EricC85, I agree with you on most of your principals, but in this case, I don't.

 

The "court" of public opinion labels the actions of the police officer as guilty.

 

I would love to see the actual report that this police officer made.  I'm still betting that the circumstances involved are very different than what is being "reported" by the media.

 

I was a Deputy Sheriff at one time in my life, and have been on the streets so to speak.  I can tell you right now that I would have drawn my weapon if I had to encounter a 6'5 300lb. black man walking down the street holding up traffic.  If that suspect made any kind of aggressive move towards me, he would have gotten two to the chest and one to the head, no questions asked.  A police officer has the right to defend him/herself if danger is perceived as well as defend the public.

 

Officers wear body armor for a reason.  Put the uniform on and you become an instant target.

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