Here's the story. On the news yesterday, a guy drove off without paying for gas he put into his car. The police was called and there was a chase (police & guy). The guy jumped out of the car and ran and the police officer ran behind him (foot chase). The police office collapsed and died from a heart attack. According to the news, they are thinking about charging the guy with the death of the policeman. I am sorry this has happened to the police office, and the guy was wrong for driving off without paying for the gas, but do you think this guy should be charged for the officer's death?
2007-01-12 01:34:18 · 24 answers · asked by stergre1975 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Someone asked for the link to this story. Click link below.
http://www.newsobserver.com/158/story/531302.html
2007-01-12 02:02:51 · update #1
I forgot to add, though the article does not say the guy will be charged, the news stated today that they are looking into charging the guy for the officer's death. If I find the article that states that I will post. All of this occured yesterday.
2007-01-12 02:06:52 · update #2
he was wrong for pump and go, and the chase was in the vehicle, and when he stopped he gave him self up, the cop had a heart attack and died, the shouldnot be charged with murder, the cop was already having a heart attack, and it sounds like a massive heart attact, but he should be charged with pump and go, and high speed chase, and thats it
2007-01-12 02:54:51 · answer #1 · answered by susan s 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
From a police officers point of view....I wouldn't blame either party!. The story you provide leaves a lot of details out such as the age of the officer. As we get older, our body parts tend to get worse with age, no matter how you exercise. The suspect broke the law by stealing gas and therefore he should pay for THAT crime. Did he have "intent" to cause the death of the officer...I don't think so, therefore, it would be, in my opinion, a difficult charge to convict in a "criminal" case. Now comes the civil side. The civil law is a bit different from the criminal law. If the officer can show that the suspects actions caused him "harm" he could just win that case!
2007-01-12 02:18:07 · answer #2 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Could you send a news article link for this story, I would like to read it?
At this point I would have to say yes the person needs to be charged with something. The person committed a crime and choose to run from the police. The officer in the course of his duty was trying to stop him, so the defendant should be held responsible. Good question.
I am posting the article, thanks it added some detail like it was a foot chase (which you did say) and that the officer was in good health. These were two points people brought up in there answers.
The Associated Press
HOPE MILLS, N.C. - A Hope Mills police sergeant collapsed and died Thursday after chasing a man suspected of stealing gas, authorities said.
Sgt. James P. Hardin collapsed after following the suspect into a heavily wooded area along U.S. 301. Police believe Hardin suffered a heart attack, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Debbie Tanna said.
Two men suspected of stealing gas from a Wal-Mart fled on foot after being approached by officers, police said. One of the suspects was caught immediately as Hardin chased the second man, 23-year-old Ricky Allen Wilson Jr. The name of the other suspect has not been released.
The officers searched for Wilson for about 45 minutes, traveling more than two miles into the woods. When officers regrouped, Hardin collapsed, Hope Mills police Capt. John Smith said.
"I just knew to try to clear his airway," Smith said. "We had to begin CPR. We worked CPR until the medics got there."
Hardin was pronounced dead at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Police Chief John Hodges said Hardin was in excellent shape and had passed a physical exam more than a month ago.
Police later caught Wilson, who faces several charges including fleeing to elude arrest, reckless driving and driving with a revoked license.
Hardin, who had been promoted from corporal to sergeant in July, had been with the Hope Mills Police Department since 1997. He is survived by his wife, Shelly, and two children.
Information from: The Fayetteville Observer, http://www.fayettevillenc.com
2007-01-12 01:52:29 · answer #3 · answered by The Cleaner 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is not fair to charge the guy for the death of the police officer. he did commit a felony by running off without paying for the gas and trying to escape from the police but it is not his fault if this police officer suddenly drops dead. besides, the police dept should see to it that their police officers are in good health condition because their job involves risky and dangerous activities. what if it happens the other way around, the guy drops dead from heart attack because the police officer was chasing him. Can we then charge the police for the death of this guy?
2007-01-12 01:50:34 · answer #4 · answered by j6shawie26 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
better stop calling the police. what would happen if you where in harm and you call for help and you lived on the 5th floor of a apartment building and the cop died of a heart attack climming the stairs. Does that mean you would be resposable for his death and would they charge you for it?? Not saying stealing gas or running from the cops is right. but what is safe anymore. I feel sorry for the family of the officer.
2007-01-12 01:41:42 · answer #5 · answered by Matt H 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps if the death was caused by something other than a heart attack, eg: He got hit by a car while chasing the perpetrator, etc. But a heart attack was a medical condition which could have killed him anytime. He should not have been doing that kind of work, but unfortunately, no one knew about his condition. The answer is no.
2007-01-12 02:03:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think that the "dirtbag" can be charged with the officers death, but I am more than sure, something will be added besides the gas theft. My condolences to the Officer's family. May God Bless them.
2007-01-12 02:45:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think she should be charged with stealing the gas and running from the police but not with the officer's death.
2007-01-12 02:11:05 · answer #8 · answered by Shay 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The officer would not have died if this guy had obeyed the law. I think manslaughter is appropriate, but not murder. Murder implies willing intent to kill, this guy just wanted to steal gas. I agree with the other poster that the police department should monitor the health of their officers more closely too.
2007-01-12 01:43:27 · answer #9 · answered by Pfo 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
No, the guy didn't attack or shot him. The guy committed a crimes yes, but the death of an out of shape officer's isn't it. I'm sorry for the officer and his family, but how can the guy be charged for a crime that he didn't commit?
2007-01-12 01:45:06 · answer #10 · answered by us5we2 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋