John Sawchak, 54, is accused of shooting his neighbour, Davis Moturi, after a long history of harassment and evasion of arrest, according to court records. The Minneapolis Police Department is facing criticism for failing to arrest Sawchak on active warrants before he allegedly carried out the shooting, returning to the center of controversy over race and policing. Sawchak had two outstanding warrants against him for alleged harassment of the victim, and a third for assaulting another neighbour, while the defence insists their client denies the allegations. The department claims they had tried multiple times to arrest Sawchak, but faced challenges due to his history of mental illness, gun ownership, and refusal to engage with police. A motion for an independent review of all incidents between Sawchak and Moturi, and the shooting, was approved by the Minneapolis City Council.
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The FBI is investigating the death of Dennoriss Richardson, a Black man who was found hanged in an abandoned house in Alabama, following a request from the local sheriff amid community accusations of local law enforcement misconduct. Richardson’s death was ruled a suicide by the Colbert County Sheriff’s Office but his wife insists he would not kill himself and believes his death might be connected to a lawsuit he filed against local police, alleging assault and abuse while in custody. Widespread distrust of the local law enforcement reflects a history of excessive force incidents and lynchings in the area. The recent case is one among a series of lawsuits against the Sheffield Police Department. Sheriff Eric Balentine hopes the FBI investigation will help alleviate community concerns.
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Shasta County in Northern California has agreed to pay $300,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by Jessica Long and her nine-year-old daughter over the confiscation and butchering of their family pet, a goat named Cedar. The lawsuit claimed that deputies wrongfully executed a search warrant to seize Cedar, who the young girl had raised as part of a county fair farm animal care program. Despite Long offering to pay for any costs and requesting the goat not be slaughtered, officials led the animal away. The settlement is the first step in resolving the long-running dispute, though questions still remain over who arranged for the goat’s confiscation and slaughter. The litigation against Shasta District Fair employees and a 4-H volunteer is ongoing.
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A former Kentucky police detective, Brett Hankison, was convicted by a federal jury of using excessive force during a flawed 2020 drug raid that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor. It marks the first conviction of an officer involved in the operation. The jury was initially deadlocked on the excessive force charge against Taylor, but chose to continue deliberations. Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, commended the jurors for allocating time to understand the need for justice for her daughter. Hankison, who fired 10 shots during the raid and failed to hit anyone, faces a potential life sentence to be decided on 12 March.
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As I reflect on the appalling incident involving Phoenix officers repeatedly punching and Tasing a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy, my heart is heavy with a mix of anger, frustration, and sadness. The sheer brutality and lack of humanity displayed by those who are supposed to protect and serve is beyond comprehension.
The fact that this violent arrest stemmed from a false accusation made by a white man, leading the officers to target an innocent individual, speaks volumes about the deep-rooted systemic issues within law enforcement. To think that a simple accusation based on race could result in such a vicious attack is beyond troubling.… Continue reading
This is a story that challenges the narratives we often hear about law enforcement officers being upholders of justice and protectors of the community. The news of an off-duty Atlanta police officer being shot and killed while breaking into a Douglas County home is not something you hear every day. The fact that the homeowner may have acted in self-defense against an armed intruder who happened to be a police officer is quite a shock to the system.
The details that have emerged surrounding this incident are quite disturbing. The off-duty officer, Investigator Horton, was honored as “Officer of the Year” just days before this event.… Continue reading
Tyreek Hill, known for his controversial past, has recently made headlines by hiring lawyers who previously represented George Floyd’s family in the fight for police reform. With his history of domestic violence and child abuse, Hill is far from an ideal figurehead for such an important cause. His actions have rightfully earned him the label of a “terrible person” in the eyes of many. It is indeed laughable that someone with his track record would attempt to align himself with the George Floyd movement and the broader issue of police reform. Despite his questionable character, the need for police reform should not be dismissed or undermined.… Continue reading
As I read about the tragic incident where a bystander was shot in the head as New York police tackled a fare-evader, my heart sank. The thought of someone being caught in the crossfire of a situation that escalated over something as trivial as fare evasion is deeply troubling. It is incomprehensible to me how a situation involving a $3 subway fare could result in such a violent and life-threatening outcome.
The fact that two bystanders and one of the officers were also shot in the incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of trigger-happy policing. The idea that law enforcement officers, who are supposed to protect and serve the community, could shoot into a crowded space without regard for the safety of innocent bystanders is appalling.… Continue reading
As I delved into the news that the officer involved in Tyreek Hill’s recent detainment had accumulated six suspensions and numerous reprimands throughout his career, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of dismay and frustration. The very individuals entrusted with upholding the law and protecting citizens are clearly failing to meet the ethical and professional standards we expect from law enforcement.
The fact that this officer was suspended for as many as 50 days between 2014 and 2019 is not only alarming, but it also raises serious questions about accountability and the lack of consequences for repeated misconduct. How is it possible for someone with such a questionable track record to continue serving in a position of authority and power?… Continue reading
A state trooper is accused of killing a cheerleader who was about to graduate. He’s no longer with the agency. The news is filled with stories of law enforcement officers who abuse their power and engage in criminal behavior, yet seem to escape severe consequences. This trooper, Roper, had a history of careless driving, with four prior crashes attributed to either inattentiveness or excessive speed. It begs the question – was anyone paying attention? Weren’t these glaring red flags indicative of a larger issue at hand?
It’s disheartening to read about the tragic loss of a young woman’s life at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect and serve.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker