene, or on the suspect, nor was there any other articulation of a life threatening situation. We're simply told the suspect struggled with police, so the officer shot him.
At this point, it's clear that Baltimore Police can virtually shoot anyone at anytime, and some how, some way, no matter what, it'll inevitably be ruled a good shoot. Although we weren't there, logic has it that most every arrest involves a physical struggle.
With people getting into fist fights everyday, and no one dying, a mere "physical struggle" is hardly ever considered life threatening, particularly in a situation where the suspect was likely greatly outnumbered by police officers.
There is nothing unusual about a police officer having to get into a physical confrontation as a routine part of his or her job. However it seems now the bar for using lethal force is awfully low in Baltimore.
Police Given A Pass
It's not clear how or even why we've arrived at the current sad state of media affairs in Baltimore. If reporters won't ask tough questions of the public servants who's job it is to keep us safe, then who will?
By their lack of a willingness to ask tough questions, and show any inkling of wanting to hold police accountable, Baltimore media has virtually given an "anything goes" pass to the Baltimore Police Department.
The last time Baltimore police shot a man was a few weeks ago near the end of December. He toowas unarmed. Nothing about the police explanation of events even remotely suggests the burglary suspect posed an immediate threat to responding officers. Desperately seeking justification, the best police could come up with at the time was; the man who they'd caught coming out of an unoccupied store that was closed for the day, had a "shiny object" in his hand. End of story.
The "shiny object" was never identified nor shown to the public. The story was all but completely ignored by media. It seemed no one reporting news in Baltimore found it peculiar that police shot a man who; A) had no weapon, nor even threatened or feigned having one, B) did not engage officers in even the slightest bit of physical struggle.
Strangely in that case, despite the narrative being laid out clearly by Baltimore Police; in a blatant display of the type of statist propaganda mainstream media does best, several news outlets altered the facts, taking the story from a man standing there with a "shiny object" in his hand, to a man "charging" at officers with said shiny object in his hand. The police never made mention of any charging. Where the news got this from we will never know.
Dangerous Suspects Able To Be Apprehended Without Lethal Force
In anticipation of the inevitable usual police apologists and those who habitually justify use of excessive force (because police can do no wrong), the following incidents are placed here for comparative perspective:
- An armed man who attempted to rob a Toys R Us store in Towson Wednesday, was captured alive by Baltimore County Police. Note; HE HAD A GUN, yet no shots were fired. It's hard to imagine a situation more dangerous, and actually justifying use of lethal force, yet Baltimore County Police demonstrated, arrest of armed subjects is sometimes possible without opening fire. How much more possible should it then be to take down unarmed suspects without shooting them?
- Christopher Todd Jackson pulled out a knife when deputies tried to arrest him. He wasn't shot either. Although it didn't happen in Baltimore, the story of the possibly deranged man, attempting to throw a knife at the police in struck me. Here you have a man, actually clearly intent on doing potentially lethal harm to police, yet in he's not shot. Police are able to arrest him. No one is hurt.
Trigger Happy Track Record
Let's face it, Baltimore Police love to shoot their guns. There have been so many cases, more than any other area agency, of Baltimore Police shooting their guns, when it simply made no sense at all. Here are just a few.
Officer William Kern shot police officer trainee, Raymond Gray in the head, nearly killing him dead. IN A TRAINING INCIDENT. At the time of the incident, few grasped the significance.
Prosecutors stated the police trainer had an "unhealthy relationship" and fixation with his gun. These guys LOVE to shoot.
If a veteran trainer of police could be as sloppy, cavalier and dangerous with his gun as Kern was, how much worse are his legions of former students and trainees likely to be?
Kern was one of the organizers of an illegal, unauthorized, highly dangerous training exercise which involved trespassing on state property.
Not only was Kern a dangerously reckless individual, responsible for showing others how to properly use firearms -- a lesson which he obviously never mastered -- but for the observant, he also provides a vivid view of the careless culture of the department. It's no wonder they shoot any time for any reason. It's how they were trained. They don't know any better.When Officer William Torbit was gunned down in a hail of bullets outside a downtown night club, The Baltimore Spectator was first on the scene, putting out live updates via twitter.
Although deemed a tragic mistake, with no one being charged, punished, or even reprimanded, anyone living in Baltimore should be highly disturbed by the incident.
When a police department can fire 41 shots at one of their own, a veteran well known, well loved officer no less; the rest of us are doomed. Citizens of the city should realize we simply don't stand a chance. These wanna be jackass cowboys will shoot at anything that moves.
BPD = Bullsh*t Police Department
When an escaped steer attempted to go for one last stroll of freedom before becoming hamburger, the last thing any reasonable person expected was the blunted horn, castrated male cow, minding his own business, simply strutting down the street, would be blasted to bovine heaven to hang with the great herd in the sky.
No One Is Innocent
20 year-old Dameatrice Moore had stopped off at a carry out food spot on York Rd., when Baltimore Police officer Quinton Smith, attempting to arrest a suspect, opened fire. Moore - an innocent bystander - and another man having nothing to do with anything, were both shot.
With this kind of a track record, which we've only examined briefly, one must wonder why every time there's a police involved shooting here, Baltimore Police aren't met with a phalanx of reporters demanding answers and details as to just what happened.
Instead, it's as if they've been given consent by a complicit silence from a media, who seems to have lost sight of their purpose and ability in protecting citizens from danger. Even if that danger is the police.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researcher,
independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James
MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20
years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by
government under the guise of law enforcement. Although
closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any
credit for his work by mainstream media.----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook, YouTube channel
03 January 2015
"Shiny" Object Shooting Still Shrouded In Secrecy
After shooting a man said to be holding "shiny" object, Baltimore Police and press revert to quiet mode.
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
We're not sure which of the officers fired the shots, or just how solid their reasoning for shooting him really was. But why should these things even matter if we're changing subjects and "moving forward?"
If the police shoot an unarmed man, and no one really talks about it, was he ever really shot at all?
Are we comfortable as a society in fostering an environment where in dealing with criminal suspects, police get to circumvent due process and act as judge, jury and executioner?
If Baltimore is ever to ascend to it's proper place of being something more than a second class, underrated city, with third-world-like social and economic conditions and an ever present, unshakable malaise impregnated within it's very fabric, it's going to take a lot of work. A large percentage of the work will have to be done by the media, raising awareness of both people and politicians that there's something better out there and we deserve it.
Devoid Of Details
Besides initial reporting, Baltimore media has totally dropped the story. Continual scanning of news outlets have yielded zero coverage of the incident. Offering no follow up or investigation, the inference is we should trust the police that they always do the right thing, and versions of events as presented by them are to be consumed wholesale without verification or further inquiry. No questions. No critique. Just obey!
The Baltimore Spectator has learned Baltimore Police sent out an informational memo to area news organizations on Tuesday, yet strangely none took any action or produced a follow up story. Its almost as if there's an agreed upon collusion to just stay quiet and let this thing die.
We are working on obtaining the memo. Although indications are it's sparse in detail, it may still offer more information than is currently known by the general public.
Banned In Baltimore
Some time ago, Baltimore Police decided James MacArthur and The Baltimore Spectator were not practicing "journalism" nor "real media" and what was being done isn't "real" reporting. They proceeded to construct and maintain a virtual information blockade. We've ceased receiving informational communications that are public record. We've also been blocked by the police on Twitter.
Staffing Issues Blamed
Speaking for himself, celebrated, award winning crime reporter, Justin Fenton of the Baltimore Sun, offered an explanation for the lack of coverage. He cited staffing shortage due to the holidays. Interesting how there never seems to be staffing issues to cover a sporting event, even when multiple events take place over the same holidays.
Press Should Hold Police Accountable
It has been said that absolute power corrupts absolutely. One would be hard pressed to imagine a situation closer to absolute power than being able to carry out controversial actions, including killing people and have no one question it. In Baltimore, this is far too often the case.
Stories of police killings and misconduct from other cities typically rise to becoming national stories and remain so for quite some time. Not in Baltimore. Our press permit the police to get away with so much.
From the onset of the incident, up till now - a week later - few details have been released. I've taken the matter social media and in this space to do my best to shine a light on it. Response has been brisk. The examples below are just a small sampling of the many questions being asked and comments made by observant readers on Twitter and Facebook.
It appears the man may have been unarmed. He may have not even posed any kind of real threat to the officers.
There is a long history of questionable shootings by police nationwide. While most are "justified" many may not be. It doesn't matter that in nearly every instance prosecutors and or grand juries determine there has been "no criminal wrongdoing." This doesn't make it right. A society built on individual rights and liberties should hold police to the highest level of scrutiny any time the decision is made to deploy lethal force. Whether or not they are successful in ending the suspects life shouldn't matter. In this case the man shot survived.
Vigilant Citizens Our Only Hope
Never before in the history of our nation, has police brutality and misconduct captured the attention of so many. What was once limited to the domain of fringe, underground media has now taken stage front and center.
Due to the ceaseless labor of countless activists like @Deray and @CassandraRules leveraging social media and it's exponential reach, the American people can no longer pretend to be unaware of how extensive the problems are. Historically the press has given scant, often derisive, dismissive coverage to these issues. But something changed in 2014 after the Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed 18 year-old Mike Brown in Ferguson, MO. An unarmed black youth.
Suddenly the masses have been moved. Decades of festering wounds and deep psychological scarring have been exposed for all to see. The government version of events are vigorously questioned. Collective outrage is expressed. All happening at such a rapid rate, and in so great a volume, the mainstream media feels forced and compels, and must cover it if they are to retain any relevance at all.
Considering the sheer extent of documented brutality in Baltimore, it should be a virtual epicenter of protests and demonstrations again police abuse. But it isn't. Save for the efforts led by folk like Tawanda Jones and Baltimore Bloc, this town is still sleeping. The reason is simple. It's been largely under reported by the news. People are unaware and don't know the full the extent of police oppression and violence that have taken place here. As a result they don't care.
True change only begins after acknowledgement and awareness. But in order to be aware, information must be presented in a timely and comprehensive manner. This isn't possible if the ones whose job it is to guide us into the light of truth, though the sun may be shining outside, are asleep on the job.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researcher,
independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James
MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20
years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by
government officials under the guise of law enforcement. Although
closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any
credit for his work by mainstream media.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
Baltimore Police shoot alleged masked burglar in East Baltimore who was holding something "shiny." Story & video: http://t.co/zbbgMzWRO6
— Justin George (@justingeorge) December 28, 2014
Last Sunday Baltimore Police Officers Isiah Smith, 23, Wesley Cagle, 45, and Kevin Leary, 49, were involved in an incident where a burglary suspect exiting a closed business was shot. At this point many things are unclear. Judging from the way the press has moved on the police remain silent, the full facts may never be known.If the police shoot an unarmed man, and no one really talks about it, was he ever really shot at all?
Are we comfortable as a society in fostering an environment where in dealing with criminal suspects, police get to circumvent due process and act as judge, jury and executioner?
If Baltimore is ever to ascend to it's proper place of being something more than a second class, underrated city, with third-world-like social and economic conditions and an ever present, unshakable malaise impregnated within it's very fabric, it's going to take a lot of work. A large percentage of the work will have to be done by the media, raising awareness of both people and politicians that there's something better out there and we deserve it.
Devoid Of Details
Besides initial reporting, Baltimore media has totally dropped the story. Continual scanning of news outlets have yielded zero coverage of the incident. Offering no follow up or investigation, the inference is we should trust the police that they always do the right thing, and versions of events as presented by them are to be consumed wholesale without verification or further inquiry. No questions. No critique. Just obey!
The Baltimore Spectator has learned Baltimore Police sent out an informational memo to area news organizations on Tuesday, yet strangely none took any action or produced a follow up story. Its almost as if there's an agreed upon collusion to just stay quiet and let this thing die.
We are working on obtaining the memo. Although indications are it's sparse in detail, it may still offer more information than is currently known by the general public.
Banned In Baltimore
Some time ago, Baltimore Police decided James MacArthur and The Baltimore Spectator were not practicing "journalism" nor "real media" and what was being done isn't "real" reporting. They proceeded to construct and maintain a virtual information blockade. We've ceased receiving informational communications that are public record. We've also been blocked by the police on Twitter.
Staffing Issues Blamed
Speaking for himself, celebrated, award winning crime reporter, Justin Fenton of the Baltimore Sun, offered an explanation for the lack of coverage. He cited staffing shortage due to the holidays. Interesting how there never seems to be staffing issues to cover a sporting event, even when multiple events take place over the same holidays.
@BaltoSpectator It's been a busy week and short staff. It fell through the cracks. What else can I say.
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) January 2, 2015
Press Should Hold Police Accountable
 | |
| Author (right) with Baltimore Police Commissioner Bealefeld |
Stories of police killings and misconduct from other cities typically rise to becoming national stories and remain so for quite some time. Not in Baltimore. Our press permit the police to get away with so much.
From the onset of the incident, up till now - a week later - few details have been released. I've taken the matter social media and in this space to do my best to shine a light on it. Response has been brisk. The examples below are just a small sampling of the many questions being asked and comments made by observant readers on Twitter and Facebook.
Hey @BaltimorePolice, when can we expect more info about the police involved shooting from the other day? Any info on the 'shiny object'?
— jamestag (@jjtolliver) December 30, 2014
@BaltoSpectator have they release any info at all? As in, what the hell is a ‘shiny object’?
— jamestag (@jjtolliver) January 3, 2015
It appears the man may have been unarmed. He may have not even posed any kind of real threat to the officers.
There is a long history of questionable shootings by police nationwide. While most are "justified" many may not be. It doesn't matter that in nearly every instance prosecutors and or grand juries determine there has been "no criminal wrongdoing." This doesn't make it right. A society built on individual rights and liberties should hold police to the highest level of scrutiny any time the decision is made to deploy lethal force. Whether or not they are successful in ending the suspects life shouldn't matter. In this case the man shot survived.
Vigilant Citizens Our Only Hope
Never before in the history of our nation, has police brutality and misconduct captured the attention of so many. What was once limited to the domain of fringe, underground media has now taken stage front and center.
 |
| Photo property of Police The Police |
Suddenly the masses have been moved. Decades of festering wounds and deep psychological scarring have been exposed for all to see. The government version of events are vigorously questioned. Collective outrage is expressed. All happening at such a rapid rate, and in so great a volume, the mainstream media feels forced and compels, and must cover it if they are to retain any relevance at all.
Considering the sheer extent of documented brutality in Baltimore, it should be a virtual epicenter of protests and demonstrations again police abuse. But it isn't. Save for the efforts led by folk like Tawanda Jones and Baltimore Bloc, this town is still sleeping. The reason is simple. It's been largely under reported by the news. People are unaware and don't know the full the extent of police oppression and violence that have taken place here. As a result they don't care.
True change only begins after acknowledgement and awareness. But in order to be aware, information must be presented in a timely and comprehensive manner. This isn't possible if the ones whose job it is to guide us into the light of truth, though the sun may be shining outside, are asleep on the job.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researcher,
independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James
MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20
years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by
government officials under the guise of law enforcement. Although
closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any
credit for his work by mainstream media.----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook, YouTube channel
29 December 2014
Is Baltimore Police Hiding Evidence On Shooting?
Listen to an astute analysis and commentary by James MacArthur in the podcast below.
By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
UPDATE: As of 1 January 2015, 4 days later, not a single shred of information has been released by Baltimore Police beyond the initial, sparsely detailed press briefing, which you can see in the video below.
Baltimore Police shot and wounded a man they say was a robbery suspect early Sunday morning. Police stated the incident took place in the 3000 block of E. Monument St., around 4:35 a.m., as the man exited a store that was closed for business.
The yet-to-be-identified man is said to have had what appeared to be some sort of "shiny" object in his hands.
Described as a white male in his 40's, with few further details given, police say they caught him in the act, still wearing a mask as officers surprised him outside the Patel Grocery Store.
Although no specifics on criminal charges were given, police referred to the man shot as a "burglary suspect." Over 36 hours later, no new details have been released, including the identity of the officer involved. The incident has many observers wondering why the department would leave the public with so many unanswered questions.
The attached video is the full, uncut statement made to media by Baltimore Police.
At issue is whether the suspect was actually armed. Were any weapons recovered from the suspect or the scene? Just what was the "shiny" object?
Police claim the man was given commands to release the "shiny" object, but failed to comply, resulting in his being shot. It is unclear how much time was given between police surprising the suspect, his ability to audibly hear and understand the command, and then actually getting a chance to comply, before the officer opened fire.
A wave of great suspicion and general distrust of police is currently sweeping the country. More and more people are starting to question the police version of events in use of force incidents. Withholding information seems counter intuitive.
Locally Baltimore Police have been the subject of numerous brutality and excessive complaints, and countless lawsuits.
While proper time is needed for an investigation, withholding basic, factual information has been proven to cause serious damage to public relations and leaded to endless speculation. It often has little actual impact on compromising an ongoing investigation. More typically it is used as a crutch, with little evidence to support any tangible benefit from being secretive.
The following request for information from Baltimore Police have yielded a negative response as of this writing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researcher,
independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James
MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20
years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by
government officials under the guise of law enforcement. Although
closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any
credit for his work by mainstream media.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator
UPDATE: As of 1 January 2015, 4 days later, not a single shred of information has been released by Baltimore Police beyond the initial, sparsely detailed press briefing, which you can see in the video below.
Baltimore Police shot and wounded a man they say was a robbery suspect early Sunday morning. Police stated the incident took place in the 3000 block of E. Monument St., around 4:35 a.m., as the man exited a store that was closed for business.
 |
| Baltimore Police make it hard to believe them. |
Although no specifics on criminal charges were given, police referred to the man shot as a "burglary suspect." Over 36 hours later, no new details have been released, including the identity of the officer involved. The incident has many observers wondering why the department would leave the public with so many unanswered questions.
The attached video is the full, uncut statement made to media by Baltimore Police.
Police claim the man was given commands to release the "shiny" object, but failed to comply, resulting in his being shot. It is unclear how much time was given between police surprising the suspect, his ability to audibly hear and understand the command, and then actually getting a chance to comply, before the officer opened fire.
A wave of great suspicion and general distrust of police is currently sweeping the country. More and more people are starting to question the police version of events in use of force incidents. Withholding information seems counter intuitive.
Locally Baltimore Police have been the subject of numerous brutality and excessive complaints, and countless lawsuits.
While proper time is needed for an investigation, withholding basic, factual information has been proven to cause serious damage to public relations and leaded to endless speculation. It often has little actual impact on compromising an ongoing investigation. More typically it is used as a crutch, with little evidence to support any tangible benefit from being secretive.
The following request for information from Baltimore Police have yielded a negative response as of this writing.
To Whom It May Concern;There are many details and unanswered questions regarding the police involved shooting taking place on 28 December, in the 3000 block of E. Monument St.Of particular concern is department's refusal to give a definite answer as to whether or not the wounded suspect possessed a weapon, of if any was recovered from the scene.It's been well over 24 hours since the incident occurred, but it appears the department has not released any new information.Please provide an update on the case to include:1) Name and age of the officer.2) Length of service with the department.3) Name and age of the suspect, along with current medical condition.4) Charges filed against the suspect.5) A list of evidence and or weapons recovered from the scene.6) Photographs of evidence and or weapons found or recovered.Any additional, pertinent information not specified in this request would be appreciated as well.
I thank you in advance!
Yours In Truth
James MacArthurMacArthur Media
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researcher,
independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James
MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20
years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by
government officials under the guise of law enforcement. Although
closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any
credit for his work by mainstream media.----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel
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