Killed by Cops Over a Movie Ticket: How Police Hurt the Disabled

[xchrom]

http://www.alternet.org/killed-cops-over-movie-ticket-how-police-hurt-disabled



On Jan. 12, Robert “Ethan” Saylor of Frederick County, Md., a 26-year-old man with Down syndrome and an IQ of 40, died of asphyxiation after a confrontation with three off-duty police officers. He was being restrained for attempting to see “Zero Dark Thirty” for a second time without a ticket. According to witnesses, Saylor’s last words included “it hurt” and “call my mom.”

Saylor’s ashes now sit in the family’s living room while the three officers continue their usual shifts. No charges have been filed.

Saylor’s death stands out as especially tragic, not only because he loved police officers. Despite testimony from Saylor’s aide that she told the officers to “be patient” and let her “handle it,” a local grand jury decided not to file criminal charges. In late July, the federal government finally took note and opened an investigation into whether police violated Saylor’s civil rights.

This slow-moving process reveals something disturbing: Our law enforcement system often fails to protect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and, in some cases, is complicit in their abuse.

[redgreenandblue]

1. In a way this reminds me of the Trayvon Martin case.

It is pretty clear that in America, some people are simply not "worth" filing charges over...

[Blue_Tires]

24. Hopefully the "Trayvon-got-what-was-coming" contingent here

Will see this story and recognize their own hypocrisy when it comes to injustice...

[DireStrike]

2. ACAB

[FailureToCommunicate]

3. Let's hope justice finds those three officers of the 'peace'

Off duty...and out of control.

[WCLinolVir]

4. Reminds me of how mentally compromised people can be treated when they

are being treated in the emergency dept. Just gross. They took him and put him face down and fractured his throat cartilage causing asphyxiation. People with Down Syndrome often have multiple medical issues. Without knowing his medical history, without understanding the risks.

[Half-Century Man]

14. Could someone explain to me why a wheelchair bound person

has to be restrained beyond the wheelchair? Stick a broom handle through the spokes and step back.

[WCLinolVir]

19. Really. Stoopid did it. These people are unfit to serve the public.

They were off duty to boot, so they did not have any resources other than a pair of handcuffs?? I don't care if it was ignorance or flagrant abuse, these people need to be charged.

[KG]

5. yay, cops!

[TransitJohn]

6. Yay, cops!

This is the kind of shit that they do that is infuriating. They get to walk when instead, they should be subject to a higher standard.

[WillyT]

7. Saylor’s last words included “it hurt” and “call my mom.”

[xchrom]

8. 'call my mom' just about killed me. nt

[WillyT]

11. Me Too...

[Beaverhausen]

9. The aide should not have left him alone

Not excusing the cops but for her not to be with him at all times is unacceptable.

[gollygee]

10. The Washington Post article said she was getting the car

I've never been a caretaker to a disabled person, but that seems reasonable to me.

[marble falls]

12. Me, too. Everything was being managed until the police showed up.

[Beaverhausen]

15. Why not take him with her to get the car?

If she had none of this would have happened.

[gollygee]

17. It said that he was in a wheelchair

Maybe she wasn't parked in a disabled spot for some reason. Like I said, I haven't been a caretaker for a disabled person but I can imagine situations where you'd have to get a car from an inaccessible spot and move it to an accessible spot.

[Beaverhausen]

18. My husband is one. You don't leave your patient

Disabled spot or not. If he was in a wheelchair still no reason to leave him behind.

[WCLinolVir]

20. The cops took over and probably pushed the aide to the side.

Last edited Thu Oct 10, 2013, 03:23 PM - Edit history (1)

I don't think an aide would allow cops to take someone and put him face down. I'd say they were taken out of the decision making process.

[Beaverhausen]

21. He went back into the theatre when the aide went for the car

I don't think he was in a wheelchair. There was an article posted when this first happened that had more details.

[WCLinolVir]

23. My bad. I thought I read he was in a wheelchair.

[marmar]

13. k/r

[Dustlawyer]

16. My 3 year old grandson has Down Syndrome. I have learned a lot since he was born.

They are of a universally sweet disposition, friends to everyone! This is a tragedy and a total disgrace. I have worked with police officers and done many pro bono hours defending them from false charges (if I doubt them I don't take the case). While they are trained to take people down hard and fast so they avoid injury or death, they are also supposed to evaluate situations and use discretion. Down's syndrome is instantly recognizable and the guy was in a wheelchair, WTF!!!
Many of my cop friends acknowledge a high percentage enter law enforcement for the power trip. They need to start policing their own better b/c this is getting out of hand. They have a very difficult profession, but if you cannot handle the heat, get out of the kitchen!
As an aside, my daughter founded our local Downs Syndrome group and last year had their 1st "Buddy Walk." They had 2,000 people show up! This year it is on October 26th in Beaumont, Texas. If you wish to donate you can go to www.arcofbmt.org. It has been the most wonderful, eye opening experience of my life to be involved with these families and these beautiful people with DS! I am going to hit up all my cop buddies as well!

[Rex]

22. Cops kill people. It seems that is their job now.

To completely fuck up a situation and make sure to kill whoever it is that becomes their target. Doesn't seem to matter what year or who it is, they just can fuck up and get away with murder.


Obviously not all cops, but some need to learn how to be human beings.