Somehow, in a world where sights and sounds and logic and common sense don't follow conventional/earthly norms, a Portland Police Officer accidentally shot a guy with real shotgun pellets instead of a less lethal beanbag round (as was instended).
Oregonian: Man accidentally shot by Portland officer struggled with mental illness
I understand that human error exists and that no one is immune from it. I'm proud of our Portland Police and think that overall they do a great job. However, I drive 3000 miles a month and I haven't had an officer take that into account when I get a photo radar ticket for running a yellow light. In fact, it's starting to become a criminal activity to film officers while on duty. So, all we have to hold Police accountable is their immediate public word after the fact (usually disparaging the victim and not disclosing specifics about the officers' activities during an incident) and the secret Grad Jury findings that always find in favor of the Police.
So when this recent event occurred, shit popped into my head and I posted tweets with the @MayorSamAdams modifier so that the Mayor/Police Commissioner would see them. I was trying to be funny more than be a dick. Hopefully I accomplished both. If you've paid attention to the news of the Portland Police during the last year, you'll get some of the references.
I'm cutting this post short so that I can go outside and bask in the glory of all that is sunshine and bicycling. Salaam.
- @MayorSamAdams Just say it was a "pellet delivery device with a six inch handle." #rosiecoloredglasses
- @MayorSamAdams Can citizens get their own PIOs to dispute the erroneous public claims made by the PPD about them?
- @MayorSamAdams Don't worry about it. I'm sure a Grand Jury will make it all better.
