Huntsville police say public didn't help officer in need

[harry chickpea]

Tumf, you were acting on adrenaline and with an anger that made you a judge and jury. While it might have felt good to you to do what you did, the job of a citizen is to capture and hold, and the police to capture and transport to jail. The cop cut you a huge break. What you admitted to just now was pre-meditated assault, which is a major crime - whether the object is an Indian grandfather or a child molester caught in the act. The fact that you have no remorse says that you would be likely to do so again, which no rational system of law is going to condone.

As for the idea of "growing a set," I also grew a brain. Law or no law, I'm going to evaluate any situation on its own merits. If a LEO is in a scuffle, that is his job. If he yells for help and I see a way I can do so reasonably safely and within my capacity to help or he is in danger of being killed, I will. If he doesn't ask for help, I know that adrenaline makes cops do stupid things as well, and any attempt at aid could be interpreted as interference in his performance of duties.

[TUMF]

I agree with you 100% on the adrenaline - and compassion for the victim. There was no doubt that this thug had no connection with the victim - other than taking her money. It did feel good doing what I did... I won't argue that a bit.

The cop cut me a break - I agree to that too. It was a small town that I grew up in. He knew me - I knew him - my parents knew him - it was a close knit community, to say the least.

It wasn't pre-meditated assault - as I was only causing his head to hit the pavement when he attempted to get up. I don't have any remorse - he attempted to take that woman's weekly bank withdraw.... And I'll bet that there are some that would view what I did as a good thing and not charge me for protecting this woman's rights... I should add a poll to this thread... lol.

I too, have grown a brain. I was in my early 20's when this happened. Today, a lot more people are carrying concealed, myself included. I would only have to 'stop or I'll shoot' - maybe... lol

From what I heard, the LEO in this story DID ask for help - and got none. I agree with those that are disgusted with those that didn't render aid. I can't say what I'd do or not do - but I'd like to think that I'd do whatever I could - for whoever asked - whatever help I could provide.

[NoleFanHSV]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

As for the idea of "growing a set," I also grew a brain. Law or no law, I'm going to evaluate any situation on its own merits. If a LEO is in a scuffle, that is his job. If he yells for help and I see a way I can do so reasonably safely and within my capacity to help or he is in danger of being killed, I will. If he doesn't ask for help, I know that adrenaline makes cops do stupid things as well, and any attempt at aid could be interpreted as interference in his performance of duties.

Exactly.

[arleigh]

If one has no training ,then yes it is best to be the one video recording the event.
However ,if some one has training and stands aside the guilt afterword is relentless .
Even if you've done every thing you can , the question still haunts you ,( what could I have done better ?)
Having been in search and rescue, it is difficult to pass on a situation with out at least asking if assistance is needed.
I have the training and practice to deal with many situations working with the Sheriffs department .
I have even asked motorists to assist on a haul line raising rescue teams from very deep canyons .
I agree with the idea of being involved in a situation and when the better trained are there to take over then fade into the sunset stay anonymous and you've far safer in so many ways . keep your face and name out of the media or some report and your be much happier.

[bamauncle]

why would a police officer attempt to take down a suspect one on one and not call for backup .Was this a traffic hit and run or did he hit a pedestrian walking?Cop gets killed bad ,suspect gets killed bad,you try an help ,you get killed bad,you injure suspect you get sued.Sorry but cop should have been able to make better judgement and called for police back up.Did he know the neighbor hood he was entering before he put himself in harms way over a hit an run?Now days you have to be careful your self just watch the news and you will see what i mean.Glad the cop is o.k.but come on use better judgement.

[writerwife]

If I saw someone in trouble I don't think I could just stand by and taking video would be the last thing on my mind. Maybe it would help, maybe not, but I think my instinct would not be to stand by.
And Tumf... right or wrong, if I had been that woman and caught up with you pinning that guy, I'd have probably knocked his head once or twice myself. Last few yrs I've gotten an extremely low tolerance for thugs and idiots and lazy jerks that think they have a right to what someone else has earned.