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The tank was not "stormed by cops". There were three officers on the
outside. One was an Army reservist (and SDPD Officer) who was familiar with
how to unlock the hatch. The second was a detective who initiated the call
before any citizens had called 911. The third was a SWAT officer who was the
one who took the shot AFTER the suspect was given several opportunities to
stop what he was doing and comply with the officers. The military WAS
consulted about how to handle this incident. The military is the one who
told the police department that the tank was not loaded with any ammunition.
I won't bother trying to tell you what their offer was to stop the tank. You
wouldn't believe it. Luckily cooler heads prevailed and the situation was
resolved without any craters being left in the freeway.
I know this information because I know one of the three officers who was on
the tank that day and I also attended an extensive debriefing of the
incident. I did not receive any of the information I've passed along from
the Fox Network or any other media source that has tried to exploit this
unfortunate persons death. To say that this person was murdered is unfair. I
would not climb into a confined space with a person who is acting
irrationally. Especially if I didn't know whether they were armed
themselves. In hindsight there were other things that could have been tried
before deadly force. Chemical agents is one example. Nothing was available
at the scene that could have been employed rapidly and safely. There is a
phenomenon known as "Suicide By Cop". My opinion is that this incident
illustrates that.
People can think anything they want about the private ownership of military
vehicles. That's their right. We can do only so much to show that we are not
"nuts", or militia members, or whatever. Good deeds are great and I
encourage everyone to participate in their communities as I do. Please send
your responses to me directly and I will write back.
Arthur: I apologize for using the list for a political statement. My hope is
to set the record straight so people can have informed opinions.
Hesitatingly sent,
Gary Pavone
gpavone@thegrid.net
MCA# 43889
MVPA# 19394
Tailhook# 32593
ICQ# 5369101
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Feb 21 2000 - 18:15:03 PST