Officer will not face criminal charges in New Hope police-involved shooting

[frankski]

Local story that has had a virtual news blackout until now. http://www.wfmz.com/news/southeaster...ing/1068489075

"NEW HOPE, Pa. - The Bucks County district attorney's office has ruled the shooting of a suspect while at a New Hope police station in March was not justified, but excused."

"Weintraub said the law excuses the shooting officer’s conduct from criminal prosecution because of his “honest but mistaken” belief he was deploying his Taser at the time he discharged his service weapon"

"The video appears to show that, with his service firearm in hand, the second officer yelling “Taser!” before shooting Riling in the torso. Riling then appears to fall to the ground and both officers appear to leave the cell."

Stipulating the shootee was not in new Hope celebrating his acceptance to Harvard on a full scholarship, and that New Hope constabulary have to deal with Druggery, Drunkery, and Buggery on a daily basis. And yet..... Some people shouldn't be trusted with lethal weapons.

Steve Martin's old shtick applies: "Well, excuuuuse me!"

[JenniferG]

They retired Barney Fife to get him out of the way. I hope guy sues the piss out of that moron.

[Pilot321]

Gross negligence should have consequences larger than retirement.

[Berncly]

That was hard to watch, even with the guy being a complete asshole.
If I was the other cop I would be angry as hell.
Could have just as easily shot the cop or got him on a ricochet.
-

[streaker69]

Does this mean that people that honestly believed the gun was unloaded when they shot someone should be released from prison for their sentences of manslaughter due to negligence?

[bogey1]

I hope guy sues the piss out of that moron.

He should. The problem is, the taxpayers will foot the bill,
unless he sues him civilly (if he can).

[Steve in PA]

Does this mean that people that honestly believed the gun was unloaded when they shot someone should be released from prison for their sentences of manslaughter due to negligence?

That is what irks me the most. The same DA will try and ram it up the butt and break it off if this happened to a non-LEO.

The fact that he was wearing his TASER in a location that is a violation of department policy is going to bite him in the ass big time! As well as the chief and who ever is the TASER Instructor. Big civil lawsuit heading their way!

I'm a TASER Instructor for my department and no one is allowed to wear it on the same side as their firearm.

[Krichardson]

I heard that the officer retired a few days after the incident.

[Bang]

Do away with gun. Issue only TASERs.

[Gunsnwater]

That is what irks me the most. The same DA will try and ram it up the butt and break it off if this happened to a non-LEO.

The fact that he was wearing his TASER in a location that is a violation of department policy is going to bite him in the ass big time! As well as the chief and who ever is the TASER Instructor. Big civil lawsuit heading their way!

I'm a TASER Instructor for my department and no one is allowed to wear it on the same side as their firearm.

Tasers are crap. Should be replaced with a cutlass. Tasers don’t always work. Loping an arm off does.