by Bob Livingston
More and more, police have ruled themselves judge, jury and executioner. Unfortunately, another family has learned too late that you should never call police.
On Nov. 4, 2013, Michael Blair, a paranoid schizophrenic, suffered a delusional episode, grabbed a knife and claimed he wanted to kill himself. He locked himself in a bathroom. His family called 911.
While police were en route, a family member placed a cellphone in the hallway to monitor the police response. This video is the result. (Caution: Extremely graphic)
It shows that, as soon as they arrive, deputies from the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s department escalated the situation by threatening Blair. A deputy kicked in the door, pulled his weapon and began barking commands. Officers used a Taser on Blair several times, and he can be seen writhing in the bathtub. Despite repeated warnings to drop the knife and repeated shocks from the Taser, Blair refuses.
Finally, with the deputy shouting, Blair steps toward the door and the deputy unloads his weapon, continuing his rapid fire long after Blair hit the ground. In all, 11 shots were fired.
The situation is said to be under internal review. That’s code for the officer will get a paid vacation. The family says they intend to file a lawsuit.
More and more, police have ruled themselves judge, jury and executioner. Unfortunately, another family has learned too late that you should never call police.
On Nov. 4, 2013, Michael Blair, a paranoid schizophrenic, suffered a delusional episode, grabbed a knife and claimed he wanted to kill himself. He locked himself in a bathroom. His family called 911.
While police were en route, a family member placed a cellphone in the hallway to monitor the police response. This video is the result. (Caution: Extremely graphic)
It shows that, as soon as they arrive, deputies from the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s department escalated the situation by threatening Blair. A deputy kicked in the door, pulled his weapon and began barking commands. Officers used a Taser on Blair several times, and he can be seen writhing in the bathtub. Despite repeated warnings to drop the knife and repeated shocks from the Taser, Blair refuses.
Finally, with the deputy shouting, Blair steps toward the door and the deputy unloads his weapon, continuing his rapid fire long after Blair hit the ground. In all, 11 shots were fired.
The situation is said to be under internal review. That’s code for the officer will get a paid vacation. The family says they intend to file a lawsuit.
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