Another officer-assisted suicide

[KD5NRH]

At least the dog had the sense to surrender.

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/402703.html

Man's shooting by officer appears justified, police say


By DEANNA BOYD
dboyd@star-telegram.com
FORT WORTH -- The fatal shooting of a 68-year-old man Wednesday by a Fort Worth officer appears to have been justified, according to statements from the man's family and witnesses, Fort Worth police officials said Thursday.

Officer T.S. O'Brien fired three times at Clarence McNeill, fatally injuring him. McNeill had ignored the officer's order to drop his revolver and, instead, pointed it at him, police say.

"The initial investigation which included statements from family members and witnesses indicated that the shooting was justifiable based on the imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officers on the scene," Lt. Paul Henderson said in a news release Thursday. "This is an unfortunate and tragic incident that involves many victims to include the family of Mr. (McNeill), the officers, and their families."

Police had been called to McNeill's home in the 4800 block of Flamingo Road on a report that he was trying to commit suicide by overdosing. Before arriving, officers were told the man was armed with a gun in a back room and had threatened to shoot anyone who came in, Henderson said.

O'Brien, the first officer to arrive, was flagged down by the suspect's wife. Henderson said that, as the officer approached the gate to the yard, he saw McNeill on the front porch. When O'Brien asked McNeill what was going on, McNeill turned toward the officer holding a small-caliber revolver, Henderson said.

The officer drew his weapon and ordered McNeill to drop his gun. McNeill refused and, instead, raised the gun toward the officer, prompting O'Brien to fire at the man three times, Henderson said.

As O'Brien tried to help the injured suspect, assisting officer S. Jackson was confronted by an aggressive dog, the release states. Jackson fired twice at the black-and-white mixed-breed canine, and the injured dog retreated.

McNeill was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:58 p.m.

The dog was taken to an emergency vet clinic and is expected to recover.

Both O'Brien, who began with the department in July 2002, and Jackson, who joined in July 2003, are currently assigned to east side patrol.