Pubdate: Thu, 29 Dec 1999
Source: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram (TX)
Copyright: 1999 Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact:  http://www.star-telegram.com/
Forum: http://www.star-telegram.com/comm/forums/
Author:  John M. Roberts

AVOIDABLE DEATH

It seems as though the North Richland Hills police wanted to have their own
little version of Mount Carmel. I guess their city is just too quiet, and
there are not enough opportunities to storm the houses of heinous criminals.

I am speaking of the Troy Davis shooting. I did not know Davis. Newspaper
accounts said there was some marijuana at the house where he lived with his
mother. Another drug, GHB, was found, but his mother said it was a sleep
aid. I certainly do not condone illegal drug usage or possession.

That said, does anyone else wonder why the police raided this house with 17
officers and broke the door down unannounced? Could the police not have
pulled up in a couple of high-profile, high-dollar, police SUVs with lights
flashing, knocked on the door and announced that the house was surrounded?

If the suspect then resisted and decided to shoot it out over his marijuana
plant, I am sure the police could have prevailed and the entire community
would have supported them.

All of this could have been avoided with a simple knock on the door and an
announcement that a warrant was to be served. I hope that officials in the
North Richland Hills Police Department have to answer for this.

John M. Roberts, North Richland Hills
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