UPDATE: Police shoot and kill South Bend bank robberby Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)
Police surround the scene where officers shot and killed a man who robbed the 1st Source Bank on Portage Road in South Bend on Friday, July 25, 2008. (WSBT photo) SOUTH BEND — A bank robber is dead after being chased and then shot by police Friday afternoon. It all started when the man was standing in line at the 1st Source Bank at 3655 Portage Avenue near Bendix Drive. The bank's manager called police when he recognized him as the same man who robbed the bank last week. The man pulled out a knife and robbed the bank. He was given a dye pack along with several hundred dollars. When police arrived the man ran. After a chase, officers surrounded him in a field behind Calvary Baptist Church near Bendix Drive. Police say the man attacked two police officers with a knife that was long enough to penetrate their vests and kill them. They say that's when police fired several rounds out of self-defense. This incident just like all incidents is about choice," said Commander Tim Corbett, St. Joseph County Metro Homicide. "The choice was made by this suspect to rob a bank, to take a weapon, to turn and face the officers, and to attack the officers." A store clerk says the robber was fleeing the scene when he turned around and started running back toward police. “I saw three police cars come flying into the parking lot,” Amber Bashore told WSBT News. “I look over and see a guy come over the side. I guess he saw the cops, turned around and took back off. That's when I heard the gunshots.” The man died instantly. Police are not releasing his identity until family has been notified. Metro Homicide is investigating. They aren't confident this is the same man who robbed 1st Source Bank and another bank last week. Click the link in the Multimedia box to watch the entire press conference. Stay with WSBT.com for updates. Tuesday, Aug 19 at 8:49 AM old friend wrote ...My heart goes out to lisa and her son. RIP Brian. I knew you way back when you were staying at your parents on fail road. bad mistake, But i shall not be the first to cast a stone. Sunday, Aug 3 at 1:35 AM Rumor wrote ...Rumor has it that he was shot 14 times.... mostly in the arms and back. Hmmm. There were plenty of witnesses for the robbery and the foot chase, but, the only witnesses for the shooting... the police. Are they protecting their own? Sunday, Aug 3 at 12:49 AM Lisa wrote ...For all you people that are quick to judge Brian , me and my son. Get a life, I hope no one in your life get;s hooked on drugs. I am married and my husband has served in the U.S. ARMY for 14 years. To the idiots who posted comments about me and my son, he is a great kid and he loved his dad. Wednesday, Jul 30 at 9:40 PM Just Me wrote ...Ya know I was talking to my son today who is a cop about all of this because I knew Brian,,,he said mom they dont teach you to shoot at fingers and try and shoot the gun out of their hand. They teach you to protect yourself..I guess if it was my son or the robber I would hope my son would do the same thing so he could live,and help take care of the rest of the city...... Tuesday, Jul 29 at 12:14 PM Eric wrote ...He just turned around and is coming at me with a knife. O.K reholster and get my taser (STAB..STAB).Bad idea, pepper spray (STAB..STAB).Bad idea, shoot in the leg(STAB..STAB). PEOPLE WAKE UP. THANK GOD OUR POLICEMAN CAN DECIDE RIGHT AWAY WHAT HAS TO BE DONE FOR THEIR SAFETY AND YOURS.Now get real or get out of the country. God Bless America. Monday, Jul 28 at 10:38 PM Please Help wrote ...Lord pray for us all its not normal now they playing COPS and ROBBERS this use to come on TV back in the day!!! Help Us All as soon as possiable AMEN(The Chosen #1)God Bless Monday, Jul 28 at 9:23 PM STILL WAITING For answers? wrote ...He ran 4 football fields before they killed him! Was he shot in the back??? I hope the family gets all the answers they deserve! The cops are quick to bash Brian saying he robbed all these other places, etc... THEN why was he still free? Do your job and he would have been off streets 2 years ago! Get out of the doughnut shop and OFF the computer chat slam session and GET BUSY! Now the ROBBERS know to bring a gun and shoot for the head! Monday, Jul 28 at 9:10 PM ellen wrote ...I don't think I would remember every person that came in, either, but I am pretty sure I would remember the one that put a knife in my face and demanded money. Monday, Jul 28 at 7:00 PM B wrote ...I just want to let Brian's family know that there are people who care about what happened and not everyone feels that the SBPD were in the right. I work as a bank teller and there is no way that the manager of the bank would know for positive that he was the exact same person that robbed them the week before. How many people go into a bank in a day? You are not going to remember every one of them! Monday, Jul 28 at 6:57 PM god's justice wrote ...robber or not he was a human being and the cops did not have the right to take lives away, he had a knife! last time i checked knives dont shoot bullets. Monday, Jul 28 at 6:07 PM Doob wrote ...im not sure where the people who believe the police officers actions were wrong are coming from. when presented with lethal force, lethal force is taken in turn. training teaches shoot to incapacitate. that means put the suspect down. it doesn't mean shoot them in the arm or leg. i doubt that even the greatest marksman in the world could complete that feet. for those who criticize the police, we're damned if we do, damned if we dont. Monday, Jul 28 at 5:38 PM reichen31 wrote ...SHOOT HIM IN THE LEG,OR ARM. IS THAT WHAT LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS LEARNED? GUESS NOT? LETS KILL EVERYONE? WHO TEACHES COPS HOW TO SHOOT A GUN ? WELL THEY MISSED BY A LONG SHOT! Monday, Jul 28 at 3:54 PM HT SB wrote ...Everyone of course feels bad for the family. most people have families and yes this does affect them, but this man made his own decision and sealed his own fate. Clearly he was a moron robbing the same bank twice. and how dare people criticize the police that serve and protect us. If someone was coming at me with a knife id shoot them too. The police were acting on the moment and who knows what you would have done if you would have been in there shoes. Monday, Jul 28 at 1:59 PM batman wrote ...How ignorant are people in south bend? How can you justify not using deadly force? The man had just used a deadly weapon, was running loose on the streets, could have stabbed a dozen innocent citizens or pulled out a gun…I applaud the police for doing there job. It is a difficult place to be in, as an officer. What does it take for criminals to understand that if you commit a crime, that involves using a weapon, and you run from police when they have there guns drawn…HEEEEELLLLLLLO!! Monday, Jul 28 at 12:56 PM I love cops wrote ...Oh no he's got a knife !!! Somebody shoot him !!!!! No not in the leg, I want you to kill him !!! We're gonna be on the news now, sweet !!!!! Monday, Jul 28 at 12:41 PM Larry wrote ...Anon 1:34pm..How do you figure the Police made themselves Judge, jury and executioner? The Police simply responded to a call, a possible robbery call. The suspect in all this made the decision for the Police. HE robbed the bank, HE fled from the Police afterwards, and HE attacked the Police with a knife. HE dictated the outcome. What would your comments be if the Police simply would have let him go? And he went & robbed another bank and hurt or killed an employee. What's your response then? Monday, Jul 28 at 12:34 PM Anonymous wrote ...My heart goes out to the young man family. I think the policy made themselves judge and jury in this case but based on the comments below do did half the people who read the news story. Monday, Jul 28 at 10:46 AM citizen wrote ...I started reading everyone's comments but stopped halfway through. What a bunch of bull. Has anyone of you people criticizing the police actually ever studied the effects of using a tazer or pepper spray? Do you know that they aren't always effective? A person on drugs can get hit with a tazer 4 or 5 times before he goes down, the same with pepper spray. At this point, the officers can only think kill or be killed. Wake up people. He could have come to your house next! Monday, Jul 28 at 7:38 AM Brian Szuflita the bank robber wrote ...No need to beat me up anymore! I'm DEAD! Leave my family alone! Real professional!!!!!! ALL who have sinned fall short of the Glory of God! AMEN Monday, Jul 28 at 7:37 AM Tim wrote ...SBPD don't have tazers??? I love how you guys justify murder in the name of justice. Good job on that 'loving thy brothers' aspect of "Imma Christian' attitude that some of you people would claim if this was a religious crap. But since it's a low life, screw him. Never mind he may of had family and people who love him. Monday, Jul 28 at 7:04 AM Larry wrote ...Yes Winter I have heard of that amendment and I never tried to censor you. Just trying to save you from yourself. If you were in fact a cop I'd like to know what academy you went to where they teach you to reach for non-lethal weapons in a deadly force situation. If a cop is chasing someone who is BELIEVED to have a gun (info the cops had at the time)why in the world would they have a taser in their hand and not their firearm? They knew nothing of the knife until he attacked them with it. Monday, Jul 28 at 5:15 AM @all of the crimnials' rights lovers wrote ...One less criminal. It doesnt matter if he was robbing the bank for drug money or for his church...he was committing a crime and running form the law. I wish the "lets love criminal" psychos would shut up and move so the police could actually do their job around here. Monday, Jul 28 at 4:12 AM Proud SBPD wrote ...Winter, what position did you hold prior to retirement? How often did you work the streets? These officers did exactly as they were trained to do and did it well! Monday, Jul 28 at 12:18 AM Winter wrote ...I retired from a much bigger city than this. I never said anything about overkill. All I said was how did this person, if running away, (he WAS being chased said SBPD) so why not tase him while running away? Larry I have been put in that situation. I never said SBPD was wrong, but the facts aren't in. I am curious to see where on his body he was shot. Most the time cops empty their magazine in a shooting. As far as my opinion this is a public site to express such. Heard of the 1st Amendment. Monday, Jul 28 at 12:08 AM Proud SBPD wrote ...Winter, I am far from a cowboy as you insinuate. I guess taking a real bad guy off the streets wouldn't be considered a "positive influence" to you? I doubt you were ever a cop, you have no clue what it is like to be a cop. If my fellow officers knew you called me a cowboy they would laugh because I am far from such. I also make many calls, some bloody, some just plain stupid. Sunday, Jul 27 at 11:04 PM Larry wrote ...So Winter where did you retire from..Mayberry? For those that think 7 to 10 shots is overkill I would say you have no CLUE what the heck you are talking about. It only takes a second or two for one Officer to fire that many rounds. If you have never fired a gun you would have no idea what I'm talking about. Now add 2 Officers and double the number. It's not overkill no matter what you think. Until you have been put in that situation you should keep your opinion to yourself, Sunday, Jul 27 at 10:10 PM Guns N' Moses Fan wrote ...I'm sure that Charlton Heston is smiling in Heaven on these fine officers. Nice job guys!! Sunday, Jul 27 at 9:57 PM gb from Bristol wrote ...I just wonder what it would be like if there were no law enforcement. Scary thought. I'm scared to go out my front door now. I can only imagine. You cop haters should think about that. Sunday, Jul 27 at 9:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...Like the great majority here, I support what the cops did. The criminal classes sure are master manipulators. They know how to talk to the gullible; "maybe the guy was in a *situation*...". Unfortunately, some people are going to fall for that. Sunday, Jul 27 at 9:40 PM Winter wrote ...Sorry babe, but I am a retired cop, thankfully not from here. You have no idea of what you are talking about. Others make good points. If he was running away, why not tase him then. How did he get into their "kill zone?" Ignorant people like you acuse people of committing crimes without any facts. The constitution gives a man the right to a trial. I don't know any criminals and do not break the law but I certainly recognize ignorance when I hear it. And you my dear are ignorant. Sunday, Jul 27 at 9:36 PM Susan wrote ...To Confused Wanting Facts... You must not have been here long... Our Police do a great job. The Judges let them off with a slap on the wrist. It is a joke; a bad one at that.... Sunday, Jul 27 at 9:06 PM Confused wanting facts? wrote ...If he did all this other stuff, then why was he free? COPS????? Get a life and stop beating up a dead man! Let alone his family! I hear the police BUT NO FACTS backing up their slander? Still waiting for OFFICIAL version and FACTS? REAL cops wouldn't call this man names OR talk bad about his family???? Sunday, Jul 27 at 8:57 PM Susan wrote ...To Winter... I am sure there are several varmints that SBPD would like to take out and personally I wish he could. They see the same people over and over. Chances are you are breaking the law, or know of those who are, and the rest of us are very tired of it. Go SBPD and I will back you all the way!!! Sunday, Jul 27 at 8:34 PM JL wrote ...This is simple, the guy should not be robbing banks, if he does, he puts himself at risk. It is sad, but it is really his own fault. Sorry to his family but they should try to realize if it was their loved one on the other side who was being attacked with a knife, then they would think different. Or perhaps their child was at the bank and in danger, then would they want the police to let this guy go? I don't think so. Sunday, Jul 27 at 7:02 PM Winter wrote ...Hey Proud SBPD, you are such a joke. You said & I quote "The best satisfaction in the world is catching a real bad guy." Actually the best satifaction as a cop is to make a positive influence on the community and patrol. I agree with Anon. who said YOU ARE A COWBOY. Why don't you go out to the old wild west and hunt down them there varmits and hang em from a tree. I bet the only calls you like to take are fatalities and gruesome crime scenes. You are a public servant, now serve or get out. Sunday, Jul 27 at 5:26 PM Informed wrote ...Nope. He wasn't thinking of his baby, he was thinking about his next oxycontin fix. Hey Walgreens! Remember that guy that robbed you more than once by knifepoint? No need to worry anymore. Yes folks, he's a career criminal and if the news dug a little deeper they'll find MANY banks and businesses in South Bend and elsewhere robbed by this idiot. Sunday, Jul 27 at 3:56 PM BobInBend wrote ...First, until you take police training, the oath, put on the uniform and walk into dangerous situations, don't critique how a crime-in-progress is handled. Walk a mile in the shoes of the police. Anyone who pulls out a weapon, be it a knife or a gun, is a fool unless they plan to use it for the intended purpose. What on earth did this perp think pulling out a knife was going to appear like to the police? Get a grip here people. Sunday, Jul 27 at 3:17 PM son of God wrote ...we are to quick to judge and fast to pull the trigger.jails crowded,courts swamped,much easier to kill first and ask questions later.we do not know the situation this man was in.could have thought there was no other way to feed his baby.we will never know.most of us know better ways to take care of our families.but maybe he saw no other way.Not saying it was right,but if any of you were put in the right situation its possible you might turn to crime too.times are strange.pray hard.love is near. Sunday, Jul 27 at 2:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...Anonymous 4:35 wrote ""Shot and killed who they believe robbed".....what if he wasn't???" WELL, THEN THEY SHOT SOMEONE WHO PULLED A KNIFE ON THEM. Sunday, Jul 27 at 2:30 PM Erin wrote ...This may be a silly question, but where has our mayor been through the bank robberies, increased violence and a brave act on the part of the SBPD? Wasn’t he the guy who supposedly gets things done? Why is it we do not see him unless he is taking credit for something ND has done or promoting a superficial fix for real problems such as new decorations for a town that needs jobs? Our city still has good people as the SBPD reveals. Too bad Luecke is busy pandering to the lowest common denominator. Sunday, Jul 27 at 2:10 PM Elkhart wrote ...S-B-C Suicide By Cops, its that simple. He knew it was the end of the road, he was caught, facing 20 plus years in jail but he made a choice of SBC. Now that its settled, everyone can calm down quit attacking each other. Sunday, Jul 27 at 1:39 PM LADY OF MISHAWAKA wrote ...THE POLICE HAD THE RIGHT TO SHOT HIM. WE DONT NEED ANYMORE OF ARE POLICE MAN AND WOMAN TO DIE THE POLICE ARE VERY GOOD TO EVER ONE THEY PUT THERE LIVES ON THE LINE EVERY DAY SO WHAT HAPPEN TO THAT BANK ROBBER WAS RIGHT THINK TO DO HE POOL THE NIFE OUT ON THEM.FIRST SO KEEP THAT IN MINE I LIKE THE POLICE THEY ARE VERY NICE TO ERVER ONE. SO GOOD JOB SOUTH BEND POLICE YOU HAVE LOTS OF PEOPLE OUT HERE TO SUPPORT YOU EVER DAY. Sunday, Jul 27 at 11:54 AM Proud SBPD wrote ...Kit kat, I try to do the best I can on the job. I consider what I do a career, not just a job. The best satisfaction in the world is catching a real bad guy. Sunday, Jul 27 at 11:44 AM Anonymous wrote ...Amanda, are you really that stupid? Where do you buy your "bleeding heart liberal" shirts? Please go back to California. GOOD JOB SBPD! Sunday, Jul 27 at 10:47 AM jim wrote ...all you armchair police make me sick. shot him in the leg? are you serious? you wouldn't last a week as an officer. Sunday, Jul 27 at 9:27 AM J S wrote ...For commentor Steve, make sure if your ever in trouble, or victim of a crime, don't call the police. After all you just can't trust them! Sunday, Jul 27 at 8:35 AM Susan wrote ...Thank you to the SBPD for the great work you do every day against large obstacles and dangerous people. Now to friends of the robber,did you ever question where he was getting $ (this wasn't his 1st robbery)? Probably not by working. Did you do anything to make him stop or turn him in? Probably not, that would be snitching. You enabled him and in my book you are just as bad for society as he was. Stop the 'don't ask, don't tell' mentality and things may get better around here. Sunday, Jul 27 at 8:01 AM family member of a cop wrote ...I have a family member who is a police officer and I do know many other officers. They put their lives at risk everyday to serve & protect. First the robber was stupid for trying to rob the same bank within a week. Second he was stupid to pull a knife or weapon on a police officer. The robber took a gamble and lost...he got what he deserved. The police officer who shot and killed him did what he had to do. Kudos to all police departments! I appreciate you all!!!! Sunday, Jul 27 at 7:57 AM noname wrote ...For all the cop bashers out there suggesting they taser him or whatever, I'm surprised somebody didn't suggest they throw out their "stop sticks" at him also. The cops did what was needed to be done and I am 1000% behind them. Sunday, Jul 27 at 7:25 AM Kit Kat wrote ...Proud SBPD: by the way you write you are/were a good officer...thanQ Sunday, Jul 27 at 7:08 AM A wrote ...They should send the bill for the bullets to the Mexican government for letting his illegal self to get into the United States. Sunday, Jul 27 at 6:47 AM Steve wrote ...Like so many people who left comments... I do not trust the police or their version of events. That is a very sad statement, but unfortunatly it is true. Sunday, Jul 27 at 6:03 AM PJ wrote ...Bravo!!!! Shoot and kill all of them ---save taxpayers money!!!! Let us not feel sorry for the robber, he was in the wrong! Sunday, Jul 27 at 2:12 AM Anonymous wrote ...Might as well shoot them. It's not like we're going to keep them in jail away from the rest of us. The loved ones of those bank tellers now have one less malfunctioning human to worry about. There's a 99.6 percent chance this person is no stranger to the system. If he'd been taken off the play ground to begin with, he'd still be alive today getting another prison tattoo. If we're going to have our present system, then the only way to have peace is to shoot them whenever we can. Sunday, Jul 27 at 12:22 AM Anonymous wrote ...How many officers have to lose their lives before it's okay to defend themselves? How many officers have family waiting for them to come home at the end of the day alive? All of them! They are out there risking their lives every day to protect you and me. Does anyone say "thank you" for this? If someone was going to attack you with the intent to kill, would you take time to think about how to just injure him, or would you just try to protect yourself? Walk a mile in an officers shoes. Sunday, Jul 27 at 12:19 AM Proud SBPD wrote ...I am proud to be a police officer. I work hard to make a positive difference in the lives of the people I encounter. Will I please everyone in my career? No. There is no more satisfaction in being a good cop and helping those who need it. I am sorry this man forced good decent human being officers to do what is against human nature..taking a life. We train knowing it could happen hoping that it doesn't. Saturday, Jul 26 at 11:31 PM Proud SBPD wrote ...This topic is about the thief who robbed the bank yesterday and paid with his life when he tried to stab an officer. The FORMER cops you mentioned are not the topic here. If convicted, I hope they get all the prison time they deserve. I feel for the family of this thief, but NO ONE but him took the options the police had away. My goal is to do the best I can on street, follow the law and go home at the end of my shift. I have no sympathy for this punk. Saturday, Jul 26 at 10:43 PM Chuck Retired Chicago Officer wrote ...Amanda Lisa my heart goes out to you and your children. Brian has PAID the ultimate price for his mistakes! People there is No Need to crucify him and his family! His debt has been paid! If there was really that many(7-10) shots then they have some explaining to do? Why let him run soooo far without tasing??? Plenty of time to think? Is it true a rookie female officer freaked out????? 7-10 shots??? WOW!!!!!! Waiting for the facts... Saturday, Jul 26 at 10:07 PM Anonymous wrote ...A major problem with our current culture is that we don't have "homes", we have "incomes". If you don't have a good income, you're screwed. If all you have is a home, a city, developers, may decide they want to cover your area with fast food joints. Good bye, home. We don't have homes we can pass on to kids. We don't have homes, we have incomes. And few of us seem to mind being dehumanized this way - too many of us have good incomes. Saturday, Jul 26 at 9:39 PM Lisa wrote ...How many of us are struggling with low paying state jobs or any job, high gas prices, high grocery bills, and even working 2-3 jobs? Are we going around robbing banks, brandishing knives, no we work and struggle to get by, and do without. No sympathy here. Kudos to SBPD! Saturday, Jul 26 at 9:02 PM Disturbed wrote ...The story about not having enough officers only came about because the city had annexed so much property from the county,which was just a stupid move,the addresses with five digits should remain serviced by the county..The city has enough problems controlling the city without having to worry about servicing the county too! Saturday, Jul 26 at 8:56 PM Kit Kate wrote ...Mayor Joe: Yes, there is a lesson...the problem with that the people who need to learn the lesson are not the people on here..they are the young men out cruzing around in the middle of the night shooting each other...or robbing something or someone Saturday, Jul 26 at 8:43 PM Kit Kat wrote ...SBPD: I agree the man was a thief, but I question whether you are an officer. I find it hard to believe an officer would be name calling. Yes, the man was bad, I back the officer(s) for their action. But to name call (scum, punk,idiot) I'm not asking you to be sensitive to the situation, but I question your character as a writter. hmmm, a want to be policeman/woman? Saturday, Jul 26 at 8:33 PM Kit Kat wrote ...Disturbed: I only made the comment because of the story regarding the city not having enough officers. It's great they had such a good turn out when they were in need for help. Saturday, Jul 26 at 8:00 PM Joe wrote ...Very sad a life had to be ended but he knew what he was in for when he did this. And as far as waiting for him to turn and come at the Officers with a knife well sounds to me they gave him all the chances to give up and he didnt so they did what they are trained for and done it well.There is a message here if anyone cares .Crime doesnt pay but you could pay with your life...Is it worth the risk? Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...The relatives and loved ones of the bank tellers and the people who go to that bank are happy. The cops did their job, so the husbands of the bank tellers don't have to hunt down the perp, themselves. Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:35 PM Todd wrote ...Good Job SBPD. And to all you morans out there defending this thug i hope you never need a police officer. Oh and by the way to all of you who think this was over a few hundred dollars it wasn't. Its called the suspect made his own choice to threaten police and he got what he deserved. I guess the cops are just supposed to stand back and not take any action. I guess there supposed to not go home to there famlies at the end of the day because of all you unrealistic people. Get real people. Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:27 PM Amanda wrote ...I would love to know how some of you people are so sure about what happened! We're you there?? Did you know him?? How dare you say he wasn't a good person or father?? He made a bad decision, that's not good of enough reason to me to be dead. How dare you even begin to suggest what to say to his children! Some of you need to read the story again, he didn't hurt anyone, and it was not ok what the cops did to him! I hope the SBPD feels good that his baby will never know him and his son lost his dad Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:23 PM Bro is a cop wrote ...Yes it is unfortunate we do not know what was going on in his life, but the officers knew what was happening in their life when he turned on them, and they made the correct decision. For those who knew what was happening in his life, too bad you did not make a difference so he did not rob a bank. Saturday, Jul 26 at 6:37 PM fNo one wins with lawlessness wrote ...No one won when a police officer was forced, by a man threatening him with a deadly weapon,to shoot his weapon. I hope the violence ends soon. If it does not, the good people who have left, or come to visit for business or to see family/ND will stop coming, and then you will see the city go into depression. The man robbed a bank(they should close that branch and all banks on the west/northwest side of town), then threatened the public. What if he had ran into the Walmart/Meijer? What then? Saturday, Jul 26 at 6:27 PM Nither Side wrote ...KIt Kat I am so glad you said that. I just don't belive a police would say such a thing. This kid has lost his father and the police is calling him names, I don't think so!!! To you rude people don't be so nasty to the girl who said it was her son father. How low can you go? WSBT shame on you for posting some of this stuff. Saturday, Jul 26 at 5:30 PM Amanda wrote ...This was not a violent man! People should learn not to judge so harsh. I'm not defending what he did by all means! That is a horrible and stupid act, but the way things sound it could have been handled a little differently. The story said he handed them a note not put a gun to their head. It also said he was running and could have been tasered then. For the life of me a can't belive he attacked a police officer, although I wasn't there so I'm not going to judge the police or the man who did it. Saturday, Jul 26 at 5:14 PM Amanda wrote ...Please keep in mind this was someone people loved! How can everyone judge him, did you ever think about what he was going on in his life to make him make such a bad decision? Do you think people rob banks for fun? He was very loved and actually one very loving person. Yes he made a VERY bad decision but he didn't deserve to die, and now he will be missed by his children and family more than you know.I wasn't there to judge what the cops did, but I belive a taser should have been considered more. Saturday, Jul 26 at 4:59 PM G wrote ...There are alot of comments about how proud people are that this crook died. Yet when you comment on other violent news some of you seemed so baffled and confused on how our city has become so violent. Read your own comments, your answer lies with in. Hearing about someones death excites some of you. That is disturbing. Cops are policing entire communities that are rapidly declining morally. Its shows in these comments and the news that spawns them. I garuntee deadly force was avoidable. Saturday, Jul 26 at 4:49 PM Anonymous wrote ...Why does everyone hate the policemen? The story reported that the bad guy had turn around and was running toward the police with a knife. The one that has been indicted for the mortage fraud is a completely different story. If you want to complain about bad cops move to Chicago, they are every where. Saturday, Jul 26 at 3:52 PM Anon wrote ...Question for SBPD- If you wre chasing him it would imply he was running away from you, why didn't you tase him then, why wait util he turned and got into your "kill zone". It would seem if you were trying to stop him you would have tased him as he was running AWAY from you as SBPD claim. Why wait until he turned and let him get that close. Just a thought. Saturday, Jul 26 at 3:44 PM Anon Thinker wrote ...I am not defending this criminals actions nor am I saying what SBPD was wrong. But to PROUD SBPD, you are so arrogant. You want to make sure everyone knows this guy was scum for robbing a bank. Now defend the 4 Police Officers who have been charged criminally in Federal court, 2 or 3 were SBPD. One especially for mortgage Fraud. He got alot more than $500.00. By your standards they are scum and should be shot too. Of course they didn't use a knife to commit a crime, they used thier badge. Saturday, Jul 26 at 3:41 PM Mindy wrote ...Come on all of you speaking against the SBPD and get some common sense. These guys are just doing their jobs. If everyone of them quit tommorrow, you would be the first ones to whine about not having any protection from all of the bad guys. You break the law and you try to assault any officer with a deadly weapon you are going to get shot. PERIOD. Everyone knows this, so don't do stupid things! This is real life, NOT TV! Saturday, Jul 26 at 3:23 PM Chris wrote ...It just kills me when people call these creeps and punks "good" in any way, shape or form. NOT! Good riddance, someone else the taxpayer won't have to take to trial & support in prison, 3 squares a day. I am sick of these losers draining society. P.S. I agree, the spelling and grammar I see on this site scares me to death. What do people do the 13 years they spend in school? How about paying attention and doing the work & learning English. Saturday, Jul 26 at 3:16 PM Islander wrote ...Joe Ramon...you're an idiot. So, tell us smart guy. What is your job and how much more real is it than a police officer? We all know you will respond with some elaborate lie. Get over yourself and your inferiority complex. Saturday, Jul 26 at 2:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...Rabid irish fan, you are and IDIOT! But I guess we should have know that just from the irish fan. By the way if thats a notre dame education get your money back and learn how to spell. Saturday, Jul 26 at 2:48 PM Poor Fellow wrote ...This poor guy was just trying to get by. If the government would just take the extra money from the rich and give it to the rest of us he wouldnt have to die. Saturday, Jul 26 at 2:43 PM Andy wrote ...Police are trained to kill NOT wound. If you pull a knife on someone ecspecially a police officer, what would expect is going to happen. Perhaps all of you blaming the police should for ONCE blame the BAD GUY????? Saturday, Jul 26 at 2:31 PM Retired in FL wrote ...To Deputy: I was shot and I don't think it was ant better than being stabbed. I was hit by a hollow point that fragmented in my lower gut doing more damage than a knife. And you idiots please asking why the offender was not shot in the legs. that has been explained several times. Read and learn! Saturday, Jul 26 at 2:27 PM LmNoP wrote ...Again: "shoot him in the leg/knife arm"? What are you, ten? You watch too much TV. If they had been able to wait long enough to shoot him in the leg, the bullet would have passed through the intended target and could have struck an innocent by-stander. Grow up. And, "fatherless", if you can't tell the kid that all actions have consequences, and his "father" choose his own consequences by choosing his own actions, then you aren't fit to be a parent. It's reality lesson # 1. GOOD JOB SBPD!!! Saturday, Jul 26 at 1:56 PM Josh wrote ...The police wanted to kill this guy. It's obvious from everything that happend yesterday!! Some cop will get away with murder now, and some family will lose someone they love over a few lousy dollars!! What are taser guns for? They shoot far enough to stop someone with a dinky knife!! They make it sound like he had a samurai sword or something!! They killed him to send a message to anyone else thinking of robbing a bank anytime soon! What if one of u lost your job, and had no where else to turn? Saturday, Jul 26 at 12:30 PM Disturbed wrote ...Kit Kat i'm sure that there are 2.8 "patrol" officers per beat..However when you here a call of a pursuit,either foot or vehicle,robbery,shots fired..Everybody drops what they are doing and responds that includes off duty officers,officers assigned to special duties..I'm sure there was a county or state officer or two that responded as well,even DNR would have responded had they been in the area,so as you see it doesn't take much for 2.8 to turn into 20 in the blink of an eye :) Saturday, Jul 26 at 12:18 PM Eric wrote ...ATTENTION: All you Police bashers and criminal supporters who have posted. Why don't you go to your bank, withdraw your money and give the scumbag POS a great funeral you must think he deserves (please flush). Put joe ramon in charge of the pall plungers. Sounds like the scumbag is some type of martyr for your type. Those that defend the Police Officers actions are as honerable as the Officers. Those that defend the scumball criminal element are as scummy as the criminal. God Bless America Saturday, Jul 26 at 12:15 PM Proud SBPD wrote ...kit kat, was I wrong when I said this punk was a thief? NO! He was scum to do what he did and paid the price for his actions. I refuse to be upset by the death of a leach on society. Saturday, Jul 26 at 12:04 PM JF wrote ...Thank you SBPD! My family appreciates you. Saturday, Jul 26 at 11:41 AM noname wrote ...Fatherless: I did know him (B.S.) and he had issues all the way back to high school. He had a choice yet he chose to forge ahead with a weapon in his hand. The police are trained to do their jobs, not sit around and wait to see if he would charge. They are trained to take control of the situation and that's just what they did. It's unfortunate of what he did but at least nobody else got hurt. Saturday, Jul 26 at 11:27 AM JF wrote ...Is all the name calling necessary? I'm beginning to think a lot of you don't know how to express yourself any other way. My teenagers read these comments and can't get over all the bad grammar, spelling and unintelligent comments. Saturday, Jul 26 at 11:24 AM Diane Z wrote ...Way to go SBPD. We are so proud of you and your quick response to do the right thing. You have taken one more thug off the streets. Thank you and stay safe. like someone else said, don't punish the offices. They were doing their job: to serve and PROTECT. You are restoring our safety. Bless you SBPD! Saturday, Jul 26 at 11:11 AM Deputy wrote ...I've been stabbed. I'd rather be shot. BTW, police battle lethal weapons with other lethal weapons. A knife is a lethal weapon. Tasers, pepper-spray, and batons are considered less than lethal weapons. Police are allowed to use the proper force to stop the aggression, they can use a force above what they are being threatened. This is called "force of continuum". Therefore, the use of a gun is justifiable against an aggressor with a knife. It doesn't matter how nice they were last week. Saturday, Jul 26 at 11:05 AM ???? wrote ...Why didn't they shoot him in his legs to stop his flight? They are trained shooters, right????? Although, I do not know the ethnicity of the suspect (doesn't matter) there is an apparent racial divide in South Bend. Inner city south bend residents gets a family dollar, minimal road construction, walgreens or sav-a-lot, while mishawaka (grape road) gets multi-million dollar expansions. Judging from the vibe's of the comments posted here I would love to know the percentage of White vs Black??? Saturday, Jul 26 at 10:55 AM Deputy wrote ...JH's remarks on police officers "switching from high school nerd to tough guy" is usually typical from a selfish person who was "the high school bully". "Nerds" as you say, did the right thing in high school and likewise in life. Justice for everyone is their calling, maybe because of the selfish discretionary acts once performed on them from thugs like yourself. Believe me, bully's are easily identifiable on the streets. Your problem is the police are courageous people you can't bully. Saturday, Jul 26 at 10:45 AM Anonymous wrote ...Never a good day one somone has to die, but this was justified. Good job, SBPD. Saturday, Jul 26 at 10:45 AM Sandra wrote ...I support the stance and decision of the SBPD.What is Boykins response to this robbery? Is he waiting for the Mayor or Dieter to and tell him what to say in support of his officers SBPD officers need the support of their leader...NOW!!!!!!!! Saturday, Jul 26 at 10:31 AM get the dirt wrote ...A good dad? How far or much is he behind in child support? Where is he employed? his daddy was a THIEF! Telll your kid his dad loved him but the truth is dad made big mistakes and did wrong and wronged other people so do not do what he did or live the life he did, be a role model for others not a thug. or is your child one of these I have to chase everyday stealing from my stores, which these little thugs are not more then 10-12 years old. doing what their daddies and mommies do best STEAL. Saturday, Jul 26 at 10:25 AM John Monroe wrote ...I have no sorrow for the officer/officers that shot this man. It was just another day on the shooting range/hunting for them. Whether the county lets the theif off or not, no one has the right to take the life of another. Boo Hoo for the officers. They are back at the station laughing bragging who's bullet hit him first. Hold on, whos at my door, OH SBPD, probably ready to shoot me for freedom of speech. Saturday, Jul 26 at 10:24 AM A Friend wrote ...Sorry for your loss,but hmm lets see; I work four jobs. I do not STEAL for a living.. Good dad huh?? Good dads do not go steal from other good dads who work there butts off to support the family or do good dads go around trying to kill cops who by the way are dads too..The cops are doing their job WORKING for a living not stealing and cheating people out of there hard earned possessions.. Think about it if it was your money he was stealing and I'm sure he has stole from you someway or another. Saturday, Jul 26 at 9:37 AM Proud SBPD wrote ...Anonymous 808, what does this article have to do with other bad cops? Of course there are bad cops, few and far between. As long as we hire from the human race we will have the occasional problem officer. These officers did exactly as they were trained and because of that training are alive today and that punk is NOT. Saturday, Jul 26 at 9:25 AM to Lynn wrote ...Unfortunately, there are cop haters on every post. They can all do it better, it wasn't what they would have done and the police are all worthless. The police don't know what they are doing, they say. Yet, if they need them, they are the first to complain when the cops don't show up with in seconds. They say the officers are always in the 7-11 or whatever. I am engaged to a cop in Indy and can tell you all that I am sick of the donut comments and what they could have done better. Apply! Saturday, Jul 26 at 9:16 AM Teresa wrote ...If the police had him surrounded why didn't he throw down his knife and he would not have been shot. If you got life in prison with NO change for parole for robbing then maybe people would not do it. I believe the person who goes to jail should somehow pay for their time in there when they get out. Why should I pay for it. Saturday, Jul 26 at 9:16 AM Kit Kat wrote ...Tom: Yes, they did a story and Mr. Dieter said there are about 2.8 officers on patrol for each beat. Amazing over 20 helped with this. I was on the south side and there were 3 officers that responded to an accident at 3:20 .. where did they all come from? Saturday, Jul 26 at 9:10 AM Kit Kat wrote ...Regarding: SBPD : I can't believe that you are really an officer..because an officer would have respect and not call the dead man a coward and a thief at this time..I really question if you are who you say you are. Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:48 AM Kit Kat wrote ...Fatherless: I'm very sorry for the death of your son. I do understand that you had no control over what he did things. Even though your son broke the law and was killed he was still your son. And you did love him. I hope your grandson will understand what has happened and does not blame the police. {peace} Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:45 AM Caroljean wrote ...Compliments to the SBPD on a job well done. I support you all the way. Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:33 AM Tom wrote ...Didn't WSBT just do a story on this area casue there are not enough police cars or beats to cover the town. Does anyone from the police know about this Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:33 AM David wrote ...fatherless. you DID mention that his father was caught robbing a bank, not ONCE, but TWICE?? right? which, BTW...makes him an idiot, because after he got done robbing the bank, he RAN. IDIOT, IDIOT, IDIOT!! ! Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:26 AM Lynn wrote ...I'm INCENSED at the anti-police comments made on this post. I CANNOT BELIEVE that some of you actually call yourselves intelligent. I ask that you anti-police ask to do a ride along with the police some night and find out what they do and how often they have to use force. You anti-police make me sick. I hope you're lives are never threatened and the police have to use force to save your sorry life. Police officers don't like having to use force much less having to take a life. Read up on police. Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:23 AM copswife wrote ...To Joe Ramon: You are the most disgusting person to post a blog. I sure as hell hope you never need assistance from a police officer. Of course you probably have been in so much trouble with the law, that's why your so negative. Oh and by the way, a lot of the officers do have an education and it is a real job. Like in the war they tell you, "Kill or be killed". Sounds like you are the scumbag!!! Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:19 AM WOW wrote ...Fatherless: This guy had serious issues. He was on drugs and had been since high school. Did you forget to mention a year or so ago, he was held up in his parents house and the police had to talk him out? He made a choice and unfortunately it was a bad choice. What about the safety of the police officers? Yes he had a big knife and it would only took one of them to be stabbed. Sorry, I have no sympathy for the robber, but great respect for the police. Great job SBPD. Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:18 AM H wrote ...Did your baby daddy have a job or just rob banks for a living? Do you have a job? Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:18 AM to fatherless wrote ...Boo Hoo. Did you tell the kid why?? I bet not. One less thug on the streets that we have to worry about. And now, we don't have to pay for his room and board, either. Great job, SBPD. A little more of this will maybe get the message across. Everyone is tired of not being able to sit on their own front porch!! Saturday, Jul 26 at 7:08 AM Anonymous wrote ...OMG, for all of you people who defend the police constantly in here- do bad police not exist in your mind? What is it going to take for you to see there is a problem here? Do you personally have to be hurt or assaulted by the police? Do you want to wait that long? Now, I am not saying that what the officer did is wrong. I am just saying that wait until an investigation is complete and all the facts are out. However, the problem in SB is that the police cover for each other. Saturday, Jul 26 at 6:40 AM Proud SBPD wrote ...I am sorry your baby's daddy is dead, but he made the decision when he charged at an armed officer. You idiots who have never been in such a situation have no clue what being a cop is like in this day and age. I am proud of my career and the men and women I work with one daily basis. This punk would be alive if he had just laid down when told to stop, but he did not. These officers will live with this for the rest of their lives. Tell your baby his dad died a coward and thief. Saturday, Jul 26 at 1:59 AM Another one bites the dust wrote ...Great fathers don't go out robbin banks, AND I bet you did not tell your 7 year old son that his GREAT FATHER GOT SHOT ROBBIN THE BANK. He'll tell his friends at school Oh!!! My Daddy makes a living ROBBIN BANKS!!! That's really great education to teach a kid. LIKE FATHER LIKE SON!!!!! Saturday, Jul 26 at 1:57 AM Earl wrote ...He was your son's father, huh? Was he your husband or just your son's father? Friday, Jul 25 at 11:23 PM fatherless wrote ...For all you people calling him an idiot, this was my son's father. He was not a bad person at all, I don't know what was going through his mind at the time. He was a great father he loved his son very much! He made a stupid mistake. There is no reason for these nasty comments. I just had to tell my 7 year old son his father is dead. Please show some respect. You did not know him. Friday, Jul 25 at 10:47 PM Salem wrote ...Recently I have rsponded to articles re: SBPD in the negative. I stand by my remarks, the reason is bad cops are what is going to make this a hard time for this officer to recover from the negative comments. There is a neighbor boy who wants to be a cop and can't because he is disabled. He would give anything to be a cop and can't. That is why I get upset when I hear some of you complain. As the robber today chose his path, so did you when you chose to be a cop. Serve with honor. I did. Friday, Jul 25 at 10:40 PM Salem wrote ...No one wins in this type of incident. The criminal who chose to put himself in this situation did, no matter the reason, and the police officer who was forced to end his life instead of being killed by the bank robber. None of you know exactly what you would do in this situation. As a police officer you are usually in fight or flight mode. Now 2 person's futrues have changed. I will pray for both. To the officer who had to shoot, I pray especially for you. You did what you needed to do. Friday, Jul 25 at 10:40 PM Back to Basics wrote ...This is the closest thing to a hanging in the town square there has been for MANY years. I am so glad to see it get so much attention! Poor actions have sometimes dire consequences. I am very much for the Cowboy State approach. Let's get back to basics and make a spectacle of wrong-doers. It really sends a message! Friday, Jul 25 at 10:37 PM Mark wrote ...GEESHH.. MAKE UP YOUR MINDS You complain that the thugs steal you blind and South Bend is like Gary now one less bad guy idiot off the street no tax dollars wasted or giving him free room and board. I think they should start doing the eye for a eye.. quit complaining about everything get a life.. GO SBPD... Keep up the good work the thugs will start to think before they act.. And some of you complaining the cops was in the wrong I bet if this guy broke in your house and you had a gun, hmm bang! Friday, Jul 25 at 10:30 PM Trebor wrote ...How Sad, that someone is dead over a few hundred bucks. Will probably cost the city a million by the time the family sues. I pray for the officers who had to kill this idiot! and the idiots family. Friday, Jul 25 at 10:27 PM Heather wrote ...To JH: You are right, just Taser him and let him keep reoffending when he gets out of jail in two or three days. You ASSUME this guy had not killed anyone but how do you know? He was carrying a knife! I do not carry a long knife around at 2 or 3 in the afternoon, do you? Friday, Jul 25 at 10:22 PM Jamie wrote ...TO all of you who keep bashing the officers for their decision to shoot: South Bend/ St. Joe Cty is NOTORIOUS for letting thugs off with the slap of a hand. Many repeat offenders think it's funny when they go to court over and over again - they're practically on 1st name basis with the judges. Our court system is weak. We need stiffer penalties. And by the way - this thug wasn't killed over a few hundred dollars. He was a repeat offender who threatened innocent lives and the SBPD. Friday, Jul 25 at 9:43 PM Jerry - South Bend wrote ...South Bend Police are not trigger happy, if the South Bend Police were trigger happy they were of shot and killed all of those people that have shot South Bend Police Officers in the last ten years!!! Also think about this, since that bank robber was shot and killed in Niles, they hasn't been a bank robbery in Niles! Friday, Jul 25 at 9:36 PM father wrote ...stop wasting money on tazers !!! and how far would you go to feed your kins ???? would you do this if it is was the last option ? to feed the kids ? Friday, Jul 25 at 9:34 PM dave wrote ...one less criminal to take care of. Score; cops 1 bad guys 0. Friday, Jul 25 at 9:31 PM Joe Ramon wrote ...MOST police are scumbags. Eager to kill someone and given the right to do so because they have a badge. Get an education and get a real job and quit killing someones son. God will have the last laugh. Friday, Jul 25 at 9:28 PM impressed wrote ...This story has produced the most posted comments I have ever seen. I am not for killing but when people take aim with a weapon on a cop, that cop has the right to draw and fire. If this happens more often, allot of thugs and criminals will think twice before doing such stupid stunts and thinking they can rob anybody with no consequences. If I WAS A COP, and somebody had a knife and wanted to take me down, that person would eat a bullet. Friday, Jul 25 at 9:28 PM Mike B. wrote ...To all you defending the SBPD, what if this was your father, brother, son, friend? I bet you would have a different view. It used to be that officers did the respectable thing and brought criminals to justice. Now all you tough guys out there (officers and the jokers below that defend them), will get what is coming to you in judgement day. Bottom line, there is NO excuse for not tazing him, pepper spray, etc. NONE. Say what you want tough guys. Friday, Jul 25 at 9:23 PM JH wrote ...The guy was after money--not someones life. If he wanted to kill someone, he had ample opportunity. It is amazing, you give a man a badge and tell them they have the right to kill someone and suddenly they switch from high school nerd to being a tough guy. I thought tazers were invented for that purpose. Bring the man to justice the right way. It is NO man right to take another mans life. You could say an eye for an eye--but then again, the man did not kill anyone or even attempt to. Friday, Jul 25 at 9:19 PM Deputy wrote ...These are very difficult times for everyone involved. Only the gullible would think they would have handled it differently even without police training. As far as the people complaining about the number of officers responding to an armed robbery...they caught him. 1,2 or 20 officers it worked. No innocent person or officers were hurt. End of story. Friday, Jul 25 at 9:15 PM SB wrote ...Another thought. How many of you would have called this officer a "hero" if he was struggling with this felon and was killed?? Enough of the double standard. Friday, Jul 25 at 9:09 PM lawerence wrote ...It just show the police pick and choose. A knife vs a gun. Why didn't they taze him? I guess the way you look will decide whether you get taze or shot dead. Good job. NOT! Friday, Jul 25 at 9:08 PM to Rabid Irish wrote ...For pete's sake, what did you want the officers to do? Take the guy to lunch?? Friday, Jul 25 at 8:43 PM Heather wrote ...WNDU and WSBT have very different stories as to what happened directly following the incident. I am not sure who was correct but I think that the facts should be verified before a news story is run instead of trying to get a jump on being the first to report it. Anyway, I am glad justice was served here and this criminal is off the streets for good. It sounds like his attempts had become more aggressive and could have escalated to killing someone-if he had not already. Friday, Jul 25 at 8:33 PM ABOUT TIME wrote ...Thank you they need to do this all the and we would have less crime and pay less taxs for jails This is REAL GREAT CRIME PREVENTION! Thank you Again SBPD. we need more like them. Friday, Jul 25 at 8:19 PM law wrote ...I'm just glad that something happened to get the focus off of that baby killer woman! That was making me sick! I say, yea, another piece of trash thug bits the dust. One less for us to worry about! Way to go SBPD! Friday, Jul 25 at 7:41 PM Patrick M. wrote ...Good for the South Bend police. One less POS of the street. Good Job. Friday, Jul 25 at 7:37 PM SB TAXPAYER wrote ...If the suspect would have exited the BANK after ROBBING it and laid on the ground, he would have been interviewed and taken to jail just like ALL the recent past bank robbers. It was the suspect's choice to flee and attack at officers, The officers reacted to the SUSPECTS ACTIONS. REMEMBER: The ARMED ROBBER / FELON made the choice not to surrender when he exited the bank. Friday, Jul 25 at 7:15 PM Wendy wrote ...Good Job SBPD. One less scumbag loafing in prison on my tax dollars...WAAA WAAA.....I don't EVEN want to hear bleeding heart liberals make excuses for this dirtbag bank robber and what a tough life he had. Alot of folks have a rough life, but they don't rob banks, and they are a contributing member of society...not some loser. Friday, Jul 25 at 6:42 PM Frank wrote ...All you liberals out there criticizing the cops like Rabid Irish Fan: You have no idea how little justice there is in this county with lenient judges and knifings, shootings,Burglaries to buy drugs. The cops pick up the same crooks all the time, just to see them back on the streets, stealing to buy more drugs. And our wimpy do-nothing mayor and useless city council wrings their hands and plan more community programs,while cops get shot at. Sooner or later, some druggie was gonna get shot. Friday, Jul 25 at 6:35 PM Just so you know wrote ...He was the same idiot that robbed that bank last friday. He got what he deserved Friday, Jul 25 at 6:24 PM Disturbed wrote ...God's Angel when you have deadly force used against you,police are trained to shoot at the largest mass that being the upper torso,not small areas like arms,legs or heads..You want to stop the attack not take a chance of missing and still being attacked as far as tazer use goes, it may or may not have stopped him. I personally wouldn't want to take the chance and it's also about escalation of force. Friday, Jul 25 at 6:18 PM Anonymous wrote ...For one thing, the Police are not the ones putting the information out there and reporting it so if the sory changes, try blaming the news services. BTW, WSBT got it right the first time. Second, Rabid Irish, I hope some thug pulls a knife on you sometime, bet you'll wish you had a gun. Idiot! Friday, Jul 25 at 6:17 PM Larry wrote ...The stupidity of some of the comments from the anti-police and liberal "shoot him in the leg" crowd simply amazes me. There were Not 20 cops "surrounding" the man. Only a couple. He attacked with a knife from a few feet away. An average man, from 21 feet away, can stab you in just over a second. ONE SECOND. Tase him?..that's laughable. If just one dart misses the cop is DEAD. Shoot him in the leg..well its clear some of you never fired a gun at a moving target let alone 1 who's trying to kill u Friday, Jul 25 at 6:11 PM LmNoP wrote ...You know, the real scary thing here is how delusional some of the comments are. Too much television, I'd guess. "Shoot in the leg?" "Shoot the knife out of his hand?" -so the bullet could pass all the way through the intended target and kill an innocent passerby, I suppose. Idiots. Besides, illiterate morons, he had just pulled a knife in a bank and had taken money- so, yes, he WAS A ROBBER and DANGEROUS. And this was just the consequence of his own choices. Your consequences are your choice. Friday, Jul 25 at 6:04 PM Be Good and Live wrote ...In my youth, I used to hunt. With age comes more respect for life, any life. Today I cringe at the thought of killing a mouse or even a spider. Life lost, God created. Most of us have never been put to the test of whether we could kill human life for good reason. Could you kill a burglar, a rioter, someone you witness assaulting a stranger? I hope I never have to make that choice. In a peaceful, orderly world there's no need. But we are rapidly devolving into a law of the jungle situation. Friday, Jul 25 at 5:55 PM Sally wrote ...Only a knife? OJ only had a knife too! Thank you SBPD for your valiant and couraegous work. South Bend has one less crook to worry about. Had he been caught he would have cost us taxpayers a fortune for his upkeep. If he was stupid enoughto carry a knife and threaten the hard working citizens of South Bend, then he gt what he desrved. This is real CRIME PREVENTION! Thank you Again SBPD. And please do not tkae them off duty for an investigation, we need more like them. Friday, Jul 25 at 5:44 PM Rabid Irish Fan wrote ...South Bend Police are triger happy! Friday, Jul 25 at 5:42 PM Earl M. wrote ...Give up you potential robbers and purse snatchers. God will judge you in heaven but on earth you will suffer a loss of life. Why you want so much money anyway? Are you on drugs? Do you need some help? Friday, Jul 25 at 5:37 PM Kit Kat wrote ...Jodie: I'm glad the police did what they needed..it's concern me that the man did not have a gun..this has to stop. (Thank you SBPD) Ask for Kathy...she should be in jail due to DNA..but I understand what the jury had to do..I've been in that situation before..you know they are guilty..but not with what they are being charged.. Friday, Jul 25 at 5:26 PM T Gaskill wrote ...I was arrested 6 months ago? News to me. You need to check with your friends at SBPD. A few of them know me "minime" at 4:20 PM and 5:26. Friday, Jul 25 at 5:23 PM Jodi wrote ...For those of you complaining that the cops shot and killed this man are probably the same ones complaining because Kathy Phillips didn't go to jail. Friday, Jul 25 at 5:20 PM E wrote ...By the way, just for information purposes of those who think a knife is not dangerous to an officer, a knife will easily penetrate body armor vests. They are made to stop bullets, a high speed deforming projectile. Knives are low speed, non-deforming projectiles and will pass right through a vest. This is why they make separate bullet vests and stab vests - they are completely different and cannot cross cover. You can find the same info online. Now which is more dangerous to an officer? Friday, Jul 25 at 5:20 PM Troy wrote ...How about a few drinks to celebrate!! Friday, Jul 25 at 5:18 PM No Mrecy Here wrote ...If he wanted to gamble against a gun ;then so be it.SBPD thanks for taking out the trash and removing this scum from my city!!!! Friday, Jul 25 at 5:15 PM stinkee wrote ...Yes. . shoot more crooks! Friday, Jul 25 at 5:15 PM E wrote ...I find it entertaining that people are caught up on whether this person actually was planning to hold up the bank or not. The facts we have so far are as follows: individual ran from police, police pursued, individual displayed a deadly weapon (knife or gun), police responded with deadly force. Sounds like the way things should go to me. Belive it or not, everyone's life is not worth the same amount. The life of a person who pulls a weapon on an officer is not worth what the officer's is. Friday, Jul 25 at 5:15 PM Anonymous wrote ...UMMM to WTF he did rob the bank if you read the story right you would have gotten that. The man was in the wrong and the officers felt threatened. Good job to the officers, another thug off the streets. Friday, Jul 25 at 5:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...To to the people who said he had only a knife... Let me highlight a little a foreign police work: In most european countries, the threat officers face is through knives. In fact, they train specifically to disarm perps with knives. Now, let's go to this thing: the knife was (1) long and (2) able to penetrate the vests. Get real people. You don't live in a "happy world." We live in a dangerous world where the officers are paid to protect us. And that means taking a life. They don't like doing it. Friday, Jul 25 at 5:04 PM Anonymous wrote ...Ask any police officer about his training and he'll train you they are trained to hit the biggest part of the party---the torso. And in fact, they aren't trained to "wound." They're not necessarily trained to kill, but they are trained to eliminate "threat." Friday, Jul 25 at 5:03 PM chief992212 wrote ...this is all bull. the SBPD pick on people that aren't a threat to them...who brings a knife to a gun fight and wins?? they knew he couldn't do them no harm they just trigger happy tryin to get some publicity for takin down a "bank robber" white or black. i bet if i shot some one who pulled a knife on me i could't convince the jury that it was self-defense so why do police officers get to shoot and kill unpunished.the GOV. doing whatever they please and tellin us we cant do the same..?? Friday, Jul 25 at 5:01 PM hmmmmmmmmmm wrote ...now they say he attacked 2 officers come on sbpd get your stories straigh quit changin it Friday, Jul 25 at 4:54 PM Sam wrote ...If you have someone coming at you with ANY type of instrument (be it a gun, knife, paper clip, pencil, etc) do you remotely THINK you will have time to take such an accurate aim to wound someone in the leg?? HELL NO. As one person stated, if its between you and me and you bring a knife to a gunfight, you WILL LOSE!! Let all the other THUGS out there take note of this happening. If an officer is threatened with ANY type of weapon he IS TRAINED TO SHOOT TO KILL - get it?!! Friday, Jul 25 at 4:49 PM RELIEVED wrote ...Great job SBPD! These bottom feeders have got away for way to long. my wife works for FSB just transfering from the portage branch. It brings some relief knowing that maybe, just maybe the next loser may think twice before robbing a bank. This guy took a risk and lost. You don't swing a knife at someone with a gun cop or not! We all have to make decisions,he just happened to make a very poor one. One Down!!!! keep the fire burning SBPD, and get them all Friday, Jul 25 at 4:48 PM brian wrote ...there was no reason to kill the man, ok so he had a weapon but still, take out his knee. no one can justify killing the man. shoot more of them? them who exactly? who are we to judge! Friday, Jul 25 at 4:48 PM Reality wrote ...They order him to drop the knife several times. Does he obey? No! Instead he begins approaching them still armed with the knife. Additional commands to stop and drop it are ignored. Rules of force COMMAND they use lethal force against him for their own safety. This isn't tv b.s. where you try to shoot the knife out of his hand, this is REAL LIFE- something most of you with Cheeto dust all over your fingers, face, and the front of your XXXL shirt aren't familiar with. Friday, Jul 25 at 4:48 PM common sense wrote ...GROWING UP IN LAPORTE COUNTY,I FULLY SUPPORT THE JURY VERDICT FOR KATHY PHILLIPS AND HER FAMILY!! I ALSO FULLY SUPPORT THE SBPD FOR TAKING THIS SCUMBAG OUT OF THIS WORLD!! HOWEVER MANY NAYSAYERS THERE ARE LIVING IN SOUTH BEND AND MISHIWAKA, I HOPE YOU DID NOT HAVE TO GROW IN LIVING IN MICHIGAN CITY OR LAPORTE!! Friday, Jul 25 at 4:45 PM hmmmmmmmmm wrote ...ok so i wanna no if he did rob first source were is the cple hundred he took they didnt show or tell us anything bout that Friday, Jul 25 at 4:45 PM Reality wrote ...There are so many idiots on here I don't know where to begin. Officers have a 'force continum' telling them what is appropriate. In this case, the suspect is armed with a knife- a deadly weapon. Rules dictate "force 1", meaning they don't use 'less' or 'equal' force they're confronted with, but 1 level above. So, moron bank robber robs the bank with the knife, runs from the police and during chase the dye packs explode in his pockets. He gets tired, turns to confront the chase officers. Friday, Jul 25 at 4:38 PM Z wrote ...The police didnt kill him because he robbed the bank or they thought he robbed it! They shot him because he had a weapon and threatened them! Hello stupid! If he wouldnt have fled and then became confrontational with a weapon, he would still be alive...He forced the cops to shoot him. Thank you SBPD for protecting us! Friday, Jul 25 at 4:34 PM wise one wrote ...you people are happy that someone lost there life...thats sick....we were not there and actually do not know what happened..do you honestly think a knife weilding man would try to take down 20 armed officers...be realistic....the cops can be just as corrupt as the perp is...this guy was probably shot numerous times...i believe in justice ..but i dont think it was served today Friday, Jul 25 at 4:34 PM Steve-O wrote ...Kitty maybe you can get a job on the SBPD force. So that you can help control those losers in Koontz Lake Friday, Jul 25 at 4:32 PM Steve-O wrote ...Maybe some of my boys (SBPD) can go down to Koontz Lake & take care of some business. Friday, Jul 25 at 4:26 PM Gaskill wrote ...Misty who cares..JAN pulled something. We'll worry about that later. The issue here is that he was about to rob a bank. Possibly kill someone innocent. Good Job My Boys Friday, Jul 25 at 4:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...God have mercy on the officer that took that mans life! Friday, Jul 25 at 4:17 PM HMMMMMMM wrote ...ok so i was on my way to that bank n i forgot my id at that same time so i decided to go to auldis man am i lucky buttttt how do u guys no that he was gonna rob the bank he was in line y the hell u guys gonna make up storieds now im sure yALL GONNA KEEP CHANGING IT SO SBPD WONT GET SUED Friday, Jul 25 at 4:14 PM WTF??????????? wrote ...I knew that story would change real quick, now all the sudden he did rob it huh?? WOW Friday, Jul 25 at 4:10 PM Steve-O wrote ...Good job guys. I was mad at you when you arrested me during my pimp years. But, now I am so thankful that The Lord has put you in front of my life. It was JAN anyway!. Good Job. Friday, Jul 25 at 4:10 PM SB wrote ...Sorry for the family, but to the people complaining about him being shot...if this was the same guy, what if he became more agressive in his attempts and it was you or your family member working at the bank? What if he ran Wal-mart next door and grabbed you as a hostage as he tried to flee? Dramatic I know but think about it. It happens every day. People complain SBPD does not do enough but when they actually do the right thing, people criticize them. There is no happy medium. Friday, Jul 25 at 4:05 PM Anonymous wrote ...The cops handled this wrong. They should have calmed the guy down, brought him something like a cool iced tea to drink, maybe give him a little money that he tried to steal or maybe a new car. Yeah, that's what they should have given him! After all, he probably had a bad childhood and it was not his fault that he did this. I'm sure he could have been rehabilitated and made a productive member of society. We are all bad people because this guy turned out like he did. Bad South Bend! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:55 PM anonOmus wrote ...GET ER DONE!!! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:54 PM Jamie wrote ...To all those who are angry the perp got shot...would you rather he killed an innocent bystander at the bank? Or a police officer? Hello...HE had a weapon...knife or gun - not sure. However, he stole money from the bank AGAIN. Too bad...hope it was worth it for him! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:51 PM WTF?????????? wrote ...Are you serious? So let me get this right! There was over 20 units, he was in line, not robbing the bank & they think that is the guy who did it before? He ran & only had a knife. & they killed him? This story will probably change real soon, when his family files a suit! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...Good job Police!!!! We need to get this city under control! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:49 PM Misty wrote ...I'd like to know the facts for a change! WNDU is reporting that this scumbag pulled a GUN!! But WSBT is reporting he pulled a knife!!????? SO WHAT ARE THE REAL FACTS? Friday, Jul 25 at 3:48 PM Sue wrote ...Yes, just read the other one. Two very different reports. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:45 PM JH wrote ...No justification for what the man did, but come on SBPD, you have 20 officers and 1 guy with a knife? You better be glad I am not the family member or friend of this individual. You are nothing but trigger happy. God will give you what is coming to you. This man obviously had issues or else he would not have robbed a bank. But he is still a person that has a soul. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:44 PM yes wrote ...im glad he was shot and killed too.. just means less money out of my pocket holding another criminal in jail.. maybe if all criminals were shot in the act, they would all change their minds about doing evil deeds and pick up up a book and get educated and get a real job Friday, Jul 25 at 3:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...Wow! That didn't take long before the liberal loonie losers got upset that this piece of scum was killed. I'm glad he was killed! Losers! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:39 PM undecided wrote ...South Bend Police have shot and killed a man who they believe may be responsible for robbing two banks last week, including the 1st Source Bank on Portage Avenue. "shot and killed who they believe robbed"...what if he was innocent??? Friday, Jul 25 at 3:37 PM Steve-O wrote ...Shoot now ask questions later.... Friday, Jul 25 at 3:36 PM I'm sorry! wrote ...To the officer who shot the suspect. I'm sorry you will have to live with that, but thank you for doing your job. You are to be commended. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:36 PM fearlessfemaleofthepeloton wrote ...unless you were there you just don't know what went down. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...South Bend Police have shot and killed a man who they believe may be responsible for robbing two banks last week, including the 1st Source Bank on Portage Avenue. "Shot and killed who they believe robbed".....what if he wasn't??? Friday, Jul 25 at 3:29 PM Anonymous2 wrote ...Sunshine I read the same thing....truth is we'll never know what he REALLY had. The police will stick together on this. A GUN sounds better. We weren't there. They always do and get away with murder all too often. We thank them for doing their jobs....then thank me for doing mine! Police officers know the good and bad that come with their jobs. They may serve but they don't always protect!! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:26 PM Ted wrote ...There really is no such thing as shooting in the leg in this kind of situation - unless you are a sharpshooter and not in harms way. Quit watching so many movies morons. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:26 PM Jeanie wrote ...None of you were there so shut up!!! You have no idea what you are talking about you just have nothing better to do!!!!!!!!! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:24 PM Misty wrote ...To all you morons who are asking, "Why did they have to shoot him?"; Unless you were there, shut the hell up!!!!!!!!!!! You have no clue as to what happened!! As for our GREAT SBPD; GREAT JOB!!!!! Thankfully nobody was hurt. At least we have one scumbag off the streets!!! Let the others beware! Next time it could be you!!! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:23 PM Huh?` wrote ...20 officers on the scene? Not necessary, they don't have anything to do as is thats why so many can afford to leave other crimes unattended. OH I forgot that safety in numbers thing...As you can see it only took one to take him down. They left too much opportunity for someone else to get away with.....MURDER, RAPE, MORE ROBBEIES? A cut is still necessary, that many responding to one bank robbery is ridiculus--go kill everyone that commits a crime is what I'm reading. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:23 PM Jane wrote ...Wolf4d, first of all you have none of the details. 2nd, have you ever had a knife pulled at you or one of your friends in your presence? 3rd, I would like to see you tase someone coming at you with a knife. 4th, please think and respect others before making comments. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:22 PM Deb wrote ...Hip Hip Hooray!!! Justice has been served! I'd love to give this officer an award! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:21 PM Annonymous wrote ...GET A JOB!! Are there jobs to be found? Shoot more of them?? This is an example ofjust how racist our society is. Instead of killing, I agree that an alternative could have been better. Someone lost a son, possibly a father, brother, or uncle. Crime doesn't pay, but killing doesn't either, especially when one is surrounded by gun happy cops!! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:20 PM T Gaskill wrote ...Good Job fellas. I am so grateful for the South Bend Force. Yea, they arrested me 6mos. ago. But, I have turned my life around because of this. Good Job boys. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:19 PM Susan wrote ...okay wolf4d, you go taze him and let him stab you in the carotid artery. Then you'd be wondering why no one shot him. If he was armed, he obviously was prepared to injure or kill whoever got in his way. WAY TO GO SBPD!!! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:19 PM Portage Worker wrote ...To "annanymous": It isn't that we are happy that someone died, we are happy that a criminal was apprehended. If you have ever been affected by a robbery, or victim of a robbery you would understand. It is justice. Good to see that the bad guy got caught and no innocent persons were killed or hurt. PS You spelled Anonymous wrong. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:14 PM Sunshine wrote ...Now...I just read on another news station site (WNDU) that he pulled a gun...what is the truth? Friday, Jul 25 at 3:12 PM Just Me... wrote ...I agree with "wolfe4d", they should have tased him first, AND THEN SHOT HIM! Friday, Jul 25 at 3:08 PM God's Angel wrote ...The officers could have just shot him in the leg or used the stun gun. Friday, Jul 25 at 3:05 PM Susie wrote ...Give a cheer for the cops who didn't hesitate to shoot the criminal. Maybe if more criminals were shot there wouldn't be so much crime on our city streets. |
Friday, Aug 22 at 8:24 PM Retired Cop wrote ...
Too many shots to the back to justify????????????? NO WONDER this was hush hush and NO Witnesses? I hope the family lawyer gets some answers because the cops have killed this man! I think they shot him in the back in the heat of things...Then covered it by 3 to chest LAST!!! Simply too many shots in the back to justify! I don't believe he had a knife either? His note claimed gun? Knife got planted after they screwed up. Brian weighed 230 lbs. NO WAY to spin him around with a bullet to leg?