It is Hump Day News Day.
Dallas officer shot and killed an unarmed suspect Tuesday.
Guns, drugs seized after Dallas officer killed suspect, police report
A Dallas police officer shot and killed a suspect yesterday after fleeing from police officers. According to The Star-Telegram reports, James Harper, 31, was killed by police Officer Brian Rowden after Harper and three other men fled from the house while officers tried to enter the residence. Harper and Officer Rowden jumped over three fences, the final fence led into a horse corral, where Harper turned and began to fight Rowden.
Allegedly, Harper also told Officer Rowden something to the effect of "you're going to have to kill me ..."
After Harper was killed, it was learned that he dodn't have a gun, but he had been fighting with Officer Rowden to the point where he was "overheated and exhausted, and fearing for his life," according to the police report.
A press release included a list of items seized from the house where Harper fled from, according to The Star-Telegram. A 9 mm pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, marijuana, PCP, crack cocaine both inside and outside the residence, Xanex and hydrocodone, were among items found. There were also nine cellphones, digital scales and a partial drug ledger were found in the home, according to reports. There was also $437 found in Harper's right front pants pocket, according to The Star-Telegram reports.
By Tuesday night extra officers, some dressed in riot gear, went to the area to try and clam a crowd gathering where the incident occured.
Tragic, but Neccesary?
I can't imagine putting my life on the line everyday. Like many that have come before him, Officers Rowden can. And, the police do it daily for us. I am sure cops don't ever want to have to draw their weapon, but it is neccesary in some situations. I am not a cop, but I am guessing that is the last thing they want. This, to me, was one of those times it was needed. If a suspect is fighting hand-to-hand combat with you, won't give up and has the oppurtunity to go for your gun once you're exhausted from fighting with him - you bet you're life is threatened.
On the other side of the coin, I try and identify with Harper's family. Would I stand by my realitive - right, wrong or otherwise? I don't know, to be honest. Often, we are blinded when it comes to those we love. We only see the good in those we love. Here's what I do know though, if Harper didn't run, fight and attack Officer Rowden, he'd be alive. He'd be in jail, but alive nonetheless.
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