Holy smokes - shot and returned fire

[SilentStalkr]

This still available?

 

[SilentStalkr]

I've watched this thread for the last two days and struggled on whether to respond or not. Obviously by my response you see my decision.
I have been in law forcement for 18 years, a good chunk of that as an instructor in physical tactics and S.T.O.P.S. (Strategies & Tactics of Patrol Stops)
I can tell you first-hand from watching hundreds if not thousands of hours of videos of traffic stops gone wrong that there is absolutely no perfectly safe way to approach a vehicle. I would be more than happy for any of you naysayers to come to one of my, or any, stops classes where it will most assuredly change your mind and your views that there is a "best / safe way" or anyway you can approach a vehicle and not be immediately at a disadvantage. No matter where you choose to stand or approach the vehicle, spot light, no spotlight, right side left side or any of the other ridiculous things people believe will sheild or save them when things go sideways. True there is no substitute for proper training and experience, that training will hopefully save ones life.
(I feel people's pseudo expertise in this comes from watching too much cop tv, or dreaming they are an operator) But hey let's defund our agencies, let's slash training budgets all because "someone knows better" that has never worked a day of their life in LE and scenes like this will sadly become common place. (sorry that's another rant for another time lol)
Yes there are many tactics and techniques that help even out the odds, but the officer will never have the better odds in situation like a traffic stop. I assure you that any mope or individual that is hell bent to shoot or try to shoot you will do so (yes even hugging the car at the rear of the vehicle). I also have to say aside from being completely unsafe and putting yourself in an indefensible position leaning into a car, there are many ways a driver or passenger can conceal a gun from an officers view. I and other instructors have proven all of this to people with way more experience and knowledge on the job. As far as being military and being able to do this they are two different worlds entirely. I can say this with conviction and knowledge of the fact as I've lived both sides as an Operator and LEO.
To have the gall to second-guess/armchair quarterback any officer that puts on a uniform daily and risks his life to assist an individual is, at least for me, beyond comprehension. An individual watching a video gets minutes/hours/ Days to look at it and second guess a person's actions. When in reality the officer had mere fractions of a second to make his decision and react.
No matter how badass you think you are, I assure you you're not. No matter who you are, outside of the movies or fantasy land (yes even Chuck Norris lol), action beats reaction every time, this has been proven not only in theory but in practice and real life among thousands of cases. I can appreciate everyone's viewpoint but to second guess or act as if you would do a better job in the same circumstance is ludicrous. Is it possible you could have done better, yes, it's also even more likely that you would not walk away from it at all. I have lost many close friends from stops where they did nothing wrong. Can this video, as well as hundreds of others like it be a training aid, yes, can it help the officer / officers see any hesitations or mistakes he's made yes. It's sad to say that in today's world an officer has to worry that even in a completely justified shooting he will face the fear of possibly loosing his job, his house, his well being and possibly his freedom just for doing his job. Now you put that stress on yourself, have that hanging in the back of your mind while doing your job and tell me it may not effect you (That plumber doesn't live with the knowledge that something he may do will be broadcast on a world stage for all to see and cast judgment).
Again for any that feel the they are Superman / super cop or Soldier themselves please feel free to attend any of my training courses or any true LEO stops class. You will come away humble, educated and hopefully with a bit more knowledge of reality. There is also always the possibility that I learn something from you as well and I'm a big and humble enough man to admit that and welcome the opportunity to learn.
Remember I don't come down to McDonald's and tell you how to flip a hamburger w/o first having at least a decent first hand knowledge of what I'm talking about.
For the record anyone calling the officer any name for what you "feel" he did wrong is way out of line. Luckily people like him, and others that serve our country / community do so so you can have the freedom to have your opinions. No matter how skewed they may be you still have the right to voice them and be heard, even a troll looking for reactions as it's the only form of attention they get, and for that I am proud.

Well stated! And as I’ve said many times, I don’t give a shit who you are, it’s hard to combat a freaking ambush like this, period!! Glad the dude walked away. He will be better prepared for next time should this ever happen, which I hope it does not!

 

[hermosabeach]

Another story on the shooting

snip
WEBSTER GROVES — A few dozen times a year patrol officers in Webster Groves assist stranded motorists on Interstate 44, and a car that had come to a stop in the far-left passing lane of the interstate in May seemed no different.

Police Officer Brendan McGahan pulled his cruiser behind the white sedan that had stopped near Elm Avenue. McGahan walked along the left shoulder of the highway, shining his flashlight on the car as he strode closer, then motioned for the driver to roll down his window.

 

[hermosabeach]

McGahan, 36, was shot six times that night but is back at work, celebrating his eighth year as a Webster Groves officer, police Chief Dale Curtis said. McGahan was awarded a purple heart from the department for his actions that night. After watching the video, Curtis said, it’s hard to believe his officer survived the attack.

Webster Groves police video provides harrowing account of I-44 shooting

What appeared to be a routine call to assist a motorist turned into a point-blank gun battle that left an officer wounded and his assailant dead.

www.stltoday.com

 

[hermosabeach]

STL Mugshots | Qavon Jabari Webb

Mugshot for Qavon Jabari Webb on www.stlmugshots.com

www.stlmugshots.com

Shooter had active warrants

Man who shot Webster Groves officer had warrant from Bel-Ridge

Qavon Webb had a municipal warrant for his arrest when he opened fire on the officer

www.ksdk.com

 

[Blue Sky Country]

In NJ your not allowed to use anything but fmj. It’s kinda stupid you can own Jhp but not cannot use them to defend yourself. This is a prime example of why.

Yep. NYC is actually mild compared to NJ... Even a nonfunctional flintlock pistol ornament is considered a "firearm" in NJ...