Tallulah, LA police officer empties his weapon into his patrol car that a mental person stole and crashed
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1/22/2005, 3:19 p.m. CT The Associated Press |
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TALLULAH, La. (AP) — Since an uncertified police officer shot at a mentally ill man who was driving off in his patrol car, a city councilman has decided it's time to change the policy allowing use of uncertified officers.
"We've just had too many problems already for us to take a chance," said Tallulah City Councilman Tommy Watson, who lives eight blocks from the site of the shooting.
Police Chief Earl Pinkney suspended the officer for seven days without pay. He said the officer, whom he would not identify, was aiming at the car's tire. He didn't hit either the tire or Patrick Turpin, who was driving the car, but a bullet did hit another parked car.
Turpin's family called police about 7 a.m. to say he was having "mental problems" and causing a disturbance. Lois Turpin, a cousin, said the officer kept Turpin, 37, outside while talking inside with the family.
Then one of Ms. Turpin's children said Turpin was getting into the police car.
"He saw Patrick put the car in gear and called for back-up," Ms. Turpin said Thursday. "He pulled his gun, and I screamed for him not to shoot. He still shot the gun until it was empty."
Turpin wrecked the unit in a ditch while trying to make a turn. Police booked him with unauthorized use of a moveable, resisting an officer and threatening a public official. His bond was set at $9,500.
Watson learned about the incident from friends about three days afterward. "In that particular block, children are always playing. It's a frightening situation," he said.
Pinckney said a majority of his officers meet state standards, but the department does not have enough officers to keep them off the streets until they complete the police academy.
Newly hired officers have one year to complete the academy, Pinkney said.
Information from: The News-Star