http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/02/09/1363433/-Family-Requests-Welfare-Check-for-Elderly-Veteran-Relative-Police-Kill-Him-Instead?detail=email
A concerned family is grieving after they requested a welfare check on an elderly relative, and responding officers shot the man instead. The family of the man, identified as James Howard Allen, requested that Anson County make a welfare check around 10 p.m. on Saturday, said Gastonia (NC) Police Chief Robert Helton.
“Due to some medical issues he had had — some surgery he had recently — they were concerned for his well-being,” said Helton.
An officer visited the home of Allen around 10:20, but received no answer when he knocked on the door. Anson County Sheriff’s Office asked that local hospitals be checked, but Allen was not found. At that point, an officer returned to Allen’s home and spoke with neighbors, who said they had seen Allen the day before. Allen’s car was in the driveway.
A terrible decision was made around 11:30 p.m. to enter Allen’s home. Neighbors report that police and firefighters kicked in Allen’s door:
Chief Helton says the officer, Josh Lefevers, announced himself as police, but Allen confronted police with a gun. Officer Lefevers shot Allen twice, and Allen later died.
A friend who would take care of Allen, Otis Thompson, said Allen was a veteran and was also in poor health. He thinks Allen was scared:
“Somebody kicks your door in, comes in your house — your first instinct is defend yourself,” said Thompson. “I’m kind of shocked. I can’t believe something like this would happen – can’t believe it could have happened.”
you would think with evidence given to police by family and neighbors that a little less gangbusters was required, there had to be other ways to gain entry without the disregard for property. and why kick the door also there was no printed confirmation that any one heard or not the cop announce his presence as a cop.
The State Bureau of Investigation as well as an internal investigation are currently underway. Officer Lefever has been placed on administrative leave.
is this still the code for paid vacation after killing a Black man while they contrive the exoneration?
