Another "Should have had a Byrna" moment

 This has been getting worse and worse and now that we have acknowledged that Mental Health has become a major issue in our society, we need to change the way that these situations are handled. Make no mistake, if an assailant has a gun and is threatening your life, it says in the bible "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". Most situations do not require lethal force and that needs to stop being the primary reaction for officers.

Too many people, average citizens who otherwise would never harm a soul, are being executed because of a mental issue that they may not understand yet and need "help". Instead, it is lethal force, that is used so who cares about them.

When you are someone who deals with Mental Health Issues, I am increadibly disturbed but the uptick in deaths related to Mental Ilnesses. 

It is time for the Lethal force to become seconday to the less lethal options ...

California deputies fatally shoot 15-year-old who charged at them

Deputies shot and killed a 15-year-old boy after they say the teen raised the bladed end of a long garden tool and charged law enforcement in San Bernardino County earlier this weekend, authorities announced.  

The incident unfolded Mar. 9 shortly before 5 p.m. when deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance in the 13400 block of Iroquois Road in Apple Valley, according to a department news release.  

Authorities say the caller reported the teen, later identified as Apple Valley resident Ryan Gainer, was assaulting family members and damaging property at the home.  

The first arriving deputy was reportedly confronted by the 15-year-old who was armed with a 5-foot-long garden tool that had a “sharp bladed end.”  

Body-worn camera shows an incident that led to the shooting death of a 15-year-old Apple Valley boy. (SBSD)

“Without provocation, Gainer raised the bladed end of the tool and ran toward the deputy,” the release stated. “The deputy retreated, and Gainer chased the deputy in an attempt to assault him with the bladed end of the tool.”  

That’s when authorities say deputies shot the teen.  

Deputies rendered medical aid to Gainer until paramedics arrived. The 15-year-old was rushed to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.  

UPDATE: Teen shot, killed by deputies suffered from autism, family says

Detectives with the sheriff’s specialized investigations division have assumed the investigation into the use of lethal force.  

No other injuries to citizens or officers were reported.  

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Shawn Thurman or Sgt. Justin Giles at SBSD’s Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Those wishing to remain anonymous can use the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME or leave tips online at WeTip.  

Another "Should have had a Byrna" moment

Obviously this man was suffering from a mental health condition and needed help. Instead of helping him as they should ... they shot and killed him instead.

First, he is trying to dodge cars, been there done that, it is a cry for help to stop the mental pain he is suffering; if you don't get it, you are not alone, but there are plenty of us who completely understand and/or have been in those shoes.

Second, he is scared and doesn't know what to do or how to calm the impules in his brain that are surging causing the mental pain.

Third, he grabs a weapon, not necessarily to harm police but to give himself space. He needed help but it was a classic case of "Suicide by cop" and this happens all too often. 

We were not there but I can't help but think that there was another way to handle the situation than to resort to lethal force. There is way too much Mental Health issues in our society today and Suicide by Cop is not a solution, or any decent humane way to deal with Mental Health.

  Man shot, killed by police inside Southern California Home Depot store

Police in Fontana shot and killed a man Monday night inside a Home Depot store, authorities confirmed to KTLA.  

At around 6:20 p.m., officers with the Fontana Police Department responded to reports of a man running in the roadway on Santa Ana Avenue, near Sierra Avenue, who was trying to get hit by cars, police said.  

When officers arrived at the scene, the suspect ran into the nearby Home Depot where police say he armed himself with an “edged weapon” and officers opened fire.  

Fontana PD on the scene of a deadly police shooting on Feb. 26, 2024. (Inland News)

It is unclear if the store was evacuated before police fired on the man or if employees and customers were forced to run for cover during the incident.  

Video of the scene showed a heavy police presence outside of the home improvement store while authorities were investigating.  

Independence Day Safety

 As we are all getting into the spirit of Independence Day, we need to consider safety in all dumb things that we do. It is fun to have your own fireworks show but there are reasons why they are illigal in most places. 

Please keep our Veterans, pets and little ones at the forefront of your mind and don't set off fireworks in neighborhoods.

Thank you for your time and consideration ...