Old homeless man pulls utility knife on cops

[thundrr1]

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?se...cal&id=6897256

PHILADELPHIA - July 3, 2009 (WPVI) -- One man was killed by police gunfire Friday morning in Center City Philadelphia.

It happened just before 8:30 a.m at the east concourse of the Municipal Services Building in the 1400 Block of JFK.

Sources tell Action News a homeless man, believed to be in his 60s, pulled a utility knife on two officers.

Both officers, one from the 9th District and a Center City bike cop, opened fire, shooting the man at least once in the torso.

The man was rushed to Hahnemann University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The name of the man shot has not been released.

Not real sure of the details yet,,,,,,, but it sure reeks of "excessive force" to me

[Ronin]

I wouldn't call that excessive. In the proper hands a utility knife can be very deadly. They had no idea who they were up against or what he was capable of. The officers warned him and told him to drop the weapon. He approached and he got shot. I'm sorry he's dead as a result, but he made his choice.

[1861]

I thought that was the kind of thing tasers were suppose to prevent .

[HiredGoon]

I thought that was the kind of thing tasers were suppose to prevent .

Another story I read on this said that one of the officers was familiar with this guy with the knife and had contact with him previously.

[cgbudde]

And if a private citizen killed a man with a utility knife the police would be charging him/her with murder.

[Shawn.L]

I wouldn't call that excessive. In the proper hands a utility knife can be very deadly. They had no idea who they were up against or what he was capable of. The officers warned him and told him to drop the weapon. He approached and he got shot. I'm sorry he's dead as a result, but he made his choice.

blades are scary shit.

he had a deadly weapon, if he was advancing and did not drop it they had every right to stop him before he could get close enough to inflict serious injury or death.

[Evolution]

I thought that was the kind of thing tasers were suppose to prevent .

Tasers are not a substitute for when deadly force. They were intended to help subdue a large man with little manpower. They were not intended to be used when someone is coming at you with a deadly weapon.

[ddog101775]

And if a private citizen killed a man with a utility knife the police would be charging him/her with murder.

at first glance, this is my only issue with the situation.

[1861]

Tasers are not a substitute for when deadly force. They were intended to help subdue a large man with little manpower. They were not intended to be used when someone is coming at you with a deadly weapon.

That may be , but every time the subject comes up the argument is always all the lives they save by officers not having to fire their pistols .
Also , the old 72 year old woman that was tased a couple weeks ago wouldn't fit into your scenario .

[unloved]

And if a private citizen killed a man with a utility knife the police would be charging him/her with murder.

Man, I really hope not. 'Cause if anyone ever threatens me with a utility knife or boxcutter (deadly force), I will respond with deadly force.