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Expert Views Police Shooting Video

posted 11:13 pm Tue August 19, 2008 - Roanoke, VA

reporter: Matt Dreyer posted by: Webteam

tags: shoot • shot • gun • fatal

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In just a matter of seconds a stop at a South Boston convenience store turned deadly. As we told you last week, prosecutors cleared the officers involved in the shooting death of 22-year old Neal Seamster.

We showed the surveillance video to an expert who specializes in officer involved shootings. He explains what goes through the mind of an officer in that crucial split second. It's a glimpse into what proved to be a deadly decision by 22-year old Neal Seamster. After being confronted by a plain clothed officer, Seamster pulls away, and is shot seconds later. We showed the video to Joe Key, an expert in officer involved shootings.

Joe Key, Consultant Police Use of Force - "When that happens, the level of perceived danger goes up."

Key says to determine if a shooting was justified you have to get into the mind of the officer and figure out if he or others were in danger. He says by looking at the tape, that's exactly what happened in the Sheetz parking lot last month.

Key - "Regardless of what's in his mind, the officer that's perceiving all of this sees this as dangerous, so the evaluation is how do I stop that, stop the attack and the answer in this case is lethal force."

He says the first threat of danger happened immediately after Seamster chose to leave.

Key - "See the kids in the back, that's another danger area."

As the tension escalates, Key says the adrenaline is now pumping, and as Seamster nearly runs over two officers, one fires a fatal shot.

Key - "The individual was trying to flee, struck two police officers, there are civilians on bikes, kids on bikes it appeared to be in the immediate area, he's heading in that direction. The cop has that split second decision to make the decision to fire and I think it was perfectly appropriate."

Key says the bottom line is the video shows it was clear officers lives were in danger, allowing them to shoot. He feels there was no other option to bring the situation to an immediate end.

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Talkback: Expert Views Police Shooting Video

JerryMPrice

7:44 am on 08/20/08

Ok...the problem here is that the police officers failed to approach the individual(s) BEFORE he(they) reached the vehicle. From what I understand, they were watching this guy and had plenty of time to get between him and the vehicle. By allowing him (and his passenger) to reach the vehicle they open up all kinds of possiblities. The individuals now have access to possible weapons in the vehicle. And..as we have seen, they can use the vehicle to try and escape or use it as a weapon. I know very little about this case, but if the police had time to get to the individual(s) before they reached the vehicle, then the police made a serious mistake which led to this while tragic event for everyone. Now....this so-called expert said that you have to get into the mind of the police. Well, what about what was in the mind of the individual? Is it reasonable to believe that he thought he was being car-jacked? Depending on how the (plain-clothed) officers handled themselves, sure it is reasonable. Perhaps the individual was trying to protect himself and his passenger. Afterall, is it reasonable for someone to try and run from police for purchaing rolling papers? Please????!!!! ..... I think this should be opened up more fully to a very public forum and let the public decide.

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