There is a controversial shooting in South Carolina this week after York County deputy, Terrence Knox, shot Bobby Canipe, 70, during a routine traffic stop when Canipe reached for his cane. Knox said that he thought it was a rifle and his department is calling him justified in the shooting. Canipe (left) is a disabled Vietnam veteran.
The stop was for an expired license tag near the small town of Clover, South Carolina. After pulling over, Canipe got out and reached into this truck bed for his cane. Knox proceeded to fire multiple rounds and hit Canipe once.
York County sheriff’s spokesman Trent Faris has called the shooting “very unfortunate” but added that “[i]t does appear, at this time, that Deputy Knox’s actions were an appropriate response to what he reasonably believed to be an imminent threat to his life.”
Well, at this time, I would have to disagree. It would appear that an officer fired without a clear view of the alleged weapon or time for the suspect to drop the weapon. Moreover, I assume that, when reaching for a cane, you do show with one hand — an awkward position to use a long-barreled rifle. However, I would like to read the officer’s account and see the results of the investigation.
The matter will be investigated and I would have preferred that the department not issue such a statement before the full facts are determined.
Such shootings raise comparisons with other countries where police use potentially lethal force at a much lower rate.
Source: Washington Post
This has been going on for years many many years. The public sided with the department more then not. Now that it is hitting areas outside of the norm {urban areas} it will get the attention of all. Respectfully I call him Grandpa. He served his country during 1 of the worst war to come home & many.years later to be shot on the side of a road. My heart & prayers go out to the family. its always been shot to kill. That bull “to protect & serve” that’s on the car should be changed.. Not all officers are bad but few that are in circulation put a black eye on the whole department
All praise is due that he didn’t die nor his wife.
RTC, Not responsive. You took the word of cops and insurance companies, I called you on it, then you get personal. That was the MO of the people you lament leaving. I will quote on of your heroes who said this many times to me, “There is no one keeping you here, you’re free to leave.” However, I hope you stay and learn not to be personal. That would be more productive then just leaving in a huff. Finally, Mr. Turley is capable of thinking for himself. Carry on w/ your thoughts, whatever they may be.
RTC,
That’s why I don’t come on first.
Nick: ummm…I don’t know what to say here. I was trying to have an intelligent conversation with someone and then you came along.
My mistake for taking your bait and engaging with you. I won’t let that happen again. Your not very bright; and aside from forcing other posters who were largely responsible for elevating the conversation to go elsewhere, you’re transparently mean-spirited way of communicating has seriously lowered the quality of debate at this blog, That’s a fine reward Prof. Turley receives for allowing you to remain. Rather embarrassing for him, I would think.
Just know, with every post you make, I’ll be thinking the most uncivil thoughts about you.
Nickie,
I am glad that you are still posting here. I know I will never exceed your position on this blog. Good going old man!
I am not defending the abuses by cops, but it’s an incredibly stressful job, one in which takes a toll on some cops. My brother has counseled troubled cops, as part of his job at the Milwaukee Police Department. Some of these cops of had attempted suicide, suffered from depression, anxiety, etc. Cops, like military in a war zone get PTSD, which often isn’t caught in time. My brother was instrumental in setting up counseling programs for troubled cops. The cops suffering from PTSD probably need to leave the field.
Some cannot become cops for various reasons, some of which some include a failure to pass the testing, with includes physical and psychological.
Cops expect an uptick in ER visits for people they arrest using cameras.