Tasered Man kills Two Florida Deputies

[Rich-D]

Utilizing a means less than deadly force, costs two LEO's their lives!

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/national/43758022.html

My condolences to the Family, Friends and Officers of the Dept!

Rich

[BRSmith]

"Cartwright also was interested in militia groups and weapons training."
More ammo for the gun banning crowd I think. :(

[Mannlicher]

evidently this guy was known to LE, and its surprising that it went bad this quickly. The deputies that were killed were wearing body armor, but the shooter knew that, and placed his shots accordingly.

Bad scene for all involved.

[kenhwind]

evidently this guy was known to LE, and its surprising that it went bad this quickly. The deputies that were killed were wearing body armor, but the shooter knew that, and placed his shots accordingly.
The article I read was kind of brief, and didn't have the details yet.

[d90king]

What a tragedy, may the slain officers rest in peace and my prayers go out to the families.

It seems on the surface that there was very poor planning involved in this arrest. Arresting a guy leaving a "shooting" range should have raised the level of caution several notches.

Just another arrow to be used against law abiding gun owners..... :mad:

[Chilo45]

It seems on the surface that there was very poor planning involved in this arrest. Arresting a guy leaving a "shooting" range should have raised the level of caution several notches.

I agree that it sounds that way. A look back at the officer involved shootings that have cost the lives of these brave and honorable citizens in uniform makes me think that they (the law enforcement community) needs to take a deep and hard look on how they approach every single situation - as a live or death possibility - body armor or not. While our rule of law states that one is innocent until proven guilty, that should not apply to a law enforcement officer going on a call out - as they should look at every single situation as a live or death possibility. Not that I am advocating shoot first and ask later, but more of be prepared for the worst first and then de-escalate if called for.

[Rich-D]

Having an LEO background, I know that the media seldom gets the factual details correct. However, one glaring fact, is that a Taser should have not been the weapon of choice. Not having the facts in the matter, I reserve judgement. However, I am sure that Law Enforcement is doing a full and through investigation and that the matter will be critiqued by law enforcement and utilized as a training guide in the future.

BTW: Law Enforcement training stresses the necessity to be alert and on guard at all times. However, in the instant matter, I would be very interested in the Departments policy in the use of Tasers. And of course, the actual facts that lead to a very sad ending for all involved!

Rich

[Eddie]

Not having the facts in the matter, I reserve judgement.

You're a better man than the editor of the local fish wrapper.

He can't understand why they approached him at the range. According to reports, he was at his vehicle preparing to leave when approached. I emailed the editor and asked if he thought the shooter's firearm would have been unloaded anywhere else. No response. Our county has lost three deputies in the past nine months.

[Rich-D]

You're a better man than the editor of the local fish wrapper.

You are a great judge of character! :D


Rich

[Rekladan]

Without having the facts, all I can say is the following:

- My condolences to the families of the officers.
- Another name for 'less lethal' is 'less effective'.
- As it has been stated many times before, the first rule regarding gunfighting, is to have a gun. I would like to ask whoever was responsible for the officers' issued equipment, if they really feel that tasers are guns.

I just hope the lessons are learned by those still alive.

[kenhwind]

They had handguns. Sherriff deputies in Florida carry a Taser also.
I'm gonna do some research. Apparently they exchanged gunfire, but can't seem to find any specifics.

[Eddie]

Here ya go:

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/cartwright-16998-spooner-york.html

[Rich-D]

Folks, please remember that it is tempting to Monday Morning Quarterback. Also, the friends and relatives of the Officers have access to this public forum. I for one, will refrain from public comment and leave the critique to law enforcement!

Rich

[kenhwind]

I just wanted some more info on the incident, but Rich does have a point.

[Rich-D]

I just wanted some more info on the incident, but Rich does have a point.
I did to! In fact I made a search this morning of the Fla news, which only contained the funeral information. I do appreciate the link that Eddie provided and I would like to learn more facts concerning the incident.

Rich

[Eddie]

Our community has been rocked by these deaths and also the arrest of our sherrif and others in the department. I wasn't there and have no clue if they made mistakes or not. Doesn't matter; these deputies were doing there jobs and paid the price. I salute them. Thanks to Rich for reminding us about the Monday morning quarterback syndrome.

Eddie