I reviewed the vid closely several times. I do believe that the shooting was justified. My reasoning is as follows:
1. The two men saw the officer behind them and took off at high speed. The shootee's friend attempted to flee. This would put me on high alert immediately.
2. In the officer's defense, it was night and was dark.
3. The shootee DID move his arm/hand in a motion that could be construed as drawing a firearm. The shootee DID NOT put his hands up. The officer clearly ordered him to put his hands up.
All in all, IMO the shootee was an idiot for speeding off like that in front of a police officer (what, did he expect the officer to not attempt to pull him over?). When the officer ordered him to put his hands up, it appears the shootee developed tunnel-vision and didn't respond correctly.
My verdict? Shooting was justified. The officer had a split-second to make his decision, and was correct in taking the shot.
Also, notice the biker did note turn left towards the officers, but towards the right making it look like he was trying to face away or perhaps hide something.
You put yourself in that officer's position and I'll bet 99 out of 100 times you'll react the same way he did.
That movement he made with his right arm going back and hand movement at the belt level sure as heck looked to me that it was an attempt to pull a concealed handgun.
Also, notice the biker did note turn left towards the officers, but towards the right making it look like he was trying to face away or perhaps hide something.
Plus the officer did not have the luxury of seeing the straight behind video, but a view from the left rear quarter that more than likely presented itself to looking even more like he was trying to.
All of you people who say that you would not have reacted that way, you can say that till the cows come home. You put yourself in that officer's position and I'll bet 99 out of 100 times you'll react the same way he did.
Agree completely, that is so far from a justified shooting it should be considered attempted murder and he should be charged accordingly. At no point was his life even remotely in danger.cop needs to go to jail for a long long time. whats fair for us citizens is fair for cops too! we citizens would be going to jail, but im sure he will just get a slap on the hand, and probly be working as a cop somewhere else shortly. shame on the system!!!
I ASURE YOU I WOULDNT!!! the guy would have to be a pretzle to get off any kind of an acurate shot turning in that direction without changing position on the bike. if he was wanting to shoot the cop with his FINGER (cause thats all he was armed with) then he would have turned the other way. the dumb cop had his finger on the trigger. a no no. cops a criminal, and needs to go to jail