Houston Police Officer shoots, kills naked man who chased him

[Catherine Vincent]

HPD officer shoots, kills naked man who chased him
Account by police disputed by family members, community activist

By ROSANNA RUIZ
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

A Houston police officer used his Taser on, then fatally shot a combative, naked 29-year-old man Thursday afternoon in northwest Houston, police said. The man, identified by relatives as Raymond Smith Jr., stopped his pickup next to the officer's cruiser in a median in the 6000 block of T.C. Jester near DeSoto. The officer, who police would not identify, had just ticketed another motorist.

Activist Quanell X said he had talked to an eyewitness whose account of the incident differed from that of police. According to Houston Police Department spokeswoman Johanna Abad, Smith shouted at the officer and began to take off his clothes. The officer told Smith to get back into his truck and leave. The officer called for backup about 1 p.m. before getting out of his car and trying to subdue the man. The officer's Taser had no effect on Smith, Abad said. Smith then ran into a nearby wooded area.

"The male is undressed completely, turns around and starts chasing the officer," Abad said. "The officer at this time begins retreating and as he is running backward, as he is retreating and seeing the guy come at him, he discharges his weapon."

Abad said she did not know how many times Smith was shot or where he was wounded. She also said she did not know if he was armed. "The suspect gets up after being shot," Abad said, "and goes into the patrol car attempting to leave ... The officer receives backup and is being assisted in getting the suspect out of his car and in custody." Two other Houston police officers and a deputy constable had arrived on the scene, Abad explained. "The suspect gets up and runs into the woods and this is where he expires."

Hans Marticiuc, president of the Houston Police Officers Union, said Smith was shot twice, but continued to struggle with officers and was Tasered again. Marticiuc also declined to identify the police officer.

more....http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5225566.html

[babylonsister]

1. OT, but I thought of you when I saw this:

:cry: :evilgrin:


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3034732

[Catherine Vincent]

3. Yeah, I found out about it yesterday.

I am happy for him. She sounds like a winner!

[Xenotime]

2. police shooting naked people....sounds like the nazis

[Catherine Vincent]

4. This was a strange story.

I feel bad for the naked deceased guy though. He had to have some mental issues.

[Gold Metal Flake]

5. He was scared.

That's a guess, but that's what it sounds like. He got scared of the naked guy and panicked. Unfortunately, he had a gun and there you are.

Perhaps more martial arts training would have been of help here. Or less fear of "naked man cooties".

[Warpy]

7. Or even a healthcare system that provides adequate mental health

care?

While it's true that some crazy people will avoid care at all costs, maybe this guy was just shut out of a hostile system.

I feel so very sorry for his family.

I also feel a bit sorry for the cop. Confronted by a man who wasn't afraid of getting hurt IS a panic situation.

[renie408]

9. LOL on the comments and Ewww on the picture. n/t

[Gold Metal Flake]

10. And a big "right-on" for your sig quote.

:toast:











.

[hedgehog]

6. I 'm replying just to say I can't form an opinion of this yet.

Right now we have a he said she said situation.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

8. armed with a third leg. and hairy balls.