To The Daily Sun,
Normally I am the odd man out in these conversations, as I am the guy who sticks up for the police when most of the people I speak with about the topic have nothing good to say about them. I understand on the whole they have a difficult job dealing with a lot of society's worst examples of human beings.
That said, what happened the other day to the Fays' child (yes, child, because that's what you are at 17) is inexcusable. I don't care if it's protocol, the training, whatever. Explain to me why two grown men — two adults who graduated police academy — with all this training and equipment (i.e. bulletproof vests, tasers, obviously firearms) felt violence was the best course of action? They killed this kid. In less than five minutes on site. There were two adult men trained in the art of combat (and maybe that's the problem) who couldn't overpower a 17-year-old with a knife?
Didn't even try, I bet. Neither one of them got a scratch, I'm willing to wager. It would be one thing if one of them got stabbed but even then, couldn't they have shot him in the leg? I just can't understand it. I'm not the kind of person to get involved in social/civil issues and whatnot, but I'm shocked at the lack of outrage over this. Believe me, I'm the guy who couldn't care less about almost everything. "Apathetic" is the word. But this is wrong. I don't know these people, the police or victims. I just know something needs to be done. No matter what that kid did, no matter if he was in the way wrong. He didn't deserve to die.
Chris White
Belmont
(5) comments
It is a sad occasion and a tragedy. I feel sorry for Merill Fay and also the police officers. It would be impossible to say what should have been done in this violent encounter. If he has stabbed one of the officers would you be as concerned? Think of their families. I doubt if he was stationary and the police officer would then would have the time to take a well-aimed shot. The short time frame would indicate it was already a very violent situation when the police arrived. I doubt they went there with the intention of shooting or killing someone. Would you want to restrain an agitated person with a knife? Training aside their lives are also important.
Thank you for not jumping to a quick unqualified like so many cop-haters love to do. You have made valid, rational points with your open and logiical thinking.
This young man was laid to rest earlier this week... out of respect for the family and friends, in a sense of fairness for all involved... it is prudent to await the final outcome of the NH AG investigation. However, be assured that the seething outrage at the homicide of a challenged 17-year-old kid, by a well-seasoned police officer will not go away quietly… information available to date… (police arrive in-situ, walk up the driveway to the house, draw various weapons, a single gunshot wound kills a kids… 2 minutes have expired’’ you better have a good of a story to defend that action.’’ JP Dionne
As you stated, let's all wait until the NH AG investigation has been completed, before jumping to judgement or forming unqualified conclusions.
Sounds like a good idea. People relate age to the ability to commit a crime. No longer the case.
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