Riviera Beach Police Sergeant Sentenced to Probation For Drunken Shooting

[iscooterliberally]

Source: The Palm Beach Post News

WEST PALM BEACH — WEST PALM BEACH – A Rivera Beach police sergeant was sentenced to a year of probation this morning for an October 2009 incident where he got drunk and fired more than a dozen shots from his service revolver while off-duty.

Michael Dodson pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of using a firearm while intoxicated and disorderly intoxication as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. Circuit Judge Richard Oftedal sentenced Dodson to six months' probation on each charge for a total of a year on supervision.


Read more: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime/riviera-beach-police-sergeant-sentenced-to-probation-for-1960823.html

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I wonder what the outcome would have been if he had just done some bong hits instead? Hmmm....

[TheWraith]

1. You shouldn't be handling weapons while under the influence, no matter what.

But what's really damning though, is this line: "fired more than a dozen shots from his service revolver"

While some revolvers hold up to 10 shots, the types and calibers issued for police typically carry either five or six. That means that not only did he go stupid enough to fire his gun, he had to reload it AT LEAST TWICE. That really sort of undercuts the idea that it was just a silly, drunken spur of the moment thing.

[iscooterliberally]

2. I totally agree. This guy really needs help.

He probably should not even be a police officer at all either. This is way worse than just being drunk. I wouldn't be surprised if the guy really thought he was under attack. Alcohol and firearms are a very bad combination.