"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

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.

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.

@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

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.

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

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.

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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.
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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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Proud To Be Blocked By Dan Rodricks

Special thanks and appreciation to Mathew Loftus and the Baltimore City Paper. Not only for giving a shout out to The Baltimore Spectator twitter account in a recent article, but for placing me on a list with distinguished individuals, of whom I couldn't be more proud to be associated with. Folk blocked by irrelevant curmudgeon, Baltimore Sun columnist and mediocre radio host Dan Rodricks.

Courtesy of Raphael Sassi via Boycott Dan Rodricks Facebook group

Yes, THAT Dan Rodricks, the one who is deathly afraid of  pit bulls likening them undomesticated wild beasts.

It's not often that James MacArthur or The Baltimore Spectator gets any acknowledgement by Baltimore media. Despite being household names, you'd think both ceased to exist the way the press typically ignores our being an integral component of the Baltimore media ecosystem. This despite being followed and observed by a whole cadre of reporters, editors, producers and other media types.


From the City Paper:

Baltimore's most famous citizen journalist has a long history on Twitter of being a bit obstreperous, and we've all thought about blocking him a time or two. However, most of us have come to our senses eventually about our dear director of the MacArthur Institute Center For Advanced Analysis & Critical Comparison. Dan, however, never has. - See more at: Top 10 people Dan Rodricks should unblock on Twitter

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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

"Tired Of Cop Out!" via Spreaker Web Radio

In the first broadcast of 2015, famed citizen journalist and director of the MacArthur Institute Center For Advanced Analysis & Critical Comparison, Dr. James MacArthur comes out swinging.

After a slow start, Dr. MacArthur goes in on the Baltimore Police Department and their lack of transparency. Particularly offensive to him is their lack of disclosure in a recent police involved shooting.

MacArthur discusses some of his background in criminology and criminal justice and the ironic love hate relationship between law enforcement and himself. His most recent editorial "NYPD Turned Their Backs, But Opened Our Eyes" was also expanded upon.

Other topics include:

• Day in history.
• Dangerous drivers of Baltimore, and the death of bicyclist Palermo.
• Murder rate versus murder count. The homicide cases of juveniles Mackenzie Elliot and Michael Mayfield.

Recorded 3 January 2015.
 

NYPD Turned Their Backs, But Opened Our Eyes

By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator

 When the members of the New York Police Department decided to take the somber, solemn occasion of saying farewell to a fallen comrade, as an opportunity to make a political statement, their actions placed them in strange company. Whether or not the officers have legitimate grievances is not the issue. The problem is the time and place chosen has pretty well been universally condemned with good reason. It was just plain wrong.

This was supposed to be about Officer Rafael Ramos. Not creating a public spectacle.

Showing poor discipline and gross insubordination, in most countries, armed civil servants turning their back on a leader is considered a coup, mutiny, even treason and worthy of the most severe punishments, up to and including jail or worse.

On fundamental principle there are no similarities between the Westboro Baptist Church and the NYPD, however their recent actions are of the same vein.

Typically a funeral is a time to mourn. A time to celebrate. A time to remember the departed. NOT a time to make a political statement. Even if one agrees with the sentiment, there are better ways to voice dissatisfaction in a leader and not appear like a spoiled brats in the process. It is their absolute right to do this, but it is also our right to view them the way we now do. Insubordinate and undisciplined.
 

Dissent Without Disrespect Possible

Better ways exists for public safety employees wanting to be called "officer" to express discontent. There are op eds, letters to the editor, social media campaigns, press releases or even writing a blog piece such as this.

In Baltimore the Fraternal Order of Police once took out a huge billboard in a prominent spot downtown. It declared the mayor and city council had turned their backs on police and firefighters. It was bold. It was shocking. It jarred the conscious of many. I fully supported this. 
 
I supported them and the pension issue they felt they were cheated and double crossed on. But what NYPD did, I cannot have even an iota of respect for. I shudder to think what would have happened if my Marine Corps platoon did something like this.

As if things weren't already embarrassing enough, the NYPD continues to dig themselves into an ever deepening hole, losing legitimacy and credibility with the American public, as they unwittingly construct a public relations nightmare.

It has been confirmed that their officers are now actively engaging in a work slow down. Shirking responsibility and being derelict of duty in order to make a political statement. This now trumps doing your damn job. Only in America!


Incidentally, the NYPD is made up of a majority of white men, many of Irish and Italian descent. I could only imagine the outrage and uproar had a majority black police force (are there any?) taken similar actions against a white elected official. What would Rush Limbaugh say?

Sitting at the center of all the controversy is police union leader Pat Lynch. A man who responded to the brutal ambush, double murder of two police officers, by casting blame on seemingly everyone imaginable except the one most responsible. A psychotic, deranged mentally ill man.

Lynch took the opportunity and stage given to him during a tragedy, to drive a huge wedge, further worsening already abysmal conditions between law enforcement and many Americans. Supposedly all of this immature, infantile, temper-tantrum-like behavior is over statements the Mayor of New York made concerning warnings he gave his biracial son. The mayor urged his son to be cautious when dealing with police.

As a middle aged black man, I can tell you, I'd been given similar warning in my youth and still hear it today from concerned friends and family.

But why all the controversy? Why do so many officers and their blind supporters feel Mayor de Blasio turned his back on the police? Did he say anything that was wrong?

I've found Americans have turned into a nation living off sound bites, headline links, Facebook posts, and 140 character tweets. This makes them easily manipulable, increasingly gullible and easily led (astray) in an age of information. Few take the time to dig deeper and find true meaning and comprehension of an issue.

The Talk

There is what Bill de Blasio ACTUALLY said, and what his statements are being misinterpreted and misconstrued to have been. I fear he may be unfairly judged as things have gotten blown way out of proportion.

Well known celebrity Mia Farrow - she's white - herself a New Yorker, gave her take on the controversy. Posting on her official Twitter account, Farrow stated:  "Here is what NYC's mayor said. Not disrespectful - true. I've said this to my own black son"

Courtesy of Mia Farrow via Twitter.

 
Black Men Face Continued Crisis From Police Encounters

The mayor was merely speaking out of an abundance of love, and an instinctive sense of protection and preservation for his son. He knows the truth of what happens in this country all too often, when the police come upon black men. Particularly young black men.

The sad reality is, black men, of all backgrounds, education and socio-economic status have a statistically proven, much greater chance of having negative, potentially lethal encounters with the police. Even when not involved in any criminal activity whatsoever. Look at what happened to Dr.Henry Louis Gates, esteemed Harvard professor, just merely trying to get into his own home.

Dr. Gates was lucky his encounter ended only with an arrest, eventually followed up with a Beer Summit with the president and the arresting officer. 

One wrong word, or perceived false move, and Dr. Gates could have easily been killed. It's happened before. His death would be somehow justified - as is typically the case when police kill, no matter what. When in truth, all that took place was a black man was simply trying to get in his own home.

In a recent article; the Daily Beast's Mike Tomasky shared the following:

Not long ago, ProPublica, the website that does hard-nosed, empirical investigative journalism, undertook an extensive study of federally collected crime data on 12,000 police homicides over 22 years. The site found that young black males are far more likely to be shot by cops than young white males. Four times more likely, or eight times, or 10 times? Try 21 times more likely—31 per million as opposed to 1.5 per million for whites. This isn’t some liberal conspiracy. These are the numbers as reported to the government by police departments themselves.

And now we can’t even acknowledge this plain truth? Astonishingly, it appears we can’t agree on it. Right around the time de Blasio spoke, Marist was in the field with a poll asking people whether they think police treat whites and blacks differently. Here are some answers. In each case, the “yes, differently” number comes first.

Overall: 47-44
Whites: 39-51
Blacks: 82-14
Latinos: 53-38
Democrats: 64-29
Independents: 44-48
Republicans: 26-64

So two decades’ worth of statistics tell us that black men are killed by police at 21 times the rate white men are, and yet half the public has persuaded itself that police treat blacks and whites no differently. And it’s controversial for a mayor with a black 16-year-old son to say something so obvious—indeed, what every parent of a black son has to say.

It is not easy for a majority of white men to put themselves in the shoes of black parents in America. Mayor de Blasio has a black son. Never mind he's technically biracial. That is not what he looks like. It's not what people see.

It shouldn't have to be pointed out, but if no one told you and you didn't know, seeing Dante de Blasio walking down the street, all you see is a young black man, with a huge 70's throwback afro

We're a very long way from living in a country where black men could expect truly equal treatment and respect from the law. In far too many cases, it just isn't happening.


Real Leadership Desperately Needed

Our country is currently in crisis. There is no doubt, confidence, trust and credibility in law enforcement is likely at historic all time lows. Instead of furthering the separation between the people and the police, Mr. Lynch has decided as a union leader to take the path of being a divisive figure. It is incredibly disappointing and sad to see the "us versus them" false narrative being promoted by a man in a senior leadership capacity.

His actions and that of the officers acting in insubordination only further bolster what protestors and those calling for police accountability have said all along. The police are out of control.

Mr. Lynch and his NYPD colleagues have provided the world with the perfect illustration of the entitlement, above-the-law, answering-to-no-one mentality so pervasive in American law enforcement. This is a very dangerous situation for a free republic hoping to preserve the liberty of the people.

We see you NYPD. We see your true colors.

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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.
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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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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.

Baltimore Police make it hard to believe them.

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.

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 MacArthur

MacArthur Media

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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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Mosby Committs to reforming predatory city towing ordinance

By A.F. James MacArthur
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectator 

Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby.

Late Tuesday night, via his official Twitter social media account, in a public posting, Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby, told The Baltimore Spectator he is committed to exploring legislation to modify the little known, but much hated law, that's caused great inconvenience and financial strain to city residents.

You would think having your vehicle properly licensed and registered, legally parked and on a street near your home should prevent your vehicle from being impounded. Not in Baltimore. Due to an ill defined, ill conceived, ill applied ordinance, that the city makes no effort to inform residents about, aimed at keeping our streets free of abandoned vehicles, many Baltimoreans find out the hard way; if you don't move your car every 48 hours, the city considers it abandoned and it's subject to being ticketed and towed.

James MacArthur really hates being towed,

 Carpool or use public transit for your daily commute, with your car mostly being used on weekends? Under the law you're a violator deserving to have pay hundreds of dollars in punitive impound, towing administrative and storage fees. So much for the money you thought you were saving by carpooling.

This is an early version of the story. Check back as more details are added and hopefully further remarks from Councilman Mosby.

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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.
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Get Better Connected With Me

Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel

Cops Who Commit Crimes Must Be Promptly Punished

Few things more greatly undermine the public's confidence in a police department than when the system shows them to be above the law.

All talk of equal justice and such is meaningless when in practice, those sworn to uphold the law are routinely allowed to disregard the law.

You can pick any town, or city in this country, and there are probably well publicized cases where police have clearly violated the law, but as if often the case, rather than be promptly arrested, -- as would be the case for the rest of us mere citizens -- the accused criminal cops are placed on extended periods of paid leave before any serious or disciplinary action is taken. If any is ever taken at all.

When officers break the law, they need to be arrested. Swiftly. Just like anyone else would be. The preferential treatment must stop.

No community will cooperate with the law, or work in partnership to help solve crime if they feel police are able to break the law and get away with it.

All the cameras in the world, be they dashcams, bodycams, or even hidden cams are worthless if there isn't the political will to aggressively pursue and prosecute, those who abuse the public trust, by abdicating their duty to uphold and protect the law.

Citizens should not be fooled by political overtures meant to seem as if accountability is being sought, when in  truth, where the rubber meets the road, nothing really happens.

Two months later, after brutally beating down a citizen, in a video that's been seen by anyone in Baltimore even half awake, Baltimore Police Officer Vincent Cosom is still being paid, and still uncharged with a crime. Despite the police commissioner, and even the mayor and others explicitly stating what they've seen on the video is inexcusable and unjustifiable, thus far, all we've gotten is cheap talk and no action.

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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