LEOs kill another innocent ... such heroes .

[mauser1959]

http://www.guns.com/florida-deputies...door-9859.html


This past weekend, police in Florida shot and killed a man they mistook for an attempted murder suspect.

The fatal shooting occurred around 1:30 AM on Sunday morning, when Lake County sheriff's deputies pounded on the Leesburg apartment door of 26-year-old Andrew Lee Scott.

Scott answered the door holding a firearm.

"When we knocked on the door, the door opened and the occupant of that apartment was pointing a gun at deputies, and that's when we opened fire and killed him," Lt. John Herrell told local reporters.

"Even though this subject is not the one we were looking for when he opened the door. He was pointing the gun at the deputy and if you put yourselves in the deputy's shoes. They were there to pick up someone who was wanted for an attempted homicide," Herrell continued.

But deputies never identified themselves as law enforcement, claiming it would have put their lives in jeopardy.

"What I learned after I released that information, is that the deputies did not announce their presence because of the tactical situation -- they wanted every advantage that they had, so they didn't want to announce their presence loudly... the guy could've shot through the door, shot through the window, something like that," said Herrell.

Police were under the impression they were pursuing Jonathan Brown, a man accused of attempted murder. Brown had parked his motorcycle in front of Andrew Scott’s door at the Blueberry Hills Apartment complex.

"It's just a bizarre set of circumstances," Herrell explained. "The bottom line is, you point a gun at a deputy sheriff or police office, you're going to get shot.”

However, Scott’s family sees the situation differently.

Billy Scott, the victim’s uncle, said his nephew had no idea deputies were outside his door, and he had every right to point his gun at them.

"I believe the officer that shot him, he needs to go to jail for murder, because that's exactly what it was -- murder," he said.

It took police about an hour to realize they had killed the wrong guy, according to reports. Later, they were able to nab Brown and another suspect at a different apartment complex. The two are currently at the Lake County Jail, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Officials say that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating the shooting and the officer who shot Scott has been placed on administrative leave.

[00redZX-6R]

Nice. I would convict he of murder if i was in the jury. I would really like to know if he actually pointed the gun or just had in his hand.

[Abukai08]

Hmmm perceived strangers banging on the door not announcing themselves at 1:30 am when there has been a string of robberies in that part of the state as of recent... Is there anyone else that wouldn't go to the door with a gun here? And he probably had it up at the ready when he opened the door because what good is it down by your side? It's difficult, but announcing "Lake County Sheriffs Department! Open the Door!" would have mitigated that situation a lot. But the only witnesses are all cops so I can only imagine what that testimony is going to sound like?

[Pryotex]

Another part of this that really sucks is the Officer will be charged and have to live with it. I bet there will be nothing that happens to the higher UP's that told the Officer no knock and the guys an armed killer in there. The dept will use him as a scapegoat and release some crap that he wasn't that skilled to save their own ass.

I need to add, I don't care if nothing is in the news, someones at my door at 1:30am, bet your ass I'll have a gun with me when I answer it.

[Black Blade]

Nothing will happen to the officers. They will get a paid vacation (administrative leave) and then maybe even get a medal or commendation. Maybe pay off the victim's family with "hush money" to go away.

Meanwhile, George Zimmerman goes to trial for self defense against an attacking gangbanger. Go figure.

[Chiroone]

I predict manslaugher charge; 3rd degree, but murder charge, never going to happen. I predict charges will be dismissed. The family will file wrongful death civil suit, which they will win. However, many cities have a capitated amount they will pay, maybe 100k or so. Sorry to say, but that is what will probably happen.

[perry]

im just corious,,,, what the hell is going on in this country?peoples pets are shot, man in his garage is shot.years ago people use to say gangs and such were out of control. now the police??????????if it isnt the politicans its the law enforcement. where the hell does it end????????i beleive in our constitution but damnnnnn.when is it enough.if we were black and rioted we would get away with it. but damn,,, when is it enough???

[Abukai08]

Well I support Police and understand they have a tough job, but your job is to protect and serva and blasting some guy for being cautious is a tough thing to explain in the terms of doing your job. I spent a lot of time havinng to adhere to the rules of engagement and as much as it sucks or doesnt make sense you need to follow not only a set of rules, but make ethical decisions. Call me biased, but if I can't engage a person holding a weapon in a country that I'm fighting a war in, then there is absolutely no way you can do it within our borders.

It sucks and these guys were stuck in a crappy position, but it happens and you should expect dilemmas to occur. A knee jerk shooting isnt going to help you or your fellow officers because we wouldnt be reading about this if a simpla announcement was made and tactical advantage is established through an effective cordon, not trying to be sneaky while you are standing at the front door. It's a hard decision I will give them that, but... You are a cop and you serve the same as I do in the military and you will give your life for the lives of those you protect, you definitely don't wann be the one that takes that life. There is enough people out there that don't like our service and knee jerk reactions like this make it worse for everyone.

[railbuggy]

This Ossafer will be fined $60 and given a carton of Camels.Then transfered to another town.

[kino]

There are too many of these incidents of wrongful shootings of homeowners and it needs to end. Training, discipline, execution and attitude matter in these cases and if you don't have all four then IMHO there is going to be a problem.