A Florida jury on Friday acquitted a retired police SWAT commander of murder for fatally shooting a fellow moviegoer during an argument over cellphone use.
It's interesting how cops get the short end of the stick when some thug of a protected race is trying to kill them, but they're allowed to randomly shoot people in the movie theater and get away with it.
This happened very close to my home. I was so happy the verdict turned out the way it did. If you are a bully and try to assault an old man, it can cost you your life. Just be polite and you will be safe.
Polite? Bullshit. The "old man" was being a fucking Karen. He couldn't wait 5 minutes before rushing off to "speak to the manager". There was nothing polite about the old man and it appears he was the first bully on the scene. He was acquitted because he was a cop. Pure and simple. Any other person would be doing life in jail because shooting someone over a cell phone argument and popcorn throwing does not rise to the "my life was in danger" level.
A better warning is to stay away from cops. Don't trust cops. Avoid cops. Even retired ones. They can kill you (if you're white) and get away with it.
I'm with Don on this one. Nothing good can come from an interaction with badged thugs, and this case shows that mindset carries forward into retirement.
Sorry but assault is assault is assault. Whether is popcorn, a cup pf hot coffee thrown at you, a piece of fried chicken, ice cream and on and on. Its not the 'weapon' but the act.
Perhaps This might shed more light on the point I wish to make. Its not what may be thrown at you popcorn, a milkshake, a bottle of water, its the uncertainty of what might follow next.
Reading the paper's comments is an exercise in futility for comprehension. Several lament that he was found "innocent". Shows the ignorance of people in our system and they WILL be on the jury.
In the US criminal system, there is no such thing as "innocent". You're either found guilty or not guilty (if the trial completes). There's a HUGE difference between innocent and not guilty. Innocent = you didn't do it. Not guilty = there isn't enough evidence (beyond a reasonable doubt, in criminal case) to convince a jury you did it.
And Jacky assuming that its copsucking to note that the asshole with the popcorn FAFO then it seems that you are the same type asshole. Don't like either fucks in this story but one kept escalating and he won the prize.
Me, too. Throw popcorn on me during a verbal altercation? I *might* put my hand on my weapon or maybe draw it so you can see I'm not as vulnerable to physical attack as I appear but I *will* restrain myself from shooting you unless and until you come at me. Then it's your ass.
And here is a good argument for "Oh, it's just a bad apple". How many people would put up with a few airline pilots as 'bad apples'. They getting on a plane tomorrow? Yea. Cops have to be held to a higher standard.
I followed this a little as it went on. A major part of the the defense was based upon the shooter’s vast years of experience. I’d have figured with all those years of experience, the son of a bitch would have known de-escalation technics and applied them. Swallowing your pride and walking away is a better result than killing somebody over a bullshit movie. I carry every day and have for three decades. I pray to God every day that I will never have to stop any more clocks. Not placing yourself or your loved ones in situations where something like that is likely to happen, as well as being able to extract yourself when things start to go sideways, even if you have to eat a little crow, are extremely important skills. Even as important as being able to take decisive if required. I read somewhere this morning “America has become a free range mental institution.” I believe that is true. I also believe we need to ask ourselves how and why this has been allowed to happen. Follow the money. Eod1sg Ret
Top, I've walked away from more than a few fights because I was carrying a gun and didn't want it to escalate to where I might have to shoot somebody. Like my dear old dad used to say: "Discretion is the better part of valor".
Exactly. Respect is cheap, so why not show a little? Neither ex-officer Reeves nor the departed Oulson showed any respect to the other.
Pride? I can sacrifice a lot of pride and it costs me nothing.
That said, several things that didn't come up at trial involved the state of Reeves' pistol. Did he carry it with one in the chamber? How did he usually carry it? My thought is that Oulson flipped Reeves' bag of popcorn into his face, and gets shot immediately. Reeves is old, and I don't see him as the sort who could draw and fire that quickly. I concluded that when he went out for a walk to see the manager, he got himself ready for a gun fight. Holding the pistol in his hand, maybe putting a cartridge in the chamber.
I watched parts of the trial, and while I would have found him guilty of manslaughter, the others didn't. This is just a bad situation for everyone.
I had an incident happen to me about ten years ago. I was driving down one of the country roads near where I live. The speed limit on this road is 35 and I was doing about 45. This clown comes up my rear and tailgated me so close, I couldn't see his headlights. Apparently, I wasn't going fast enough for him. The road was very curvy so he couldn't pass me. I did not brake check him or make any other gesture like that. Indeed, eventually I came to a wide enough place, that happened to be on a bridge, where I could pull off and let him go by. I thought I was being a nice guy, but apparently not.
As I stopped, he stopped. Then he pulled up on my left side with his window down and was shouting at me. I pointed to the road ahead and gestured for him to go on. Instead he pulled directly in front of me at a 45 degree angle, boxing me in. His drivers side door slammed open and this guy, who appeared to be in his twenties or early thirties came huffing up towards the drivers side of my car with a wrench in his hand. As he got within about ten feet of me, I stuck a 38 special in his face and yelled: "Get back in your car, asshole!"
And do you know what he did?
Why, he got back in his car and drove off.
After he departed, I re-holstered the gun and continued on my way. I never saw him again. However, what scared me the most was that I wasn't nervous or shaking or anything like you usually get when you take an adrenaline dump. No, the thing is, at the time I was 57 years old. Not an old man really, but old enough to know that that guy could have hurt me really bad with just his bare hands never mind a wrench. I was *NOT* going to take that beating and I realized I would have shot him in the face without a second thought if he had kept advancing on me.
Now, as to the original story I can sorta, kinda see both sides of the issue here. Mr. Reeves might have over-reacted a bit, but I wasn't there. However, keep in mind that Mr. Reeves was 71 years old and Mr. Oulson was 43. Now you convince me which one was the "Alpha Male". I'm 68 now, and I'll tell you right up front, that if a 43 year old with anger in his eyes lunges at me, I will not just sit there and wait to be beat. He's going to get shot.
Knowing only what I know from the article, I would have probably voted to acquit too. If that makes me a "copsucker" or "badgelicker", well okay.
I must be getting old and crotchety, but to me, the guy got called out for using a cellphone in a theater and got nasty and violent about. Good riddance!
Texting during the trailers. There is 20 minutes of them. How about be a little generous and wait before getting the manager...
When an asshole cuts me off I assume their mother is in the hospital dying. Guy on the phone during trailers texting his dying mother - who really GAF?
Death is final. Lots of stupid in this case. Lots of good points and questions too in these comments. I didn't sit on the jury so...
But did note this happened in 2014 - I was flabbergasted this was the case that captivated anti gun fanatics so long ago. 7 years to adjudicate wtf? Amazing.
It's interesting how cops get the short end of the stick when some thug of a protected race is trying to kill them, but they're allowed to randomly shoot people in the movie theater and get away with it.
ReplyDeleteThis happened very close to my home. I was so happy the verdict turned out the way it did. If you are a bully and try to assault an old man, it can cost you your life. Just be polite and you will be safe.
ReplyDeletePolite? Bullshit. The "old man" was being a fucking Karen. He couldn't wait 5 minutes before rushing off to "speak to the manager". There was nothing polite about the old man and it appears he was the first bully on the scene. He was acquitted because he was a cop. Pure and simple. Any other person would be doing life in jail because shooting someone over a cell phone argument and popcorn throwing does not rise to the "my life was in danger" level.
DeleteA better warning is to stay away from cops. Don't trust cops. Avoid cops. Even retired ones. They can kill you (if you're white) and get away with it.
I'm with Don on this one.
DeleteNothing good can come from an interaction with badged thugs, and this case shows that mindset carries forward into retirement.
You are wrong on this.....
DeleteFive-Oh is gonna protect and serve you folks to death!
DeletePopcorn is not an assault weapon
ReplyDeleteSorry but assault is assault is assault. Whether is popcorn, a cup pf hot coffee thrown at you, a piece of fried chicken, ice cream and on and on. Its not the 'weapon' but the act.
DeleteGood luck with that argument in court if you're not/were a cop.
DeletePerhaps This might shed more light on the point I wish to make. Its not what may be thrown at you popcorn, a milkshake, a bottle of water, its the uncertainty of what might follow next.
Deletehttp://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/stupid/vaccine-rage-arrest-705218
But its so complicated
DeleteReading the paper's comments is an exercise in futility for comprehension. Several lament that he was found "innocent". Shows the ignorance of people in our system and they WILL be on the jury.
ReplyDeleteIn the US criminal system, there is no such thing as "innocent". You're either found guilty or not guilty (if the trial completes). There's a HUGE difference between innocent and not guilty. Innocent = you didn't do it. Not guilty = there isn't enough evidence (beyond a reasonable doubt, in criminal case) to convince a jury you did it.
It is quite impossible to get the average American to understand the difference. Lord knows I've tried.
DeleteIt's funny how people wanna say this old man was privileged but honestly that guy that threw the popcorn was a complete asshole so phuk him
ReplyDeleteAnd Jacky assuming that its copsucking to note that the asshole with the popcorn FAFO then it seems that you are the same type asshole. Don't like either fucks in this story but one kept escalating and he won the prize.
Delete"And that's when I shot him, Your Honor."
ReplyDelete[rocketride]
I'm frankly surprised at all the copsuckers commenting here.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. Throw popcorn on me during a verbal altercation? I *might* put my hand on my weapon or maybe draw it so you can see I'm not as vulnerable to physical attack as I appear but I *will* restrain myself from shooting you unless and until you come at me. Then it's your ass.
DeleteYou win the interwebs today!!! Hahaha ha!
DeleteNo wonder some people hate and distrust cops.
ReplyDeleteAnd here is a good argument for "Oh, it's just a bad apple". How many people would put up with a few airline pilots as 'bad apples'. They getting on a plane tomorrow? Yea. Cops have to be held to a higher standard.
Eight years to get this taken care of? Maybe they were waiting on the old fucker to die.
ReplyDeleteDaryl
I followed this a little as it went on. A major part of the the defense was based upon the shooter’s vast years of experience. I’d have figured with all those years of experience, the son of a bitch would have known de-escalation technics and applied them. Swallowing your pride and walking away is a better result than killing somebody over a bullshit movie.
ReplyDeleteI carry every day and have for three decades. I pray to God every day that I will never have to stop any more clocks. Not placing yourself or your loved ones in situations where something like that is likely to happen, as well as being able to extract yourself when things start to go sideways, even if you have to eat a little crow, are extremely important skills. Even as important as being able to take decisive if required.
I read somewhere this morning “America has become a free range mental institution.” I believe that is true. I also believe we need to ask ourselves how and why this has been allowed to happen. Follow the money. Eod1sg Ret
Top, I've walked away from more than a few fights because I was carrying a gun and didn't want it to escalate to where I might have to shoot somebody.
DeleteLike my dear old dad used to say: "Discretion is the better part of valor".
Exactly. Respect is cheap, so why not show a little? Neither ex-officer Reeves nor the departed Oulson showed any respect to the other.
DeletePride? I can sacrifice a lot of pride and it costs me nothing.
That said, several things that didn't come up at trial involved the state of Reeves' pistol. Did he carry it with one in the chamber? How did he usually carry it? My thought is that Oulson flipped Reeves' bag of popcorn into his face, and gets shot immediately. Reeves is old, and I don't see him as the sort who could draw and fire that quickly. I concluded that when he went out for a walk to see the manager, he got himself ready for a gun fight. Holding the pistol in his hand, maybe putting a cartridge in the chamber.
I watched parts of the trial, and while I would have found him guilty of manslaughter, the others didn't. This is just a bad situation for everyone.
Somebody actually did fuck around and found out.
ReplyDeleteI had an incident happen to me about ten years ago. I was driving down one of the country roads near where I live. The speed limit on this road is 35 and I was doing about 45. This clown comes up my rear and tailgated me so close, I couldn't see his headlights. Apparently, I wasn't going fast enough for him. The road was very curvy so he couldn't pass me. I did not brake check him or make any other gesture like that. Indeed, eventually I came to a wide enough place, that happened to be on a bridge, where I could pull off and let him go by. I thought I was being a nice guy, but apparently not.
ReplyDeleteAs I stopped, he stopped. Then he pulled up on my left side with his window down and was shouting at me. I pointed to the road ahead and gestured for him to go on. Instead he pulled directly in front of me at a 45 degree angle, boxing me in. His drivers side door slammed open and this guy, who appeared to be in his twenties or early thirties came huffing up towards the drivers side of my car with a wrench in his hand. As he got within about ten feet of me, I stuck a 38 special in his face and yelled: "Get back in your car, asshole!"
And do you know what he did?
Why, he got back in his car and drove off.
After he departed, I re-holstered the gun and continued on my way. I never saw him again. However, what scared me the most was that I wasn't nervous or shaking or anything like you usually get when you take an adrenaline dump. No, the thing is, at the time I was 57 years old. Not an old man really, but old enough to know that that guy could have hurt me really bad with just his bare hands never mind a wrench. I was *NOT* going to take that beating and I realized I would have shot him in the face without a second thought if he had kept advancing on me.
Now, as to the original story I can sorta, kinda see both sides of the issue here. Mr. Reeves might have over-reacted a bit, but I wasn't there. However, keep in mind that Mr. Reeves was 71 years old and Mr. Oulson was 43. Now you convince me which one was the "Alpha Male". I'm 68 now, and I'll tell you right up front, that if a 43 year old with anger in his eyes lunges at me, I will not just sit there and wait to be beat. He's going to get shot.
Knowing only what I know from the article, I would have probably voted to acquit too. If that makes me a "copsucker" or "badgelicker", well okay.
Your not, too many folks are getting confused about the circumstances in this case. I agree with you
DeleteJust an idiot
DeleteI must be getting old and crotchety, but to me, the guy got called out for using a cellphone in a theater and got nasty and violent about. Good riddance!
ReplyDeleteBut, other than the murder, how was the movie?
ReplyDeleteTexting during the trailers. There is 20 minutes of them. How about be a little generous and wait before getting the manager...
ReplyDeleteWhen an asshole cuts me off I assume their mother is in the hospital dying. Guy on the phone during trailers texting his dying mother - who really GAF?
Death is final. Lots of stupid in this case. Lots of good points and questions too in these comments. I didn't sit on the jury so...
But did note this happened in 2014 - I was flabbergasted this was the case that captivated anti gun fanatics so long ago. 7 years to adjudicate wtf? Amazing.
chillhill