I kinda have to SOMEWHAT agree with some of the DUmpasses on this one... at least in the unfortunate nature of the outcome. It obviously bothers me when anyone gets killed... well, except dirty terrorists. But that's an entirely different argument.
I know it's not advisable to try to disarm someone bent on dying, especially while they are waving a big knife. I know I sure as hell wouldn't.
That being said, there are some deficiencies here.
Look at the dead kid. Obvious mental issues... regardless what was going on there.
We have so many options now, if time isn't a variable.
It's easy to play armchair quarterback on stuff like this. Real easy. Standing there wondering what to do and if hes going to kill someone if you don't act is a bitch decision... will you regret waiting? will someone else die if you do decide to wait?
All one really needed here was an 870 loaded with 12ga bean bags. I guarantee you he would drop whatever was in his hands.I'd even wager a months pay he would drop it.
What we have here is definitely unfortunate.
Should we expect the police to carry every tool available on their back at all times? doesn't sound very reasonable, or even physically possible.
So I'm not saying the cop did something wrong here, I'm just saying it's quite unfortunate that this is the only reasonable choice the officer had.
And of all the bitching I see on this DUmp post, I don't see a single rational solution offered. Even IF a tazer shot were deployed, those things are only marginally effective and need to be perfectly placed shots. And even THEN, I've seen people just say "ow" and pull the probes out.
How may of those DUmmies would charge in and take the risk?
I'm guessing not a single damned one of them.
I just don't see how ANYONE would even want to be a cop today. We're damn lucky there are still people willing to do it in this environment.