Is this collection of shootings somehow connected to frustration over Obama's election? Just a thought.
Racial profiling charged after Texas man shot in own drivewayby David Edwards and Muriel Kane
The family of a young black Texas man who was shot in his own driveway by a white police officer believes that racial profiling was the cause and are asking for criminal charges to be filed against the officer.
According to family members, Robbie Tolan and his cousin were returning to Tolan's home in the mostly white Houston suburb of Bellaire in the early hours of December 31, when they were approached by officers who suspected the SUV they had just gotten out of was stolen.
Tolan's parents, who own the SUV, came out of the house to explain the situation. An altercation ensued and Tolan's mother was thrown against the garage door by an officer. According to Tolan's uncle, "Her son was on his back at the time, and he raised up and asked, 'What are you doing to my mom?' and the officer shot him -- while he was on the ground."
The 23 year old Tolan is the son of former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Bobby Tolan, and he himself has played for minor-league teams. Now he lies in a hospital bed with a bullet lodged in his liver, perhaps permanently, his future sports career in question.
Althought the incident occurred a week ago, it is attracting fresh interest amid reports of riots in Oakland, CA over the fatal shooting by a transit officer there of an unarmed black suspect who was lying helpless on the ground.
The Tolans would like to see the officer who shot their son charged with a crime. They have hired a lawyer, who stated, "There's no doubt in my mind that if these had been two white kids, they never would have been shot."
Bellaire's assistant police chief told reporters, "As far as any allegations of racial profiling, I'd probably say that that's not really going to float." However, there has been no other explanation offered for why the officers might have thought the SUV was stolen.
There is now an internal police department investigation going on and the Harris County district attorney's office is also looking into whether to file charges.
Never mind why they thought the car was stolen, focus on why the cop thought it was ok to shoot an unarmed guy on the ground at his own house.
Cul what's going on down there. give me an email
Peter
Don't jump to the conclusion of Racial Profiling. Were you there? Did you see what happened? From my understanding it was about 0200 hrs, so it would have been pretty dark. Being a police officer you never know what is going to happen, when you get out with someone. I understand that this man's mother was telling the police officer that the vehicle was not stolen, but those are just words. I have been in similar situations, and have had relatives of the driver I stopped come out of the house. It never made the situation better, only worse. This man could have made an overt action, which made the officer fear for his safety. If the D.A. in Harris County find there is probable cause to charge him, than so be it. But don't jump to the conclusion that this officer is racist. Think of this, what if the officer that shot him had been black, would it still have been a big deal? I don't think so.
This man could have made an overt action...
Like sitting up?
Why was the gun drawn in the first place? Why shoot an unarmed guy on the ground? I wasn't assuming the cop was racist? His actions including the approach, suggest it. It was assumed to be a case of a stolen car...that automatically means drawn gun?
uh uh.