Columns/Opinion, Letters to the Editor

How can it take 15 shots to stop suspect?

Dan Carnegie, Morgantown
Another shooting in Texas. Anyone surprised? Did the media report all the sympathy and prayers? Are we going to discuss our Second Amendment rights?
The police have an impossible job to do with all the alcohol, drugs, guns, knives in our society, and let’s not forget the mental health problems many have. I have always felt the police have a right to do what is needed to protect us.
On March 3, The Dominion Post reported on its front page the police stopped a suspect walking. He brandished a knife and threatened the police. He was given several warnings, shots were fired and the police performed life-saving techniques until he was transported to the hospital. I get it. What I don’t understand was the need for allegedly firing 15 rounds.
As a Vietnam veteran and 30 years as a funeral director, I cannot fathom why you would need that many rounds to stop a suspect?
I am having trouble trying to support the police across this nation when they empty a magazine at anyone. We are not in colonial times with muskets. One bullet from the weapons we have today can do massive damage to anyone.
The police are well trained and should be able to take anyone down with one shot or two to the arm, leg or shoulder.
You say you are concerned about your safety. I understand, but that’s not a sufficient reason to fire so many shells at anyone. You are professionals. Act like it. You are supposed to be our friend and protecting us.
A family’s worse nightmare is to report to the morgue. Technology and all the science today make it impossible to hide from the police. Bide your time on nabbing some suspects. You’re on the clock. Don’t fire so many rounds at anyone.