police killed suspected ps 3 thief

[8th lutz]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162640.html

 

Eighteen-year-old Peyton Strickland of Wilmington, North Carolina, accused of robbing a student of two Playstation 3 consoles at the system's launch, died Friday after being shot by police intending to search his home and arrest him. Another man, a 20-year-old student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, was arrested Friday in connection with the robbery, according to a Wilmington Star News.

 

The victim of the theft was another student who had waited in line for three days to buy the two consoles at a local Wal-Mart. While transporting the consoles, four men drove up in a gold Pontiac, battered him with a blunt object, and took the hardware by force.

 

The police went to Strickland's apartment on Friday evening intending to serve a search warrant and arrest him. One of Strickland's three roommates, Mike Rhoton, told the Star-News that the student was killed while walking to answer a knock at the door. The roomate also claimed that Strickland was unarmed, and that he could see no reason why the police opened fire. Strickland's German shepherd was also shot and killed by a deputy. The sheriff's deputies had been called in to help the University police serve the warrants because of safety concerns.

Edited December 4, 2006 by 8th lutz

[DrLove0378]

I just read the news article about this. Another account stated that he "could have been holding a controller" when he answered the door. I could probably understand if the decedent was holding a light gun peripheral, but the last time I checked, a wireless PlayStation 3 control pad looks NOTHING like a gun. Regardless of whether Mr. Strickland was the culprit in the robbery, the officers' blood should run in the streets -- because it's clear they intended to shoot first and ask questions later.

 

The district attorney said himself that "no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection." The cops certainly aren't above the law, and they certainly aren't above being executed by the very same state they served.

 

They could always check the serial numbers of the hardware, and find out whether or not they were the stolen systems -- the serial numbers usually appear on the sales receipt (which the victim might still have.) For all we know, it could be a case of mistaken identity.

 

It's cut and dried -- they kicked in the door, and BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! -- a man and his dog killed in cold blood. And they didn't even know for a fact "who dunnit." If those cops don't get executed, something is VERY WRONG with America.

[ManShowBoy]

I like this a lot. Good for the cops in NC. It's nice to see scum get blasted, then get his hands slapped and let go, only to commit more crimes. More bad guys need to be shot first then ask questions later.....

[Atariboy]

Despite what the owner does, there's no reason for shooting a dog defending his home from strangers breaking in and shooting. I don't know enough to judge the rest of it though it sounds like they went way too far to me.

[ManShowBoy]

I just read the news article about this. Another account stated that he "could have been holding a controller" when he answered the door. I could probably understand if the decedent was holding a light gun peripheral, but the last time I checked, a wireless PlayStation 3 control pad looks NOTHING like a gun. Regardless of whether Mr. Strickland was the culprit in the robbery, the officers' blood should run in the streets -- because it's clear they intended to shoot first and ask questions later.

 

The district attorney said himself that "no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection." The cops certainly aren't above the law, and they certainly aren't above being executed by the very same state they served.

 

They could always check the serial numbers of the hardware, and find out whether or not they were the stolen systems -- the serial numbers usually appear on the sales receipt (which the victim might still have.) For all we know, it could be a case of mistaken identity.

 

It's cut and dried -- they kicked in the door, and BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! -- a man and his dog killed in cold blood. And they didn't even know for a fact "who dunnit." If those cops don't get executed, something is VERY WRONG with America.

 

I'll take my chances with the cops rather than the cops putting this guy in jail, why I pay taxes on his ass, then have him be released in a year to rob more people. More bad guys need to be gunned down so they'll stop[ doing that shit and getting away. Plus it's one less mf'r I have to worry about when walking to my car with a new videogame system.

[ManShowBoy]

Despite what the owner does, there's no reason for shooting a dog defending his home from strangers breaking in and shooting. I don't know enough to judge the rest of it though it sounds like they went way too far to me.

 

Thats the only part im pissed about, they can shot the guy but don't kill a dog.

[candiru]

You're looking for 4 suspects. You're going to an apartment where 4 guys live. You've got a guy that's (alledgedly) already demonstrated violent behavior coming toward you holding something roughly gun-sized and he has a big ass German Shepherd with him. Just guessing here, but the apartment was probably poorly lit also. I'd hate to be a cop in that situation.

[+remowilliams]

"The most realistic first person shooting ever!"

[supercat]

You're looking for 4 suspects. You're going to an apartment where 4 guys live. You've got a guy that's (alledgedly) already demonstrated violent behavior coming toward you holding something roughly gun-sized and he has a big ass German Shepherd with him. Just guessing here, but the apartment was probably poorly lit also. I'd hate to be a cop in that situation.

 

Why don't police simply wait until the person is coming or going? Surely he doesn't remain at home 24/7.

 

If the person who was shot was, in fact, the robber I have no sympathy for him. He didn't just steal someone's stuff--he bodily assaulted the person. Juvenile records aren't available to the public, but I suspect the cops had a pretty clear picutre of the crook and it wasn't pretty.

 

Nonetheless, even if the cops got the right person in this case, tactics like those used here often get innocent people killed. Of course, if the crook had still been in jail for his previous crimes all this would be a non-issue.

[ManShowBoy]

He was probaley mouthing off to the cop and acting like a jackass too. So you have to add those little things to the picture along with whatever was in his hand.

[Blackjack]

I would've shot all 4 as they attempted to rob me, so I have no problem with his death IF he was guilty, but the cops are COMPLETELY out of control anymore. SWAT teams serve warrants on old ladys and kids for gods sake. Police in the US need a serious reality check.

 

Don't believe me? check out http://www.copwatch.com/

[madhatter667]

"You're looking for 4 suspects. You're going to an apartment where 4 guys live. You've got a guy that's (alledgedly) already demonstrated violent behavior coming toward you holding something roughly gun-sized and he has a big ass German Shepherd with him. Just guessing here, but the apartment was probably poorly lit also. I'd hate to be a cop in that situation."

 

I do feel bad for any police officer stuck in such a sitution. But at the same time, if this was indeed the person who committed the crime, then there was past displays of violence, and he likely was mouthing off on the way to the door. Has anything been dug up on the room-mates? Some of them could easily have been involved with the action. It would almost be hard to NOT know something about how the guy would have come across 2 PS3s so easily, and quickly.

 

If it turns out the guy was the perp... then good on the cops for blasating him. One less piece of shit out on the streets.

 

If the guy was innocent, I have nothing but sympathy for the officers... I would not want the death of some random bloke on my hands!

[Brad2600]

God, some of you are so stupid.

 

You wholeheartedly approve of a cop barging into people's homes and shooting them, even if they're unarmed?

 

Fucking cop sniffers.

[2600Lives]

Mostly I hate cops, but really, isn't driving around in a gold Pontiac reason enough to get shot?

[madhatter667]

"isn't driving around in a gold Pontiac reason enough to get shot/"

PWN!

 

Cop sniffer? No. I believe that the less you have to deal with law enforcement, the better off you are. I HATE thieves. Someone who would take something from you that you actually worked hard to attain, with no qualms, or second thoughts DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE BREATHING! Seriously, anger aside. I cannot stand thieves. Imagine getting YOUR car stolen... whoever took your car might as well have taken away your means of earning a living. Some companies don't care what troubles have fallen on you: you still have to get to work. Not everyone is fortunate to work for a good company, or understanding supervisors. To the average person, those two PS3s are about equal to a car in $$$. Not that I am trying to say that a PS3 is as good as a car... but it isn't EASY to drop that kind of money on such a thing...someone worked his/her ass off to get that kind of scratch, and some random piece of shit takes it away, with 3 friends like a coward.

 

Glad the guy got smoked.

[devils advocate]

God, some of you are so stupid.

 

You wholeheartedly approve of a cop barging into people's homes and shooting them, even if they're unarmed?

 

Fucking cop sniffers.

 

You are one of the rudest people around here.

 

You also have little reading comprehension apparently.

 

 

These officers were serving a bench warrant for a violent crime. They were also serving it to an offender with a previous pending charge for a seperate violent crime.

 

Since we don't know all the details yet, all we can do is speculate. Here are two theories. both extreme opposites;

 

 

 

1. 8 police officers, knowing that they were about to serve a warrant for the Arrest of a suspected felon, with a previous charge pending, plotted the premeditated murder of the 18 year old boy and his dog. Knowing full well that there was a PS3 on site that could be resold for big money on Ebay, they went in with guns blazing, taking out virtually anything in sight. His friend excluded, as they would bribe him off with a Wii afterwards. But that dog, he could be a snitch and blow the whole scheme. And besides, the dog was black anyways.

 

 

2. 8 officers serving the arrest warrant for a suspected felon, with his second charge of physical violence in several months, was shot when police raided the home. The police officers, knowing the suspects arrest history and current charges, were on edge. They were worried about possible violence at the arrest scene. The 18 year old man, who came to the door carrying a small black cylindrically shaped object, came to the door, which may or may not have ever been opened by himself, confused the police at some point during a verbal tirade on BOTH sides as to whether the object being flailed around was a gun or another object. At some point in the altercation, the officers felt that they were in grave risk so they opened fire on both the boy, and the large German Sheppard which came to the boys aid in a time of distress.

 

 

 

I know which side I would lean towards.

 

 

We spend so much time worrying about whether the police did their job correctly, we put no onus on the suspected criminal.

 

 

As for why police don't just "wait" the suspect out? Could you imagine the tax payer dollars involved in waiting for every suspected criminal to leave their house or hideaway to be arrested. Police presence is at an all time low in many places. With that concept implemented, imagine how many 7/11's would be robbed every night while police were "waiting around" for other suspects to immerge.

 

As for the guy upset about the dog? Well, dogs can be more of a threat than a human. They don't understand, "Hands up asshole!", nor do they know what that shiny little black thing pointed at them is. They also don't understand the lettering for police. This was not a miniature poodle here. It was a German Sheppard. I had a cousin put into a coma from a run in from a G Sheppard when he was 4. This is a big strong dog. And if you read, it was an unstable home. A "party house" , the neighbours said. Probably not an environment for raising a passive stable pet.

The blood from the dog was all over the porch. I think we can guess that at some point, the dog sensed the danger his "master" was in, and tried to come to his aid. The dog was euthanised for his efforts.

 

I'm also seeing that the only quotes came from the room mate. The internal investigation is underway, and as a result, they have a media ban on. Normal procedure, but we only hear the one side for now.

 

And what would you expect the room mate to say? "man, my buddy earned it, those MF cops showed up while we were playing our stolen PS3, and he told those Mofo's where to go. No one was getting OUR PS3. He didn't think those pussies would actually shoot him when he told them to fuck themselves, and had the dog at the front door. Or would you expect his friend to say something like "Why did those cops shoot em man? He was innocent. He's never been in any trouble before. He might have had a black game controller in his hand , I don't know. I have no idea why they would do this, I was just an innocent bystander playing on a PS3 which I have no idea how he got, 13 feet away with no vivid memory of what was actually said or done ...errr.. 13 feet away, during an event that will likely be etched into my brain forever. And hey, he fixes the fuck out of boats and cars and I loved him like a brother...Oh, excuse me his dad the LAWYER is calling, and I have to tell him what happened.!".

 

 

I think that I'll go with the fact that 99.99% of our police are just guys like us, wanting to do their jobs, go home drink a beer, fuck their wife and maybe play some Halo with their buddies. The two I know are. The last thing they want to do is ever shoot anyone. The paperwork, and media scrutiny alone shies them away from drawing their weapon. SOmetimes making them OVERANALYZE situations to the point of their own lack of safety.

 

And Kepone, that's the difference between a good person and a fuckwad. My buddy could read this, think you're the biggest asshole around, and still stop a mugger from beating on you. Mind you, you would also have a weapon drawn on you if you ever answered the door, or were pulled over saying snarling things like "cop sniffer" etc;

 

But I digress. I bet you're just a forum hero. I don't think you'd have the balls to say any of that to a real face. Especially one with a badge. Imagine how STUPID you might look.

 

I also think it's very sad that an 18 year old child lost his life. I also think it's disgusting that a child got himself in a situation, over time, where he was putting other people into life threatening situations. Including the police, and his own friend.

Edited December 5, 2006 by devils advocate

[Jess Ragan]

I think we can guess that at some point, the dog sensed the danger his "master" was in, and tried to come to his aid. The dog was euthanised for his efforts.

 

Oh, give me a break. The dog wasn't "euthanized" or "destroyed." It was killed. KILLED. I hate it when people use these idiotic euphemisms in an effort to devalue non-human life.

 

I also think it's very sad that an 18 year old child lost his life.

 

An eighteen year old is not a child. A young adult certainly, but NOT a child. This individual didn't deserve to die for stealing those Playstation 3s, but don't try to grant him a level of innocence on account of his age. He was more than old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong, but made a deliberate choice to ignore that difference.

 

JR

[devils advocate]

I think we can guess that at some point, the dog sensed the danger his "master" was in, and tried to come to his aid. The dog was euthanised for his efforts.

 

Oh, give me a break. The dog wasn't "euthanized" or "destroyed." It was killed. KILLED. I hate it when people use these idiotic euphemisms in an effort to devalue non-human life.

 

I also think it's very sad that an 18 year old child lost his life.

 

An eighteen year old is not a child. A young adult certainly, but NOT a child. This individual didn't deserve to die for stealing those Playstation 3s, but don't try to grant him a level of innocence on account of his age. He was more than old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong, but made a deliberate choice to ignore that difference.

 

JR

 

I actually wasn't trying to devalue the dogs life. It was just the first word that popped into my head, from years of lit classes where the overuse of one word is frowned upon. LOL

 

The dog was certainly killed for its actions. agreed.

 

I'm also an animal lover. It was easier to say it that way, than to digest the animal being shot. I can understand why it happened, even agree with it. But I don't like it anymore than any other animal lover.

 

As far as I'm concerned, an 18 year old is still a child, a young adult at best. I'm not trying to generate pity. I think you need to read my post again. And I was most definitely not trying to generate sympathy for HIM. But, perhaps some Empathy for the entire situation. Regardless of the fact that he may have deserved it. It is still HORRIBLE and upsetting that anyone should have been in that scenario... Especially over a console that is supposed to promote "entertainment" or "fun".

 

He may of deserved it. He may have been a dick. But it's still sad for everyone involved that he had to die over it.

[Atarifever]

I like this a lot. Good for the cops in NC. It's nice to see scum get blasted, then get his hands slapped and let go, only to commit more crimes. More bad guys need to be shot first then ask questions later.....

Ah yes, tyranny. I've heard good things about it. It's working very well in many parts of the world as we speak.

 

As far as it goes, if I'm a cop, and some guy comes toward me with a black object in his hand and his big German Sheppard is headed at me, I have to say, I might "over-react" too. I'm not saying they made the right or wrong decision, or that the guy should have known not to hold a frigging game controller while around the cops, but I am saying it is understandable. This isn't Robocop. These guys don't have threat identifying computer brains here.

Edited December 5, 2006 by Atarifever

[ninjarabbit]

It amazes me that some people like to bash cops every chance they get yet when something bad happens to them like a theft they go to the cops just like the rest of us.

[madhatter667]

Some people are actually trying to circulate bits of this article like it is some kind of rally call against police brutality. Which really irks me, because both sides and all circumstances are not known at this time, which makes it hard to do anything but form a very one sided opinion.

We see it right here. There are those who largely believe that it was good on the cops, and those that think the actions were total BS. Somewhere in the middle, you get small group of people who are more or less willing to take things in a broader sense.

 

I personally think the cops did the right thing, but I am also open to the possibility that there may have been a mistake, and if so, it's gonna be a world of shit to get out or it. So even I am sort of one sided on this, eventhough I am trying not to be. It's human nature to form opinions as such... you see it all the time. The key is the ability to reason.

[DrLove0378]

I'll bet no one even TRIED to save his ass, after the pigs' bullets tore him apart. The procedure, as far as I know, is for them to call the EMS whenever there's a shooting -- I bet they didn't. Not only do the cops shoot first and ask questions later, but they try for a fatal hit, even when an extremity can be shot at POINT BLANK RANGE. That's another reason the cops involved should receive capital punishment. Mr. Strickland's survivors should get to administer the lethal injection.

 

I agree that it was wrong of him to beat up a guy and steal his PS3's, and that he should have received prison time -- IF and ONLY IF he did it. But it wouldn't be a capital felony unless he killed the guy, to get his goods.

 

In case you haven't guessed, I very much dislike the police in general. Crooked cops do exist -- such officers go to work every day, hoping they get to pull the trigger and kill somebody. I'm sure there's some decent cops out there, but the bad ones ruin it for everybody.

 

Don't even get me started on how the cops execute citizens (or maim them for life) for exercising their constitutional rights (OTHER THAN the right to bear arms). I read that Copwatch article about how an UNARMED WTO protester in Seattle (codenamed "Life Has Meaning") got shot in the head with a Glock .45 -- it's reasonably clear that the cop intended to blow her brains out. (She lived, but was blinded by the bullet. And we thought getting shot in the eye with a Red Ryder BB gun was bad...)

 

It seems the police can shoot anyone they want, get away with it, and possibly even get a medal. But let's say a crooked cop was randomly spraying bullets with a machine gun -- and you were in the line of fire. If one of us members of the general public shot him in self-defense, we'd get the death penalty. Something is VERY WRONG with this picture.

Edited December 6, 2006 by DrLove0378

[2600Lives]

Actually, Ninjarabbit, I have gone to the police before with problems, only to literally be laughed at and turned away.

 

My apartment years ago was burglarized. I called the police. After about 4 or so hours, finally a cruiser shows up. The cop basically told me that there was no real reason to even file a report, as nothing would really happen anyway and it'd be a hassle on him to have to fill out the paperwork. Thanks a whole hell of a lot.

 

My workplace had some stuff stolen from us in broad daylight. We had a tag number AND desctiptions. Two cops came and informed us that since the tags were out of COUNTY (not state, but county), they couldn't do a thing, and once again, filling out the paperwork would be just too much hassle. So, if you want to rob someone and get away with it, just go a few miles to a different county.

 

A long time ago, a friend of mine was having trouble with some guys living down stairs from him. They broke into his place, and when he returned, they were still in his apartment. The police department was literally half a mile down the street. We drove there, thinking we could get some immediate help. They informed us that we had to go to a phone to call in for assistance, as they couldn't help anyone coming up directly to the department. The nearest pay phone (this was before cell phones were cdmmon), was another mile away. After calling, now mind you, the department was a mile away, it took almost 30 minutes for them to respond, then when they got to the apartment, the cops accused my friend of trying to pull a hoax or something on them. He ended up losing most of his belongings, and was never able to get any of it back, and had to move due to repeated threats (we did end up really trashing the punks car, though).

 

So, yeah, I hate the police with a burning, all consuming passion, bordering on absolute blind hatred.

[PressureCooker2600]

yea.....they don't help ya when ya really need it......but they sure as hell are quick with those damn tickets and quick to tell you your license is suspended....."well duh, i know its suspended....i just dont have 20 bucks to renew it yet." then the cop hands you a 200 dolla ticket.....yea ill be able to pay that

[candiru]

All feelings about police aside. To the guy who thinks they should have tried for an extremity, you watch too much TV. Unless they're standing perfectly still, letting you choose your shots, you aim for the trunk.