York County Cop Shoots Seventy Year Old Man For Picking Up Walking Stick
BY Herschel Smith
10 years, 9 months ago
First of all, watch this video, and make sure to watch all of it, listening to the exchange between LEOs near the end. Then I’ll make several observations.
First of all, take note of the sentence crafted by the LEO who showed up after the incident: “You done what you had to do.” This is a sad commentary on the intelligence and educational level of these LEOs. This is a serious rather than a rhetorical question. Would you ever put these words together in a sentence in this order? “You done what you had to do.” If so, why? Why would a person choose to do something like that?
Second, take note that without even having seen the evidence and without knowing anything at all about the situation, the blue wall is closing in. It happens immediately. “You done what you had to do.” There is nothing more important than going home safely at the end of their shift.
This brings me to my third and most important point. When Daniel was in Iraq, he made a practice each morning of waking up and preparing himself to perish. He had to be okay with it or he couldn’t function. Thus, he was able to restrain himself with ROE, and that restraint came in the face of plenty of AK-47s in the population, as I’ve pointed out before.
Thus, whatever you think about the campaign in Iraq, what he did (i.e., restraint in the face of danger) can be called service. LEOs want what they do to be considered service as well, but in most cases it’s not. As it stands, they are no more than uniformed goons who run around frightened of everything that moves. The last thing I would have thought in this situation is “an old man is reaching for a long gun to shoot me.”
Finally, take note of the official (so far) reaction to this shooting.
The York County Sheriff’s Office released this statement to the media on Wednesday following Tuesday’s officer-involved shooting in Clover.
After an initial review of the car video from the incident, we can report that on February 25, 2014, at approximately 7:30 p.m., York County Sheriff’s Deputy Terrance Knox made a traffic stop on a vehicle with an expired license plate at Highway 321 and Motseller Street north of the town of Clover.
The driver of the vehicle, Bobby Dean Canipe, 70, of Lincolnton, North Carolina, exited his vehicle and reached in his truck bed, raised what Deputy Knox perceived to be a long barrel weapon. Deputy Knox was forced to make a split second, life or death decision and fired his weapon several times striking Canipe once. Canipe had grabbed a walking cane from the bed of his truck. Deputy Knox rendered aid to Mr. Canipe until EMS arrived.
At Sheriff’s Bryant’s request, The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the incident and will report their findings to the 16th Circuit Solicitor.
The situation is very unfortunate. It 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 …
Goons protecting goons. Did you expect any different? The blue wall closes in, and a 70 year old man was shot for picking up a walking stick.
On March 13, 2014 at 8:53 pm, dad29 said:
What….in Hell…….
The video is clear to me: even if the old man was pulling out a long gun, he was in no way preparing to USE it as a long gun. At the speed he was bringing it up, Deputy Shooter-Finger could have WALKED over there and batted it away.
On March 13, 2014 at 9:40 pm, Sgt73rdRegt said:
G’day Captain,
Could not believe my eyes watching this video!! A Police Constable who did that here in NSW would be suspended pending an investigation and would most likely be charged with a criminal offence, either way his career in the Police force would be over. What is happening to your great nation?
On March 14, 2014 at 8:41 am, III J said:
Sergeant – what is happening to our nation? God only knows.
On March 14, 2014 at 10:31 am, z--man said:
We’re going to the dogs, that’s what.
On March 14, 2014 at 3:43 pm, Maxwell said:
What’s happening to our nation? Here’s what is happening. We see events like this one and we are generally outraged. Then we flip the page and sip our coffee! I think it’s fair to say that every one of us would take a righteous stand against these types of failures but, standing disparate and alone doesn’t do squat and we all know it. If concerned citizens could find a way to communicate and assemble in mass (talking 1000’s here) to protest these types of events, it would make a difference and change would come. But, the leadership in these organizations don’t fear that happening because they know it’s nearly impossible. This goes for all despicable events that we see across this land. When enough people take a PHYSICAL stand, things will change. In the mean time we all have jobs and work to occupy our valuable time and presence and that’s what the politicians understand well. You can bet the politicians move when people mass outside their door. Witness Ukraine!
On March 25, 2014 at 8:06 am, Larry said:
Some how or another, LEO’s have earned a greater right to protect themselves that is far beyond the standard of equal force. If a citizen were to act as some LEO’s do in this country, they would be thrown under the jail.
Shoot first, figure out the lie later. They seem to feel elite and the attitude is there isn’t anything we can do about it.
It really ruins it for the real hard-working LEO’s out there that give a damn about what they do, and how they present to and interact with the public.
How far does a citizen get to go in protecting themselves from a rogue cop? Not very damn far. Think about that one.
On March 14, 2014 at 6:13 am, Duke_Digger said:
First off, contacting dispatch with correct location before exiting the vehicle, is extremely important.
Second, how the officer “feared” a walking stick, should have nothing to do with the encounter. In reverse, how a citizen would be handled in reversed roles, there would be no doubt.
Third, to all the LEOs, you swore an oath, if you are fear adverse, go sell used cars.
To those who say I don’t know what it’s like out there, I say “how can you know?”
On March 14, 2014 at 9:02 am, Paul B said:
I am always amazed by the cops who have never drawn their guns with 30+ years on the force.
If they want to be soldiers, they should follow the same ROI as what was in force in the sand box.
We have gone from waiting for the first shot to delivering the first shot.
I am definitely against the Only One mind set.
On March 14, 2014 at 11:39 am, 12bitphoto said:
Come on….how many people can effortlessly pull a shotgun out of a truck bed with one hand…much less a frail old man. There are apparently a lot more cowardly cops out there than I’d have thought given the fact that cops can’t even manage to encounter a dog without killing it, and unarmed letter carries and UPS drivers some how manage to go home at night without killing people’s dogs. I guess the mailman and the UPS guy are just more courageous than your average cop.
On March 14, 2014 at 3:47 pm, Food4Thought said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GMCfxezdfE
On March 14, 2014 at 3:51 pm, Cameraman said:
Typical Roided up Flatfoot..The Guy was Moving at a Snails Pace, and he unloaded on him, the Passenger was in Danger as Well, this Deputy needs to see his Retirement Slip..and never again be Hired as a LEO…What Fools they are!!!
On March 16, 2014 at 7:31 pm, DaveGinOly said:
That’s an interesting comment. For years, I’ve been telling friends that if they ever have an encounter with an aggressive cop, demand that cop be tested for steroids.
On March 14, 2014 at 4:13 pm, Shawn McEwen said:
So I hear a lot about fear in the comments posted so far. I haven’t read them all, but many of them. One thing I have not heard in them is the source of that fear. These guys are wound so friggin tight if you poked them in the ribs with your finger, they would explode! Why is this? Because they’re trained that way. They are trained to believe that death can come at any time, in any form, by their superior officers, and worse yet THEY DO BELIEVE THIS. I watched this video once. So let me see if I get the gist of the situation here.
A man opens the door of his truck… slowly, and with much apparent effort.
The man walks forward, apparently a little unsteadily, Not to mention slowly, and reaches over the side of the truck bed.
The spot light wavers for a few moments.
He withdraws his hand which is holding a long object.
The officer starts yelling.
The man sweeps the object in a wide STEADY arc.
The officer continues shouting and begins firing… blah, blah, blah.
Yep, not too bad. I missed a couple of small things, but got most of it the first time. My point here is that if this officer missed the MAJOR details of the speed with which the man acted, the fact that not once but TWICE failed to completely open the door (requiring further effort to do so), and the unsteadiness of the man’s gait, HE IS NOT A VERY ATTENTIVE OFFICER!!!!
In what world is any of this perceived as a threat?? The body language is all wrong! People can lie very well sometimes, but almost always have trouble concealing a lie with their actions, meaning if the man was up to no good, his actions would have betrayed that fact.
You superior officers out there that believe in teaching the most extreme combat tactics to every single cop in this nation, I LAY THIS AT YOUR FEET!! Do you really think it’s wise to wind these guys up in this manner and then set them loose on humanity? Oh I can hear the response already: It’s a dangerous world out there!!! There are threats EVERYWHERE!!! IT’S US AGAINST THEM!!!!!
CHANGE YOUR DIAPERS AND CALM THE $%#@ DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you EVER considered that the reason it’s you against us is because you chose to behave like it is?? Have you considered that the reason threats exist everywhere is a matter of perception?? I’m not saying threats don’t exist, I’M SAYING THEY DON’T EXIST EVERYWHERE! WTF???
If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen… don’t burn the friggin house down! Clear?
Rant complete.
Now a few suggestions: calm down. How about in this instance getting on the mic and advising the man to stay in his vehicle, or get back in his vehicle? Do you superior officers think you can teach THAT tactic? Get rid of the “it’s us against them attitude.” We are your bosses! We are not your enemy! Have you ever noticed that when someone tells you to do something you hesitate? You ask yourself “who is this guy to tell ME what to do?” even if it’s just for a moment. Now, ever notice when someone ASKS you to do something, you stop focusing on the “who” and begin to focus on the “what”? It’s simple psychology folks. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. YOU can steer the reaction by choosing how to ACT. Now let ME ask YOU a question. If you LEOs continue the escalation of “readiness” manifested in the form of ever more swift and violent force against what you perceive to be, at the very least your potential enemy, if not your demure subject, do you think it will end well? Think on that very long and hard.
On March 14, 2014 at 5:21 pm, Carl Stevenson said:
You’re right about the “us vs them” attitude. They see us as “the enemy” and see threats everywhere.
Police fatalities are at record lows. Murder and all violent crime are at the lowest point in decades and still dropping (due to more honest citizens buying guns and practicing concealed carry).
The police have become a bigger threat to our safety than criminals and terrorists.
This has got to stop. These cops need to be fired, prosecuted, and jailed.
THEIR guns and their thuggish behavior are the threat to US.
On March 14, 2014 at 5:14 pm, Carl Stevenson said:
Then there’s the fact that more Americans have been killed by the police than in the wars in the Middle East during the same time interval … And the rate of police killing citizens is increasing rapidly as police forces become more militarized.
Police training isn’t nearly what it’s cracked up to be (I know – I was a sworn police officer).
Don’t drink the “only government should have guns” kool-aid … Law abiding people who legally carry guns are extraordinarily responsible, careful, and competent. Defensive use of guns against criminals saves at least 65 times more lives each year than criminal misuse of guns takes.
Then, there are the government crimes. VERY bad, evil, murderous things have ALWAYS happened when only the government and it’s agents had guns (other weapons like swords in past times).
262 MILLION people were murdered BY THEIR OWN GOVERNMENTS in the 20th century – AFTER they allowed those governments to disarm them. See: http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/20TH.HTM
They ALL thought “It can’t happen here” – until they were disarmed and it started, then it was too late. Don’t make the same mistake. Don’t EVER let your government disarm you.
I saw a movie once where only the military and police had guns … What was the name? “SCHINDLER’S LIST”
On March 14, 2014 at 5:42 pm, Shawn McEwen said:
One more thing I forgot to add to my original statement: You peace officers who personify reason, responsibility, honor, strength, and a willingness to obey that which you enforce, thank you for doing so! Please pass these qualities on to your fellow officers and superiors, under threat of missing teeth if need be. Professionalism must rule the day, not barbarism.
Thank you for your time.
On March 14, 2014 at 9:42 pm, III J said:
What with the airman being gut shot by a cop in alabama today – only seconds after the cop arrived, and with the airman making no menacing moves but only talking with another motorist with whom he had had an accident – and the 70 year old man shot dead, think of this: if a cop approaches your vehicle, will you feel that your life is in danger? Will you wait to see if the cop will shoot you in cold blood? Or will you act to preserve your own life? Unintended consequences are far reaching. Will a citizen now have to be prepared for an unprovoked, armed attack any time that a cop pulls him over? Many possible scenarios unfold; none are pleasant to consider.
On March 16, 2014 at 7:28 pm, DaveGinOly said:
Having an articulable perception of a deadly threat works both ways. Unfortunately, our perception will be reviewed by our peers, who may have an under-developed sense of justice, while the cops’ will be reviewed by other cops.
On March 15, 2014 at 9:01 am, RE Hafner said:
This is what happens when you have low intelligence affirmative actions trigger happy buffoons carrying a badge and armed. No way in hell could any intelligent individual mistake a walking stick for a firearm.
On March 15, 2014 at 9:52 am, SamAdams1776 said:
I have known a few cops and most of them share this piece of nonsense: “The most important thing is that I go home at the end of the shift.” NO, NO, NO!!! The most important thing is that any wholly innocent person with whom you interact goes home alive to his or her family at the end of your shift.
You don’t out of fear, get to kill a 13-year-old boy playing with an airsoft rifle, because he did the most natural thing in the world when he hears a voice from behind tell him to drop his weapon, and turn around. While it might be possible he has a real weapon, it is far more likely it is a toy–take care, but live with rules of engagement: KNOW if there is a threat. It is better that YOU die, than some innocent kid. If taking that risk puts you that much on edge, you’re in the wrong business
I have served in the sandbox, so I know about risk. You are supposed to be the sacrificial lamb. Survive if you can, but NEVER at the expense of an innocent. Any attitude other than that is pure evil by you and by your administrators.
SamAdams1776 III – Oathkeeper
Molon Labe
Qui tacet consentit
Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges
Idque apud imperitos humanitas vocabatur, cum pars servitutis esset
On March 16, 2014 at 7:26 pm, DaveGinOly said:
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
On March 16, 2014 at 8:02 pm, SamAdams1776 said:
We must. The gatekeepers are entirely untrustworthy.
On March 15, 2014 at 10:30 am, revjen45 said:
What’s the big deal? It was just a Mundane, the killer robot was uninjured, the “investigation” (i.e. pulling out the relevant boilerplate form) will be conducted by the cop’s tribe, and voila! – no harm no foul. By definition it is always justified. Remember Peons that your life is in danger whenever you are dealing with Leviathan’s Armed Occupiers and behave accordingly.
On March 15, 2014 at 11:33 am, John DeMarco said:
Of course it was appropriate he’s one of the only ones. If me joe shmoe accidentally had a lapse in judgment I would be behind bars awaiting sentencing
On March 15, 2014 at 4:15 pm, Liberty Seeker said:
I’m not going to attempt to justify what this officer did in any way. If a private citizen reacted in the same way to this level of “threat”, he or she would probably have been indicted by now. However, it is standard protocol for motorists to “keep their hands on the steering wheel in plain sight”, and to not reach for anything unless asked to in a traffic stop situation. Everyone is safer if this is followed.
On March 16, 2014 at 3:37 pm, Tumbleweed said:
If a citizen had done what officer Knox had done the citizen would be in jail on attempted murder charges! If the cop was able to tell that the victims tags were expired from a distance, why wasn’t he able to tell it was a cane? The license tag was much smaller! In the final solution this will all just go away…
On March 16, 2014 at 7:34 pm, DaveGinOly said:
During the search for cop-killer Christopher Dorner, the police, in two separate incidents, ambushed and fired upon innocent civilians who were doing nothing but operating/riding in vehicles that bore only slight resemblance to the suspect’s vehicle.
In both of these incidents, the officers intended to kill the occupants of these vehicles (rule of safe gun-handling – never point a weapon at anything you do not wish to destroy), because it is obvious they intended to kill suspect Dorner and believed they were shooting at him. But because they actually opened fire upon innocent citizens, there is simply no reason to believe their lives, or the lives of others, were in danger or that the occupants of the vehicles presented any perceived threat. (The officer who opened fire on David Perdue claimed that he “perceived” him as a “threat” because he was in the general area of where LAPD had opened fire on the other citizens. Note that he did not specify anything Mr. Perdue did himself to make him seem threatening to the police. In fact, Mr. Perdue had just been stopped by police and was driving away when a police vehicle rammed his pickup and the officer in that vehicle opened fire on him. In the earlier incident, police opened fire on two women who were delivering newspapers. Their vehicle windows were open and they heard no commands to stop or any other warnings. The police did not take the time to observe their actions – throwing newspapers into driveways and onto front lawns. Had they done so, it would have been obvious that they were not dealing with Dorner. These women were doing nothing that presented a threat to the officers.)
These were acts of attempted murder. Even if a vehicle is occupied by a dangerous suspect, police cannot ambush and open fire on a suspect’s vehicle unless the suspect is presenting an immediate threat to them or others. To do so and be successful is unjustifiable homicide. Yet these officers were not charged by prosecutors, nor were the facts of these incidents referred to grand juries. Why not? Because these days officers often kill (or attempt to kill) in questionable circumstances and seem to have little to fear from prosecutors, grand juries or their superiors. (Even if there are circumstances in which police may legitimately fire at an occupied vehicle when its occupants don’t present an immediate threat, those circumstances did not exist in either of these incidents.)
Had the officers in either incident actually fired upon and killed Dorner, doubtless they would have devised a story to make it seem that they had fired in self-defense. But because these officers fired upon innocent citizens, such stories were not possible and would not be credible because the victims survived. The facts of these incidents are not in doubt – multiple officers opened fire without warning on three unarmed, innocent citizens, with the intent to kill them (believing they were someone else – I am not saying the officers were knowingly attempting to kill innocent civilians, but his does not excuse their actions). Why have these officers not been tried for attempted murder? If any citizen was involved in a similar shooting, his or her explanation of the events would not be accepted without the examination provided by judicial process.
In Watertown, Massachusetts, we saw the Constitution thrown out the window, as militarized police officers made, at gunpoint, countless warrantless searches of homes and private property. At least one officer was photographed pointing a loaded weapon at an onlooker. It seems when terrorists and cop-killers are on the loose, it has become SOP to ignore procedure and the Bill of Rights, and to use as much force, intimidation, and intrusiveness as is required to find the suspect(s).
Is this what we want here, a police state – a state that exists for its own purpose and to serve its own needs, with no rules to govern it – a state that “keeps us safe” through intimidation, the wanton use of force, and by threatening the lives and rights of criminals, suspects, and common citizens alike?
On March 16, 2014 at 8:08 pm, SamAdams1776 said:
I am afraid that such as the Massachusetts cops will need to be arrested and tried for treason or if they resist killed when the days come where the people take control of the government s back by force because the refuse to relinquish it. We will have need of the oathkeepers, few of which are in Massachusetts.
Our servants are insisting on being our masters. This is intolerable.
SamAdams1776 III