Los Angeles chief concerned after police kill homeless man

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Los Angeles chief concerned after police kill homeless man
| May 6, 2015 | Updated: May 6, 2015 9:46pm

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said Wednesday he has yet to see evidence that would justify one of his officers fatally shooting an unarmed homeless man near Venice Beach.

Beck cautioned that his department's investigation was just underway but told reporters he was "very concerned" by the shooting that occurred Tuesday night as an officer struggled with the man on a block lined with bars and restaurants.

"Any time an unarmed person is shot by a Los Angeles police officer, it takes extraordinary circumstances to justify that, and I have not seen those extraordinary circumstances at this point," Beck said.

Department investigators have not interviewed the officer because he is on medication to treat a knee he hurt during the struggle, Beck said.

The union representing officers criticized the chief's remarks as premature and prejudicial.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Police-shoot-kill-man-during-altercation-near-6245650.php

[DFW]

1. I saw this earlier today

Are we supposed to be completely numb by now? The L.A. top cop gets flak already from the rank and file because he actually says out loud that cops shooting an unarmed black man might not be justified.

I think cops taking steroids is not justified. I think hiring cops with PTSD for positions where they carry firearms is not justified. Bravo for Beck for stating the obvious at a time when it is not PC to do so for a guy in his position. I'm sure the anonymous death threats from within his ranks will be difficult to ignore.

Republicans want to test welfare recipients for drugs. I think it would be far more useful to society to test all cops for steroid abuse.

[dhill926]

4. this...

"Republicans want to test welfare recipients for drugs. I think it would be far more useful to society to test all cops for steroid abuse."

[tk2kewl]

2. instead of being "concerned after" how 'buot we start being concerned before?

Nt

[d_legendary1]

6. Cuz our country is based on reaction rather than proaction

That's why medications like Vioxx get a pass until it starts to kill people. Same thing with the Army, the police, fraken foods, etc.

[Bakerboy17]

3. Bakerboy17

The officer can't be questioned because he is on medication for a hurt knee? Really?

[Judi Lynn]

5. Odd, isn't it? Maybe the medication is something hallucinogenic!

Welcome to D.U., Bakerboy17.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

7. Probably Vicodin

...recently reclassified as a Schedule II narcotic. Naughty little flatfoot...