What happened next is debatable. The officer claimed self-defense. He said Loury turned and pointed a pistol at him during the foot chase. Police did recover a semi-automatic weapon at the scene.
However, an unidentified witness told the Chicago Tribune that Loury was scaling the fence and in the air when shot. She said his pants were caught in the fence. Fearing police retaliation, she didn’t provide her name. If we are to believe this witness, the teenager was defenseless when shot. Unfortunately, police shootings have been occurring at an alarming rate. According to the Washington Times, police officers killed 990 people in 2015. They provided the following shooting statistics by race:
White 494
Black 258
Hispanic 172
Other 38
Unknown 28
Although several media sources focus on police officers killing blacks, you can draw your own conclusions based on the Washington Times. I have been pulled over for speeding, a broken taillight, a missing muffler and for driving through a stop sign. The reason I am alive to tell this story is that I follow a protocol with police officers. First, I am respectful when speaking to them. I also keep my hands on the steering wheel, and tell the officer that I am reaching for my wallet to get my license. I then tell him that I am removing my insurance card from the glove box. I don’t make any sudden moves.
The officer will then check my license and either give me a ticket or a warning. I know my protocol works because I have always managed to drive away without getting shot. Sometimes I get lucky and the officer only gives me a warning.
Although I don’t justify police officers shooting anyone, they will do so if provoked. While in the Army, I learned that you never point a gun at someone unless your intent is to kill that person. Police officers receive similar training. If you flee a police officer or become threatening, you have just increased your chances of becoming a statistic.
The key to staying alive is to cooperate with the officer. Even if you feel the officer has pulled you over erroneously, just remain calm. Besides, the officer has the gun. You can always protest a ticket in court if you feel victimized. But if you pull a gun, you will most likely find yourself in the morgue lying on a cold slab. Am I being overdramatic? No, I don’t think so.
Tension between police officers and citizens have boiled over into violence, death, fear, and trust issues. Most police officers are honorable people. They have families and serve because they want to keep society safe from crime. During a crisis, police officers will rush into a burning building while you run from it.
Marc is a grandparent and longtime resident of Clermont County. Visit his author page at http://www.lifewithgrandpa.com and blog at www.wisegrandpa.com.