Additional details emerged Monday surrounding the death of a Bel Air man who allegedly engaged in a brief rampage through several Rock Spring businesses Saturday night before being shot by a Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
But key information, including the deputy’s identity and what he saw that night, have not been made public pending an interview of the deputy by Sheriff’s Office investigators, according to agency spokesman Edward Hopkins.
Seth Jacob Beckman, 19, of Bel Air died early Sunday morning at the University of Maryland R Cowley Adams Shock Trauma Center. According to police, Beckman was reported “tearing up” the 7-11 convenience store on Bynum Road, and had previously caused disturbances at other area businesses. At the 7-11, Hopkins said Beckman punched an acquaintance who had arrived at the scene. That individual left the scene shortly after the assault and was not injured; Sheriff’s Office investigators later identified and interviewed the person.
Deputies responding to the scene were advised that Beckman had moved to the nearby BP gas station on Rock Spring Road, damaging that store, and a subsequent 911 call reported that he had broken into Sharon’s Shaved Ice Snowball Stand across the parking lot. The first deputy on scene reported his arrival at 10:43 p.m., and according to police, ordered Beckman to exit the snowball stand.
“It appears that when he ordered him out of the snowball stand, [Beckman] charged the deputy,” Hopkins said. “Our belief is that when he exited the building, he immediately engaged the officer.”
The deputy fired at the suspect several times at 10:44 p.m. according to police, less than 60 seconds after arriving on scene. Hopkins declined to specify how many times Beckman was hit, but said he continued to struggle and “resist” as other deputies and officers from the Bel Air Police Department arrived on scene and attempted to treat his wounds. A short time later, paramedics arrived and transported him by Maryland State Police Medivac to Shock Trauma, where he died. Beckman’s body was later transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, where an autopsy and toxicology tests will be conducted.
As of midday Monday, the deputy had not been interviewed by Sheriff’s Office detectives, who Hopkins said will handle the investigation. The deputy’s identity will be released only after that interview takes place, to avoid tainting his statement, Hopkins said. An internal affairs interview and other proceedings will take place separate from that interview, he added.
The deputy was identified in a Sheriff’s Office release as a member with two years of service assigned to the Northern Precinct. Hopkins said the 43-year-old deputy was hired in 2011 and first worked at the Harford County Detention Center before becoming a patrol officer. He declined to specify how long the deputy had worked as a patrol officer to avoid identifying him.
Police have not said whether Beckman was armed with a weapon at the time of the shooting. In some instances, police protocol allows officers to consider a suspect a threat if they make an aggressive move toward an officer within approximately 20 feet.
As part of their training, Hopkins said deputies are taught to consider their immediate surroundings before firing their weapon; the snowball stand and BP station stand at a busy intersection with regular traffic. However, once they decide to shoot, Hopkins said officers are, “not trained to shoot to wound. They’re trained to shoot to stop the threat.”
Hopkins said the deputy was shaken by the incident.
“Like any police officer, when you take a life, he’s very upset,” Hopkins said. “You have to process that, think back, ‘could I have done something differently?’”
Well there’s the answer, no weapon. And the answer to the question is yes he or she could have done something different. Wait for backup, end of story, PERIOD. How about this, yell out if you come out of the snowball stand I’m going to kill you, I’m going to shoot you three times with my .40 glock.
There is no happy ending here. The life of troubled young man has been taken and the life of an officer has been changed forever. You can’t say what you would have done and judging the officer is in poor taste.
So if he’s from anywhere else in the county he’s a thug who should be strung up, but if it happens in Bel Air “The Life of a troubled young man”. How many times have we heard folks lambasting others for hug a thug when its some other kid….same story. Stop sniffing your own farts you hypocritical gas bags. This guy got it just like anyone else would when it comes to a cops safety vs the criminal. Not feeling sorry whatsoever so save me the self righteous BS!
The sad thing about your post is that if this happened at the intersection of RTE 755 and US Rte 40, the Deputy/ Trooper would have been forced to defend himself in the same manner. You may be right, the public will most likely perceive it as another “thug” losing their life, but the criticizing, rush to judgment of the officers actions would be the same. What is this saying about society and Harford County residents in general? Another case in point, the area resident, aka the“Thug’s” family as you state would most likely be all over the media, bashing the Deputy/Trooper and laws of our land as well. This man’s father, in an unimaginable time of loss, accepts the outcome, does not condemn the officer, even publicly announces his feelings for what the officer must be going through. I’m sure when appropriate the deputy will somehow convey his/her sorrow over the incident, as mentioned by many, will live with it for the rest of their life.
Funny how you automatically correlate your response to an example happening at Rt 755 and Rt 40. Gee that doesn’t sound like someone who is quick to point the finger at “anywhere else in the county”. Heres your sign! Thanks for proving the above point.
Seriously – @Kim Mueller didn’t pass judgement as to whether or not the teen “deserved” what he got.
She just acted classy – maybe you should do the same…
Not that you deserve any attention but you sick thing but, here goes. There was and always is a weapon involved any time a Deputy, Trooper, or Officer engage with a suspect. The Cops gun. You were not there so keep your foul ignorant comments to yourself. Everyone has the freedom of speech, in your case it should come with a heavy dose of common sense and accountability. It is so easy to post your vile comments behind a fake name. No one is impressed with you. Tread lightly friend.
The extra butt is for you to.
Let me make one thing clear, im not your friend, friend. You should be careful making threats.
I agree with Hedley and I will also state that 3 shots eliminated any chance of survival. If Harford County Police think that running out of a snow ball stand is an act of aggression then they are out of their minds. He had better have had a weapon or something that could have been misidentified as a weapon or this cop is toast. How do you know the boy didn’t just run out to flee? Harford County Police are out of control and the ones getting on here and defending the officer’s use of lethal force on subjects for not following a lawful order and fleeing are just plain incredible.
I’d be interested to see how you’d react if the cop were your child…
Would it still not be “an act of aggression”? If your child were injured (or worse) by the person “running out of the snowball stand”, would you still say this?
If a cop tells you to stop – you stop. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t, you get shot. And they aren’t going to give you a chance to harm them or anyone else. It’s not what they’re here to do.
The cop is working. Has loved ones. And needs to remember that.
This is terribly unfortunate, but it’s just that – unfortunate. It’s not a crime. We all feel terrible for the 19 year old and his family. But he made some poor decisions and faced the consequences.
You are obviously out of your mind. Cop tells you to stop or you get shot? Whomever you are, please resign, I don’t feel safe anymore knowing that the cops can execute someone for running out of a store, period. As said before, there had better be a gun or weapon or this guy is toast. If no weapon is involved then this was a murder committed by the Officer, period, end of discussion. You can only fire when there is eminent danger, not for responding negatively to a lawful command! Please someone tell us if a weapon was involved, if not a murder was committed as was an illegal seizure of his life, check the fourth amendment why don’t ya! The family can and should sue if no weapon was involved.
And before anyone gets stupid, I mean did the suspect have a weapon, not the cops service weapon……..
You are the problem with today’s society. Everyone elses fault…not the person running at the cop. Not the person damaging other people property. Yea….cause only a guy with a weapon can do damage. I’ve seen the damage some dude strung out on drugs can do with his bear hands. Like someone said….if the cops say to stop running at them and they do that and listen, none of this happens.
I don’t think that’s quite what’s being said here. I’m not supporting either side of this however someone’s refusal or inability to follow police commands is no justification for shooting them – it’s not enough there needs to be threat beyond that very low bar. If what you suggest is true then you are giving the police the power to execute anyone who they feel isn’t compliant. That is a police state in it’s worst form.
Hedley L – I believe you are correct, contrary to all the thumbs down. No, we don’t have all the facts, but we do know that on that night, this guy already trashed two places. Sounds like he was either drunk or high by the behavior – he punches a guy who isn’t even injured, and then the cops show up. There doesn’t sound like any weapon is involved and he comes barreling out of the snowball stand toward the cop. If you stop right there and think about a few things – training, tasers, then guns. I’m not trying to be a Monday Morning QB, but the entire scene doesn’t seem right. Are the police trained how to approach this type of situation? Did he have a taser, and if so, why wasn’t that in his hand and aimed at this guy, along with backup aiming their service pistols if absolutely necessary. This isn’t a question about where it happened, but it should be a question about police protocol. Cops carry tasers throughout this Country, but they don’t seem to be using them very often in cases like this – that is a serious concern. Why not? Why have them? I don’t want any cops going home injured, or worse, but their quick use of deadly force should be looked at. Yes, there is a time and place to shoot when there are no options. This case sounds an awful lot like a job for a taser and a physical throwdown, not a .40 cal.
The deputy was alone, on the scene of a burglary call. Snowball stand or not, proper protocol is to approach with a weapon out, as in, firearm. You do not approach a burglary with your taser out, or with a baton in your hand, or just a flashlight, unless you wish to be dead. As I stated in the previous thread, an officer two years ago (maybe more now) responded to a garage burglary with his taser out and was shot and killed for his inappropriate response to the threat level dictated by the call. And if you think there is time to get a different weapon in the milliseconds it takes for an incident to go down, you are wrong.
Everyone here that is passing judgment in this incident need to cool their heels and wait for the official report to come out, as well as the final decision of the State’s Attorney. Until then there is a lot of needless defamation of the character of both parties involved. Wait til the report is in, then let the chips fall where they may.
I would even venture that perhaps The Dagger needs to lock out commenting ability for news items like this. There is a ton of ugly on these pages in response to this incident that do no favors to the families affected by this. The Dagger is a private website and they surely would be in their right to lock it down.
Sounds like a good time to use you weapon as a club instead of a firearm! If the boy was pistol whipped he would still be alive. Just a suggestion……
You’re an idiot. A cop pistol whipping someone? That’s a bad idea on so many levels it’s not even funny.
Cops say come out with your hands up and you do that you, wake up alive the next morning. End of story, PERIOD.
Sorry Hedley you just have it completely wrong, end of story PERIOD.
I don’t think we can be that cavalier with someone’s life. Assuming the person speaks English and is within their right mind then that might apply. You don’t just shoot someone because they’ve messed up the snow cone machine. I wasn’t there but neither was anybody else and I won’t defend this officer anymore than I’d condemn this young man until I know a bit more about what happened.
@TheMoneyTree,
What part of “tore up a 7-11”, “damaged a BP”, “punched an acquaintance”, “broke into a snowball stand”, and “charged an officer” don’t you understand?
Simply put – he was a threat. It’s that simple. I don’t care if he’s from Bel Air, Jarrettsville, or Edgewood. The Rt 40 people on this site are making me nauseous. He was a threat, he threatened, and he got shot.
Is it sad. Sure it is. It’s terrible. But it’s not a crime either, so quit acting like it is.
I agree we need to hear the rest of the facts, and I won’t pass judgement until we do. But, still, I’ll bet you dollars to donuts we’ll find out he was sky-high on drugs. It’s the only explanation for such behavior. And I’ll also bet you dollars to donuts the officer will be completely vindicated.
There are varying degrees of “tearing up a 7-11” and the rest of the list. Did he knock down a magazine stand or did he kick a hole in the plate glass window…did he open a bag of pretzels and throw the wrapper on the ground. Even to say he “charged an officer” doesn’t necessarily mean he came at somebody like a bear either – we don’t know. And even if he did given he had no weapon it was always my belief that the taxpayers purchased tazers for unarmed people perhaps having a psychotic episode. If the policy is now shot to kill whenever somebody’s acting crazy or drunk let’s get rid of the tazers then since they don’t fit current policy. I’m not arguing the shooting might have been justified…I am saying given all these things shooting an unarmed person three times and not to stop them or warn them but to kill them is a pretty serious thing. Forgive me for even considering that conjecture might be it could have been better handled.
The truth comes out! The suspect charged the officer! No wonder the officer made quick work of him! What did the kid expect was going to happen?
One might assume that the young man was not expecting anything in particular. Sounds like he was on something and visiting somewhere in space at the time of this incident. There are no winners here. I am sorry this happened, and I hope the officer is able to deal with this and continue his career. My sincere condolences to the victims family.
By victim, do you mean the officer, the owners of the 7-11, the owners of the BP, or the owners of the snowball stand?
Sure we all feel terrible for what happened to the kid. But to call him a victim would be to ignore the fact that he was the only criminal.
Oh, shoot – I forgot the friend who got punched. Maybe that’s who you mean. I figured I’d forget someone…
The deceased is a victim of bad choices, probably his own, or the victim of a mental health issue which could, or could not, be of his own making. His family and friends are now victims of this incident along with the officer involved and his family. Plenty of victims here, take your pick.
Make no mistake about my position with regard to the officer. He was in my opinion acting appropriately, and I hope this incident does not affect his future with the HCSO. However, that doesn’t mean this was not a tragic incident with many victims, including the deceased.
The dead guy is not the victim, unless you mean a victim of his own poor choices.
I do feel incredibly bad for his family, however. I can’t imagine what they’re having to go through right now.
Thank you Mr. Hopkins for sharing the trng. Believe MANY need to understand and consider this. Trained to consider everything, process it and make a split-second decision and “stop the threat, not wound” and within 20ft. I, for one, 100% support it by all means. An officer today is expected to arrive and the situation to calm, but, can escalate/change in a split second. Had he been tasered, fallen and hit his head or succumbed to a heart attack, the situation would have been a lot better, right? Not. Then the question would be …………. Before the “public” tries, convicts and decides, let us see, if printed, what was in this young “man’s” system and get the ENTIRE story. Guessing more than caffeine? Just a guess. And I ask to pls. remember this officer has to live with it also. Who’s the victim here? The gentleman who swore to “uphold and defend” so the rest of us LAW ABIDING citizens can live our daily lives peacefully. Again, remember when you need help, assistance or……….and dial 911, you expect a badge of some sort to show and render the situation neutral for YOUR safety and possibly others. Let us see the FACTS before the public judges enter.
So easy for citizens to critize when they weren’t there. Just consider a few things
1) How far was backup? Do you know how many officers are on a shift each night…not enough
2) How close was the suspect and how fast was he coming after the officer?
3) Were there other citizens are risk?
Now, consider making decisions on all of those questions and more in mere seconds. That is what that officer was tasked with.
Good shoot brother. Yes it is sad that someone died but there are always consequences to ones actions.
Your congratulating an officer for killing someone? That’s mighty sick. Even if the officer was justified to congratulate someone is pretty lame and I seriously doubt the police need that sort of high five.
I’m not so much congratulating the officer but rather showing support as I am sure that officer is critiquing every moment of that call. Ultimately in my mind, the officer did what they felt necessary to go home that night. Call me whatever you want but I trust the officers in this county do not use their guns flippantly or without cause. If they did we would see a heck of alot more shootings.
Although this loss is heartbreaking, it could have been worse. The suspect could have been an African-American child and the media may have gotten involved. Even worse, Al Sharpton might have gotten involved in Bel Air’s business. We can’t stand for that.
Sandi, good shoot?? don’t back pedal on your second foul comment, you meant exactly what you said in your first Fuked up comment. No need to concern yourself, most of the general public in HC knows exactly the thought process of Harford county deputies, and that is, Above the law, We are gods and better than the people who pay our salaries, Don’t talk to me unless your ask to do so, It’s us against them. Here is my comment, you start out making 30 plus a year, if your lucky in 10 years making mid 40’s, you are almost at the bottom of the food chain. So you and your foul comment can go get fuked
This makes the series of events more easy to understand now…
This story just doesn’t add up. Why were there so many cops? Why was no taser used? Why all the convenience stores?
This young man was probably a grade A student that was peer pressured into smoking hash laced with PCP. Happens all the time. When I was younger it happened to me. I did not know it was laced with PCP. My initial instinct was that i was burning up and i was SO thirsty. I left the house and went running for something to drink. I stripped down and the cops found me drinking out of a puddle on the side of the street. They DID NOT shoot me, but had the decency to beat me with a night stick until they could cuff me. Saved my life.
The police need to understand that individuals on PCP are still guaranteed due process under the law.
I would advice improved training to handle the increased usage of PCP and methamphetamines in Harford County.
1. night stick
2. taser
3. gun
Everyone deserves a second chance. Sadly this young individual will not get it.
Have you confirmed that the deceased was loaded with PCP before his death? Were you the one who conducted a toxicological analysis on the suspect? Just wondering how you jumped to this conclusion.
1v1 with a baton vs a PCP user is not a fight I would ever want to be in, and PCP users do not respond to pepper spray or tasers. The key is to not associate with anyone that is a user of illegal substances.
Quit making sense. People in this county have no clue…
Let’s assume you’re correct about what this guy was on (and no, he was not a “kid”)
Tasers frequently do not work on emotionally disturbed people or people high on various types of drugs (particularly hallucinogens, some types of narcotics, and PCP.) There are even a few people who Tasers are completely ineffective on even if they’re in a normal state of mind. A few years ago a trooper was forced to shoot an unarmed EDP on a domestic AFTER he was hit twice with a Taser with no effect (the guy actually laughed at the officers on scene as he pulled the probed out of his chest…)
Pepper spray is ineffective on highly motivated assailants, though it might slow them when they’re initially hit. Part of the training officers have to go through involves getting sprayed and then having to fight through the irritation to perform several tasks. Add in someone in an emotionally disturbed state or highly intoxicated on some sort drug and it won’t even slow them down.
A 1 on 1 fight with someone on PCP? Using a baton or no, the officer will likely get his ass kicked even if under normal circumstances the officer is bigger/stronger/faster. PCP doesn’t make someone stronger, but it will make them ignore the damage they’re doing to their own body…even as they exert enough force to tear their own tendons, break their own bones, dislocate their own joints, and rip their own muscles to shreds they can and will still keep coming.
I’d imagine the deputy was covering the door to the snowball stand with his gun drawn since at the time all he knew was there was someone inside who had torn up two convenience stores and assaulted at least one person before breaking into the snowball stand. He had no way to know if the guy armed or not and bringing a Taser or a baton to gun a fight is a good way to get killed. Then a crazed man bursts out of the stand and charges the deputy, well you end up with this result.
The only people in this incident I feel sorry for are the deputy involved, the deputy’s family, and the family of the dead suspect. The deputy acted appropriately and according to his training. It is a shame that this happened, but I’m glad the deputy went home at the end of his shift physically unharmed. I’ve been to enough funerals for my brothers in blue this past year.
Who is Bob Peck and why is he running for Sherriff?
It is truly a shame the deputy will be guilty until proven innocent due to the ignorance of the media/ public. After reading these comments I cannot help but characterize all the persons who bash the police, as stupid ( simply put). There is no more honorable profession than to serve ones country wether it be military or police ( and for all of you who will over analyze that last sentence, I’m not saying there are not other honorable professions). I don’t doubt the Deputy is grieving as much as the family if not more, the situation is unfortunate. This also should be a wake up call for persons who use narcotics/ hallucinogens.
Thank you for your service Deputy.
There is no honor or integrity in the rank and file of the Harford County Sheriff’s Department. They frequently lie about the charges they allege and they cover up evidence that is contrary to their lies. The corrupt Harford County State’s Attorney Office will then run with the lies and use any illegal means necessary to gain another feather in their cap before the dishonorable judges of the Harford County Circuit Court. This jurisdiction has proven time and time again that the police officers are incapable of telling the truth! Then the State’s Attorney Office will use means of extortion that they call a “plea bargain”, to convict on the lies of your fellow deputies. The judges willingly and knowingly allow this to happen. This concerted effort of lies and omissions of truth is also called Suppression of Rights Under Color of Law and is a felonious crime that is frequently committed by everyone involved in the legal process in Harford County. The truth is there is no justice or law in Harford County. That is the bottom line because the SoUl CrUsHeR says so!
If you have evidence that such is the case, are you working with the FBI to press charges against the department? They just love to bust corrupt police officers who violate civil rights.
Kharn, Please remove the testicles from your chin, oh you can’t because your a Dikhed. Why don’t you just grab one of yor kok sukin brothers from the HCSO and have the first HCSO same sexathon in that hot tub of yurs…….The PIGS committed an unconstitutional search – The HCSAO committed the rights violations rump ranger. The Judges allowed it to happen because of integrity issues with your corrupt court Butt Pirate. So, GFY……
If it so terrible and corrupt here, move !!! Sounds like a pretty simple solution to me!!
Why Move When There Is A Reckonin To Watch? But, I recommend everyone that believes in their rights should move from your racist republican county.
Soul Crusher,
To say that there is no honor or integrity within the Sheriffs Office could not be more farther from the truth. You cannot let the actions of a few determine your feelings about the Sheriffs Office as a whole. You clearly hold bitterness for some reason, probably because you feel like you we’re slighted by an Deputy or someone within the Sheriffs Office (which i dont doubt under the current sheriff) in the past. You clearly think too highly of yourself. If you think you can do better then apply for a position within the Sheriffs Office, if not then you have no place to critique what you aren’t willing to help fix.
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. Proverbs 29:11
This entire situation is sad…just simply sad. I cannot imagine the grief of the dead man’s family, yet the father publicly states that he doesn’t blame the officer…he was doing his job.
I will pray for the suspect’s father, and I will also pray for the officer and his family.
So many of these comments are negative in regards to law enforcement. I truly wish that more families of suspects viewed the facts on hand, and not as a “us against them” situation. How many times haven’t we heard the news stories??? “My child was a good boy!” Then why did he have illegal possession of a gun, and why was he chasing the other person down the street with that illegal weapon? “My child never hurt anybody!” Then why are there 4 counts of assault on her record?
The police are not the enemy. Neither can they fix the problems. I won’t go near Baltimore city because of the frequen stories on the news are about “another triple shooting in Baltimore.” Some of the interviews I’ve seen include residents blaming the police for shooting suspects, then others blaming the police for not stopping the crime. Pick a side, folks. If the police are to do their jobs, they need to be allowed to do their jobs as necessary – not as deemed appropriate by public opinion…or public offense…or public outcry.
One thing for sure, if pot was legalized this would not have happened. The kid would still be in his room, listening to Pink Floyd and munching on Doritos.
^^^ I SO hope this is a joke. ^^^
Officers receive training on how to confront situations. While no officer can control how a situation unfolds the opportunity to back up or retreat is always an option until you can better assess and respond. Perhaps the deputy was overrun and had no other choice. No one has determined what actually happened.
No one should be second guessing until the investigation shows the pertinent facts such as how close were the shots fired, how many shots fired, what if anything was in the suspects hands. Until these facts and others are known every one is just being a Monday morning quarterback. No matter how it all ends up the lives of the deputy and the family involved are forever damaged. Right or wrong for eitherparty both still deserves a little compassion
As I try to picture the scenario I’m not getting the “you should have used a taser” vibe. It’s going on 11 PM so it’s dark, you already got reports of a violent perp on a spree and I have to assume the snowball stand he broke into is not lit up. If any of you want to stand in the doorway – backlit – with a taser when you haven’t determined if the perp is armed, waiting to see if he’ll charge out at you… hey I’ll be in the car… let me know how that works out for ya… Unless he owned the snowball stand he was trespassing after breaking and entering so if he got shot he’s the only one to blame.
It isn’t dark. That’s a well lit intersection with bright lights all around the BP.
Its good the lights are so bright they shine through the walls to illuminate the interior of the building to clearly outline the bad guy and reveal him to be unarmed… like I said, you can handle this one. I’ll be right behind you.
First of all, you can stand behind me if you want because I don’t go charging in or demanding he come out either. I’m safety behind my cruiser willing to wait it out unless somebody can verify there’s a need to act like a storm trooper.
If it was ok to shoot anyone who’s trespassing, we’re going to need a whole lot of body bags. Interesting story but it doesn’t jive with the points that have been revealed so far. Sure he was trespassing and breaking up the joint. It was a Snowball stand for God’s sake – that’s a shed, not a bank or millions of dollars in property. According to the report it was dark – meaning it was closed, nobody else was in it. That’s why he had to “break and enter.” Sure it’s this guy’s fault that anything at all happened – he was way over the line of the law, but that doesn’t mean lethal force was necessarily appropriate or warranted. That’s what we should find out and the cop needs to do the debrief ASAP or his memory of events will be just a little better than Amazed’s.
Ha. I like that where you insult me at the end to support your viewpoint. Stay classy.
Suicide by cop. It happens. Eyewitness account – deputy had his revolver already drawn, yells for suspect to come out. Suspect comes out and charges the cop with weapon already drawn.
The eyewitness might want to get new glasses. Revolvers have not been issued by the sheriff’s department for years.
LOL!!!
Maybe we should clear things up about the TASER because we often hear the Hollywood trained 00 Agents come on here talking about shooting guns out of hands, shooting tires of vehicles, and aiming for limbs to disable which ultimately puts everyone in great risk but I understand the misconceptions about the TASER. The TASER is not a good one on one tool for self defense and use of the TASER in a scenario like this would not be recommended. The TASER has too high of a rate of failure for this situation due to biological factors rendering it ineffective or one probe missing the target which essentially turns the TASER into a big plastic toy. The proper use of a TASER by properly trained individuals involves a minimum of two officers, one to provide cover for the TASER operator and one to display/deploy the TASER. If a TASER is deployed successfully, the operator maintains control of the TASER while the second or ideally a third officer places restraints on the downed individual with the second maintaining a cover position. The reason lethal force absolutely has to be used in this situation is because there can’t be an escalation of force, if this officer tried a non-lethal method of force being reasonably certain this individual was under strong influence of drugs, through training you would know that your non-lethal methods would have a very high rate of failure and there is no second try. A properly trained officer knows that his failure means likely injuries/casualties beyond his own and would have known that non-lethal methods were likely to fail. This was demonstrated by this individuals lengthy resistance even after lethal force had been used.
Applying this logic across the board would suggest that lethal force is the first choice for any solo cop arriving on a scene. I understand the technical aspects of deploying a Taser but this guy had already “punched a guy” with no affect and was clearly out of control. Aren’t police trained in a variety of physical takedowns? This wasn’t Hulk Hogan on PCP even according to the points made in the reports. Nightsticks, Tasers, pepperspray. Were any used? You talk about the Hollywood stuff as nonsense – agreed. So is lethal force as a first and only option in a situation that may well have been handled in other ways (maybe, maybe not). These are questions, not judgements.
Rather than demanding he come out with his hands up why not just leave him in there long enough to defuse the situation. A smart cop and smart policy doesn’t always means to make the cowboy choice.
So that he can hurt the employees inside the Snowball Stand?
It was probably unoccupied. Regardless, i have to disagree with Money Tree on this point. Calling him to come out was appropriate on the part of the deputy. There is no point in allowing someone to seek refuge for any length of time in a structure that conceals what he is doing. The Boston Marathon Bomber was incapacitated when he sought shelter in the boat. He was considered dangerous for obvious reasons. If they let him stay there, he would have bled to death.
There wasn’t anyone in there – he had broken into it. At least that’s what the information in these articles has indicated. Look I’m not saying given the circumstances the shooting wasn’t justified but some of those circumstances were created by decisions the police make too. It’s just hard to imagine how the Ft. Hood shooter is alive, the Boston bomber is alive but we have a guy that broke into the snow cone vendor shack and is dead.
Simple answer Mr Tree, those suspects when confronted by the police agency involved complied with their orders to surrender. I might be going out on a limb here Mr Tree, but the root of this problem is this suspect didn’t comply. How many suspects have been drawn out at gunpoint, complied, and lived to see their day in court?
I guess I was hoping the ego of a cop wasn’t more important than the diffusion of the problem.
“As of midday Monday, the deputy had not been interviewed by Sheriff’s Office detectives, who Hopkins said will handle the investigation”
I’m sure they deputy is very upset about the incident. However, I’m surprised he hasn’t been interviewed yet. I would think the longer if goes the more detail, however minor, will be forgotten. I completely understand he need time to deal with the issues that will come about after this shooting. I’m just surprised he wasn’t interviewed immediately.
I think HCSO investigators would be OK with interviewing him immediately after the incident, but the union attorney probably had other thoughts. Not speaking with investigators until you have had an opportunity to speak with legal representation is OK with me. In fact, I recommend it!
Very good advice.
Waiting is normal. The investigators are able to reconstruct the event by taking to the other witnesses so they go into the discussion with a low likelihood of being surprised by new information.
Seth was shot three times, anyone know where he was shot? meaning what parts of the body. What does extra “Butt” mean Mark? You want to talk about that?
Talking about a can of worms!
It is spelled Marc. You are a butt.
I know, been called worst, i’m sure you still have contacts with your buddy’s, you want to give the details where he was shot?
Marc,
Don’t lower yourself to his standards. Keep your integrity here intact. Everyone sees what a fool he is acting like.
Wait a minute, he makes a threat cause he does not believe in free speech? Why don’t you post on this sight where the boy was shot know the truth?
Hedley Lamarr,
I think what you meant to say is “site”. Posting on this “sight”? That won’t happen ether.
Because it is not my place to release that information even if did know. I can think of oh lets say 249 is a good number different names you may have been called? Have a Blessed Day!
Come on MarK, tell everyone where the boy was shot
I totally agree with all comments made by Hedley except the last one
Hedley, if you know where the suspect was shot then tell us. In fact share with us where each shot contacted the suspects body. But perhaps you do not really know yourself where the suspect was shot, or how he was shot.
How was it that he was shot in the ass, can anyone explain that, anyone know where the exit of the bullet came out????
Explain that barb
Barb, btw, you need to read the article, how he was shot? the answer is Harford County Deputy. Now, lets start with the one shot in the ass. Maybe you could also explain the exit wound from that shot.
I used to own a port a pot company but is went down the shitter
Good one, post under my name.
Sounds like yet another overzealous HCSD officer. Clearly this situation did not require lethal force. he should be charged with murder.
We should protest and lock this cop up for life. He clearly does not deserve to where a badge and a gun. He clearly was glad to get to shoot. What about your pepper spray? Taser? Billy club?
PEOPLE, people, people…this is difficult enough without this sort of exchange. For the sake of civility and just reasonable consideration for the two families who are grieving how their lives are “forever changed”…please cease making assumptions, goading one another on and being rude; ‘retreat (in peace) to your respective roles in society and await the thorough investigation and disclosure of the ACTUAL evidence!
There are certainly circumstances where a TASER or other non-lethal instrument would be the proper choice in a one-on-one scenario. These are dictated by the surroundings/environment and by the actions of the suspect. A fleeing suspect that is running away from the officer and not considered an immediate threat could be brought down by the TASER because a failure only results in the suspect continuing to flee. Another situation would be where discharging a firearm would create a dangerous situation for the general public, like in a crowded room. When a dialogue is established between officer and suspect it is much easier to attempt to defuse the situation and use alternatives to lethal force. However when the situation proceeds from a simple command to exit a building to an immediate aggressive “charge” at the officer the situation clearly calls for immediate reaction. Those that use the term “just on drugs” should really be ashamed of themselves for accepting this future for America and for failing to see the consequences that kind of thinking causes. How many people that were “just” on drugs “just” killed someone? I hope no officer’s spouse ever has to hear ” Sorry, your significant other was killed in the line of duty because the subject was just on drugs and there was nothing we could do.” I can’t firearms training where targets are displayed and we don’t decide based on threat level but instead determine shoot/don’t shoot by whether the target is a “bad person” or “just on drugs”.
Lets revisit our right to bear arms…we wouldn’t have all of these stories to read each night if you were allowed to defend yourself. Why did Route 40 come up and the reference to Edgewood again…can’t figure out how it links back to this incident that occurred in Bel Air? But since it is mentioned above…
We make excuses for those who are “emotionally unstable,” or teens classified as “thugs” because they are misguided or have to survive the streets. Give me a break! We live in Harford County and there is no reason why we should have thugs and no reason why we should make excuses for criminals either. If you’re trying to survive the freshly cut grasses and manicured sidewalks of Harford County, give me a call and I’ll give you 100 phone numbers of anyone willing to take you in to feed and guide you. Saying route 40 or Edgewood is classified as the “hood” is hilarious. Does anyone really know what the hood is? These are wanna be thugs to begin with and we encourage them by making excuses as to why they chose the “thug” life…seriously, it makes me sick. It’s a choice and not a destiny. And we wonder where the real Harford County is?
HE committed a crime and HE created the unsafe environment, NOT the police officer. If the criminals were half as worried about who was actually carrying a weapon, then they’d think twice about their actions. Criminals need to be held accountable for their actions, period. If you decide to violate the law then all bets are off. He was warned and he failed to abide. Having mental issues doesn’t give you the green light to commit a crime OR get your punishment reduced because of it either. If you took drugs then you committed a crime and jeopardized everyone’s safety…again, you chose that path; the consequences may or may not fit the crime. The police officer will undergo a grueling investigation hoping he’s not convicted of murder yet a citizen with a gun will only have to prove they were defending their own life…not fair to that officer. That police officer is not only protecting the citizens of HC but he was protecting himself too so why isn’t that ok? If you charge into my house and I shoot you, my life is in danger and I’m off the hook. Oh wait, you only broke into my house to take my TV…ok, then allow me to only use a Taser or pepper spray then. Paalease!!! The officer’s “house” is Harford County…each and every mile of it and each and every citizen and he won’t get a second chance to save a life. The kid made the wrong decision, unfortunate that he paid the ultimate price but it was still his choice, and he failed to consider the consequences for his actions.
The bottom line is…it’s a truly unfortunate situation now matter how it unfolds. My heart goes out to his family and I hope they find peace with this devastating situation.
Marc, Where are you? maybe you can explain how the shot entered from the back and exited in the front, wonder if the dad knows about this entry and especially the exit. wat u think friend?
Hedley, what do you think the investigation is for? That might have not been the first shot to strike him. Perhaps the first shot if there were multiple ones spun the suspect around? Why not wait until the results are released?