Gay bias alleged in San Diego Bay shooting death

[BR_Parkway]

Source: AP


By MICHAEL R. BLOOD, Associated Press Writer 28 minutes ago

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - To police, Steven Hirschfield was violent and out of control when he clambered aboard a patrol boat sent to rescue him in the San Diego Bay during a gay pride party.
The 37-year-old bodybuilder, shirtless and wearing sneakers, seized an officer's stun gun and beat him in the face, they say, before he was fatally shot while reaching for the officer's weapon.

Their account has left his grieving family in disbelief. Family members suspect Hirschfield, whom they described as deeply artistic and loving, was a victim of homosexual bias and a police cover-up.

<snip>
"The manner in which this police officer handled this situation is consistent with somebody who might hold some preconceived notions against gay people," Claypool said.

<snip>

He wonders how a violent confrontation with police could have occurred, given that Hirschfield's body showed no bruising, only scratches consistent with climbing aboard the boat. Hirschfield would have been exhausted after falling 30 feet from the yacht and treading water for at least 20 minutes in the chilly harbor, Claypool said. Paramedics were delayed, he claimed, suggesting that police might have been concocting a story.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080726/ap_on_re_us/overboard_shooting

[Pavulon]

1. I guess police shoot gay people all the time...

so it sounds like he disarmed the officer once and then tried for his service weapon, which led to him being shot.

lets see what the tox comes back with.

[Ian David]

2. Hate Crimes are Domestic Terrorism. n/t