The Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report finding that Oklahoma City and its police department discriminate against individuals with behavioral health disabilities, citing unnecessary institutionalization and inappropriate police responses to mental health crises. The DOJ investigation, launched in 2022 following a complaint, revealed a pattern of escalating situations through armed intervention rather than utilizing behavioral health professionals. This often leads to avoidable use of force and unmet mental health needs. The DOJ seeks a resolution with city and state officials but may file suit to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act if necessary.
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Taylor Bullard, 34, was arrested and charged with sending threatening emails to a debt collection agency regarding a disputed $543 debt. The emails contained threats of violence, including references to a machete and gasoline, and targeted the agency’s executive team. This arrest follows the recent killing of a CEO, raising concerns about threats against corporations. Bullard has a prior history of making similar threats, including a threat involving anthrax in 2017 and an AK-47 threat in 2022. He faces up to five years in prison.
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In summary, Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses after disrupting Christmas Eve services at two St. Mary’s County churches. His actions included dropping an onion at one church and, at a second, pouring whiskey into the holy water, threatening parishioners, and assaulting individuals with fruit and a whiskey bottle. Following a medical evaluation, Von Goetz faced charges ranging from assault and disorderly conduct to religious crimes and threats of mass violence. The incidents resulted in significant disruption to the Christmas Eve services.
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As I sit here reflecting on the tragic story of Mr. Yong, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and frustration. The fact that his parents reached out for mental health help for their son, only to have the situation escalate to the point where he was fatally shot by the police, is a devastating example of the failures in our current system. It pains me to think about the immense guilt and grief that his parents must be experiencing, knowing that their well-intentioned actions resulted in such a tragic outcome.
The video footage and detailed accounts of the incident paint a heartbreaking picture of a man in crisis, clearly struggling with his mental health.… Continue reading
weapon, and the suspect was acting aggressively, charging at the officers with whatever was in his hand. The fact that they initially used non-lethal rounds shows they were trying to subdue him without lethal force. It wasn’t until the suspect continued to approach them and grab at their weapons that they resorted to using lethal force.
The situation is a tragic reminder of the complex and often difficult decisions police officers have to make in a split second. In this case, it’s clear that the individual was in distress and needed mental health intervention, not a confrontation with armed officers. It’s a stark reminder of the need for more appropriate training and resources for law enforcement when dealing with individuals in crisis.… Continue reading
As I sit here and reflect on the recent news of a Nebraska police officer fatally shooting a teen during a welfare check, a wave of sadness and frustration washes over me. The idea that a call made out of concern for someone’s well-being could result in such a tragic and unnecessary loss of life is truly disheartening. The very notion that the individuals tasked with protecting and serving our communities could be the ones causing harm is a bitter pill to swallow.
It’s alarming to think about the lack of empathy and understanding that seems to pervade some law enforcement interactions.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker