Posted by stand828 on October 2, 2007 at 2:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good Lord, it just gets crazier by the day out there.

Posted by 1300dreamz on October 2, 2007 at 3:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a clear example of how bad crime is in the area. Officer Brown could have easily been killed over bumping into this guy. I'm sure that if he didnt look up in time to see Rivers coming toward his car with the handgun, Rivers would have no doubt emptied a clip into Brown's body. Thanks to his quick reaction he was only shot in the leg. It could have been much worse. This is why I firmly believe in the right to carry concealed weapons.

Posted by orpheus on October 2, 2007 at 3:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Man it seems like all of charleston county and the cities are turning into one huge cesspool. it is sad i grew up there and it really pains me to read how violent and nasty it has gotten in the 15 years. i hope they get their head out of the sand and find some solutions.

Posted by lillycollette on October 2, 2007 at 4:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am refraining from commenting on the shooting incident with no more to go on than the issues as presented in this article. However, I can agree with Marc Knapp’s comment, the shooting could have been avoided if judges weren't lenient with repeat offenders. "The judges are just out of control with this stuff," he said.

I have been arguing for a long time that our judiciary is out of control. Whether or not they were in this particular case does not change the general fact that they are out of control. Even the legislature has voiced a need for judicial reform.

I do wish Mr. Brown a speedy recovery.

Posted by MC29461 on October 2, 2007 at 5:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"State probation officers had been searching for Rivers since April, when he failed to report to a parole program for youthful offenders."

BS

Ask any street cop who will confirm that the SC Department of Probation and Parole is staffed with political appointees whose primary goal each day is to determine where to meet for coffee. Watch for the understaffed, overworked and underpaid excuse to appear in the news reports.

Also don’t be too quick to blame the judges for this type of problem (but they do hold blame in many other areas). Once criminals have been convicted in SC they fall off the public's radar screen and there is little accountability put on Probation and Parole officers to actually ensuring parolees complete their sentences.

This suspect like the majority of suspects frequent the same hangouts as before and can easily be found after the 8-5 workday if only the probation officers would come out after dark and do the simplest detective work.

The Charleston community needs to think long and hard about what might have happened if Officer Brown had not had his weapon available to defend himself or if the average citizen had been in his place when the suspect went on this senseless rampage.

Obviously his time in prison did NOT reform him from carrying a weapon illegally.

Posted by whalernut on October 2, 2007 at 5:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How long will it be before he is out again?
And as a rule I dont go past or under that I26 over pass unless I have to.
Real bad part of town.

Time to do something in that area Mayor!
Maybe Noisette can buil a wall or something.

Posted by poorboy on October 2, 2007 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Take a better look at Ofc Brown P&C... I hope he has a speedy recovery.

Posted by hotrod2007 on October 2, 2007 at 7:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you poorboy ... ???? It appears that this incident got out-of-control and something is missing.

Posted by mggoose2000 on October 2, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And the far left want to disarm American citizens! Prison and the threat of going back to prison didn't stop this "thug" from having a gun nor deter his willingness to use it in a brazen attempt to kill.

When are the likes of Schumer, Brady, Kennedy and others going to realize that we are at war, here in our own country? I would guess that when one of them is shot at in a similar situation, they might realize the plight of the average American citizen; it's not safe to go unarmed!

Remember the police shooting and killing the drug dealer at the mall? This shooting also happened in a public place. The "thugs" are getting more and more brazen wtih their crimes and there aren't enough police to monitor it.

Posted by lyfe1999 on October 2, 2007 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

poorboy & hotrod2007,

You guys must not, can not understand the mentallity of these young thugs out here who on a bad day will shoot you for looking at them the wrong way. I guess you would have just let him empty a clip into your belly while you sat there helplessly. This incident was unfortunate, but what would you have done?

The education system in Charelston is producing criminals instead of producing a skilled labor force. The justice system certainly needs to be fixed to prevent a guy like this this who obviously is not rehabilitated from re-entering society, but that's only part of the problem. Education in the schools and while in jail can go a long way in eliminating this element from our society.

Posted by jrobinson on October 2, 2007 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This incident should be an eye opener to some people. Mainly, those of you who like to talk trash, and flip people off because you feel invinsible sitting up high in that big SUV. You never know what type of person you're dealing with, so its best to keep your mouth shut, and continue on your way, cause some people will kill you for looking at them wrong. Also, lets not make Officer Brown an innocent hero yet, because I don't believe for one second that this guy went and got a gun for no reason. He must have said something to warrant that reaction. He's from the East Side of Charleston, so he knows that he can't go in the Hood trying to punk people.

Posted by mdtpace on October 2, 2007 at 8:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jrobinson, what could Brown have said to "warrant that reaction". That's ridiculous. This POS Rivers should be locked away for good. I am not saying Brown is without fault. He showed a lack of intelligence by not being able to resolve this some other way, like by showing his badge. Maybe he is at fault, too, but nothing he said would justify getting a gun.

Posted by Early on October 2, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

21 and in the youth program? A young black male in N Charleston carrying a gun? More black on black violence. Where is Al and Jesse? Will they march to put an end to this senseless violence? This is EVERYDAY in the news.
Sound racist doesn't it. It's not, it's a plea to the black community to reach out to all resources and pull together for a cause that is destroying your culture. For all the many, many good black folks out there please help your race; don't let thugs like this represent what you believe in and what others think of you. That's it in a nutshell but most are too afraid to say it.
As far as the whites go, we are not close enough as a race to bond together for almost any cause. When is the last time you saw or heard of a large group of white protesters getting together for a cause?

Posted by robert8096 on October 2, 2007 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When are the likes of Schumer, Brady, Kennedy and others going to realize that we are at war, here in our own country? I would guess that when one of them is shot at in a similar situation, they might realize the plight of the average American citizen; it's not safe to go unarmed!

You can bet big $$$ that the above people will not be without armed protection weather it be body guards or CWP.

Education in the schools and while in jail can go a long way in eliminating this element from our society.

For some crimes I agree but a well placed round would have saved the taxpayer a few $$$.

He's from the East Side of Charleston, so he knows that he can't go in the Hood trying to punk people.

There is no conversation or argument that is bad enough to call for a armed response. Rivers came out with a gun and got what he deserved. To bad Brown didn't get a fatal shot off.

Posted by captivated on October 2, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I also agree with Marc Knapps comments about the judiciary "revolving door" policy that puts these criminals back on the streets in no time and then the Probation and Parole board makes a half-hearted effort to find them when they break the probation contract. Take a good look at Mr. Rivers, folks. He will be out and about terrorizing the hood very ,very soon. Mr. Brown did a very brave thing, but I don't think it is time yet for everyone to strap on the old 45 and start playing Matt Dillon yet.

Posted by robert8096 on October 2, 2007 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Brown did a very brave thing, but I don't think it is time yet for everyone to strap on the old 45 and start playing Matt Dillon yet.

According to this report Mr Brown was in his car getting ready to leave when he saw Rivers approaching with a gun. Better to be in an area that will provide an escape route than trapped in a car with no escape. It may not be time to start playing Matt Dillon but it's time for citizens with the proper training to carry a weapon. I carry mine most of the time.

Posted by ImplantedYankee on October 2, 2007 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There is nothing anyone can say that warrant's that reaction or any other. No measure of violence is justified by anything that happened here or by anything anyone might say. That's not how people act -- it's how animals act. Thankfully Rivers is in a cage where animals belong. The real tragedy is that Brown's aim wasn't better. Rabid animals should be put down. The next time Rivers is free someone else will get shot. Who knows who might be next. A child? Can we afford that?

Posted by OverHere on October 2, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There simply isn't the man power or court room space or jail space to bring everyone to trial. So prosecutors and judges are forced to move 95% of cases along as some sort of plea deal, which to some degree involves guessing who your real problems are. Often they are wrong. I think the average man on the street would be shocked to learn how few cases are actually tried and hence how few criminals face the full extent of the law.

Posted by CHRISJIII on October 2, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Early: What makes you think that Blacks are one big monolithic race that thinks alike, acts alike, and that they all know one another? Just like whites they are single individuals who think independently of one another. While you may profess that your statements are not racist, believe me they not only are, but they demonstrate a breakdown in the thought process.

Posted by iloveohiointhesummer on October 2, 2007 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

lyfe1999, I beg to differ with "The education system in Charelston is producing criminals instead of producing a skilled labor force". The educators can only do so much for kids who come from homes where dad is in jail and mom, a high school dropout, is too lazy or unable to attent to raising children. The root of the problem is the parents, not the school system!

Posted by jrobinson on October 2, 2007 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I never justified the fact that he pulled a gun. He should be prosecuted to the fullest for that, mainly because someone innocent could have caught a stray bullet. I was saying that Officer Brown has enough street, and professional knowledge to avoid a situation like that, and he chose to escalate the situation instead of being the bigger man, and just letting it go. Just like someone stated, he could have showed his badge, and it probably would have ended there.

Posted by Early on October 2, 2007 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

chrisjIII my comments do not reflect your statements. Blacks do march for the cause more often, more proficient and with better results than whites case closed. Sounds to me you may be the racist type. If I were a racist I certainly could not give a damn about what blacks are doing to other blacks and just sit back and watch the show. I see it more than most folks because my wife teaches at a "title one" school AKA high risk because of social issues which this school happens to be 100% black and probably more aware of this type of social behavior and "root problems" than most blacks but still feel that if they pull together for this cause they can defeat it.
Have a great day!

Posted by mizzmadison on October 2, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mdtpace, it's obvious you are not living in the real world here. jrobinson made a valid point; thugs will kill you for looking at them the wrong way! They have no regards for human life anymore, truly Officer Brown is aware of these young criminal mind-set, and should have taken better precautions to protect himself as well other citizens. I totally agree with the candidate comments about our judicial system, stop slapping these criminals on the wrist, otherwise this horrible cycle will continue.

Posted by ln1959 on October 2, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Back in the days, you would get into a fight for stepping on someones shoes. But this thug just wonted to get his name in the books as a killer. You don't go to your car and get a guy just cause someone bumped you. He needs to be put in jail for life, cause he sure don't give a dang about anyones else life. Ofc Brown, was lucky he did look up and hand chance to get out of the car. You can't move in a car to get a good shot. Anyway, all American should be able to protect them-self.

Posted by whycantitbebetterhere on October 2, 2007 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sure that Rivers went after him because he was a cop. All those boys know who the cops are, he probably thought that he was calling to get him checked on and picked up, and he didn't want to go back to jail so he shot him. I am sure it was more than just bumping into each other.

Posted by icbmman on October 2, 2007 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And the arm-chair quarterbacks strike again. I like how some people are "so intelligent" here that they would know exactly how to take care of this thug, especially if they were unarmed. All you probably would do is say, "I forgive you, sir" as he shot you point-blank in the head?

Fortunately, Brown was armed and took the necessary steps to shoot the thug before he was killed. I commend him for that...I just wish the shots had been fatal. We don't need this guy on the streets again.

Posted by hotrod2007 on October 2, 2007 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

lyfe1999,

First, I would have said "Excuse me!" I would shown my badge/identify myself as a police officer. Nevertheless, I would not have waited, get out of my car and endangering the public by shooting numerous time and being unable to hit the target ... he should have called 911. Note: Our mayor considers Mr. Brown's action as brave and the store clerk considered it foolish. Who will the people believe?

I agree with you that: "The education system in Charleston is producing criminals instead of producing a skilled labor force."

However, with respect to Omar Brown, he is a man that wants to be promoted from rank of a Pvt police officer to mayor of the City of Charleston. I my mind, he has some sought of "Super ego". Secondly, after reviewing http://www.omarbrown.com/ and finding no biography/resume/educational accomplishments, I am assuming he working with a high school diploma/GED and is one of the fortunate blacks to find a job before making bad decisions and/or resorting to criminal activity.

What is the expected results of a materialistic society that doesn't provide adequate education or job opportunities to the poor kids? Maybe, we want to build more prisons. Or, maybe the media should consider "High Profiling" those who have succeeded obstacles and odds. Maybe, this would give some of these kids hope of better life and the strength to overcome their situation.

... Another scenario, lets say the 21 year old father was fire chief and when the father retires he passes the job to his uneducated son. The uneducated son would probably not be committing crimes because he would be receiving unearned benefits (welfare) necessary to provide for his family.

lyfe1999 ... maybe you don't understand. The bottom line is wrong is wrong. Don't judge until you have walked in the path.

Posted by justme2 on October 2, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Early, you said: I see it more than most folks because my wife teaches at a "title one" school AKA high risk because of social issues which this school happens to be 100% black and probably more aware of this type of social behavior and "root problems" than most blacks but still feel that if they pull together for this cause they can defeat it.

Early, something is wrong if your wife teaches at a school that is 100% black, in these days and times.
I did not know wh had segregated schools. I thought schools were integrated. I may be wrong.

Posted by whycantitbebetterhere on October 2, 2007 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone wake up! Selling drugs is the quick, fast, to some glamorous, way for alot of young men to make money (sometimes big money). They need the guns to protect themselves because the only regulation of the drug business is force and intimidation. They get this way from doing business. People who buy drugs support them (more regular people than you think), letting them out of jail just puts them right back in business. Why do you think all of these people keep dying every year? It isn't over "bumping into each other". It is for territory, people not paying up all of the money they are supposed to have at the end of the day, power. These are not stupid people, they are ruthless. Just look at the numbers - record murders last year, probably this year. There is a major drug war going on in town right now, and the newspaper is even too stupid to be reporting on it. WAKE UP!

Posted by Onceagain on October 2, 2007 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is a compilation of problems that more than likely causes situations like this one, for instance:

Problem #1- Most offenders (not all) usually come from broken homes where dad was taken to jail on numerous occasions and the mom is more than likely a lazy fourth or fifth generation welfare recipient who’s only goal in life is to do whatever she wants and blame others for her problems. The offender has gone through life seeing this behavior and learned from it.

Problem #2- Most (not all) judges are appointed through the good ole boy system. They don’t care how the offender got there and they don’t care where he/she goes after that. They hand out minimal to no bond at all and the offender is back out on the street to terrorize the community again.
Problem #3- The prosecutor’s are overwhelmed with the number of cases pending and the goal of their boss (an elected official) is to move cases. Plea bargain, plea bargain, plea bargain! So that he/she shows the tax payers that he has a high conviction rate. (A conviction does not always mean that someone goes to jail.) This usually allows an offender, who has been arrested and bonded multiple times since being bonded on the first charge, to wrap multiple serious offences into a sweetheart of a package deal for probation on a lesser offense. Now this offender feels invincible because he/she has done very little to no time in jail and knows that no one cares to put him/her away.

Problem #4- Some (not all) law enforcement agencies are presenting mediocre to poor cases against these individuals because they lack the training and experience to do so. Usually because of the poor paying departments finding it difficult to hang on to well trained experienced officers who have left for better paying jobs and working conditions. The prosecutor has no choice but to dismiss or plea the case out to probation to keep a good conviction rate, because God forbid they lose a case in court.

Posted by Onceagain on October 2, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

(continued)Problem #5- Most (not all) probation and parole agents work 9-5 meeting with the multitude of offenders who got probation. On occasion they gather once a month to attempt to look for offenders who have violated their requirements for being on probation or parole. By then there are multitudes of offenders who have been added to the probation violation list.

Problem #6- This state’s laws are horrible! We have no sentencing guidelines. We have no truth in sentencing! If for some reason an offender gets a 10 year sentence. That person is more than likely to get out in 12-18 months. If 10 years meant 10 years then these offenders might, might, think twice before breaking the law. Most (not all) of the judges handing down the sentences are so liberal they spend more time trying to find a way to bash the police for arresting these offenders than worrying about the public who has to deal with the offender when they get out.

Problem #7- Society. No one cares what is going on as long as it does not affect them. No one is holding the elected officials responsible for appointing the judges, for handing out probation like its candy, or doing what it takes to maintain a well staffed law enforcement agency. As long as we look the other way things will not get better. We need to do something about it or stop complaining! So vote when you can to try to solve this problem.

This is just my two cents based on my experiences in life.

Posted by captivated on October 2, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

robert8096,do you think more citizens, even with the proper training,carrying guns will help this problem? I know we have the right to protect ourselves, but this will place more weapons in public and increase the likelihood of this kind of incident happening. There are a lot of people out there with anger issues and I don't think putting more guns out there will solve anything. Besides, don't we pay taxes to fund police forces to protect us so we won't have to turn back into the wild, wild west?

Posted by wonderdog on October 2, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hotrod2007,

The City of Charleston requires a four year college degree (at least) of all applicants. The only officers at the department who are not college grads are those who were grandfathered in when the requirements for the job changed or those who have (I believe) at least 15 years police experience.

It looks like this street thug picked the wrong guy.......lucky for the rest of us, the "wrong guy" was a police officer with a gun. Otherwise, we might have read about some regular guy shot dead in the El Cheapo parking lot. We won't know, though, until the investigation is complete. Just a thought.

Posted by Early on October 2, 2007 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Justme2, sorry but it is the truth, not one single white student and a mostly white teaching staff.

Posted by iculukin on October 2, 2007 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

These idiots don't respect anything! You think that once Pvt. Brown showed him his badge he would say "Oh, my bad"! Hotrod2007, you sit there and wait for the 911 operator to get your info. We would be reading your obit.

Posted by Charlestonman on October 2, 2007 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

this filthy animals Rivers should have never been on the street. when are we going to learn to lock these savages up? whatever happened to 'you do the crime, you pay the time?'

Posted by u50cvh on October 2, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pvt. Brown, I wish you a speedy recovery. You did what you had to do, you survived to see your family and friends again.

Posted by bigbadaxe on October 2, 2007 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WELCOME TO NORTH CHARLESTON !! CHIEF ZUMALT IS DOING SUCH A FINE JOB REDUCING CRIME IN OUR CITY, DON'T YOU THINK? I CAN SEE WHY HE DON'T LEAVE HIS OFFICE. HE'S TOO BUSY TWISTING PERCENTAGE NUMBERS TRYING TO JUSTIFY THAT FACT ! SOME OF US DON'T BUY THAT CRAP CHIEF. COULD IT BE TIME TO MOVE ON?

Posted by Onceagain on October 2, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbadaxe, Just curious. How is this Zumalt's fault?

Posted by icbmman on October 2, 2007 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know, it's amazing that so many people who comment here rail on Riley and the fire chief for their incompetance, yet no one says ANYTHING about the greedy Mayor Summey and the incompetant police chief in the north city. The north city has become a haven for criminals; even Mayor Summey organized a community meeting for illegal aliens!! There is definitely a problem with the north city leadership and its police, because high crime has been running rampant in that part of the metro area for quite some time now. Where is the fury and passion for new city leadership here?!?

hotrod2007, you wouldn't last two seconds in a life or death situation. Do you honestly think that Brown had enough reaction time (when he sees an ARMED individual coming toward him!) to pull out his badge, identify himself, and then retrieve his weapon before he would've been killed? Where is your rationale for this absurd analysis? iculukin, said it best, thugs have no respect for anybody, let alone cops. Brown firing his weapon saved his life, and probably saved future would-be victims lives.

Posted by mdtpace on October 2, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So mizzmadison, where you live, people will kill each other for looking at each other the wrong way? Must be a nice neighborhood you live in. I realize that there is a certain demographic that behaves like that, but I don't think it is that prevalent. If the argument was escalating, Brown should have the skills to deal with it. The least he should have done was put the shots center mass and saved the taxpayers the cost of the hospitalization of Rivers(I am guessing he is uninsured), the incarceration that is to follow, trial or plea, and his next short stay in the prison system. Thankfully, Officer Brown is black, otherwise this would be a racial issue and we would have the same clown contest that was going on in Jena going on here. I am all for police officers using their weapons on people like Rivers, I just wish they would use them more proficiently. Before anyone starts with the racial argument, I am equal opportunity. White, black, purple, or green, if violent people are going to continue to commit violent crimes, they should meet a violent end.

Posted by jrobinson on October 2, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No matter what the topic is, you people turn into a racial debate. Thats the problem in this city. Everybody is prejudice. Blacks as well as whites.

Posted by MDW on October 2, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm wondering if there was an active surveillance camera on the premises. It would be interesting to see exactly what happened.

Posted by bigbadaxe on October 2, 2007 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BRAVO ICBMMAN, I DON'T THINK YOU WILL EVER SEE OLE ZUMALT ON PATROL IN NORTH CHARLESTON. CAN'T BLAME THE POOR BOY I GUESS, ITS A LITTLE DANGEROUS OUT THERE. I READ NOT LONG AGO THAT NORTH CHARLESTON WAS GOING TO BEAUTIFY THE LOWER END OF DOCHESTER ROAD, THAT IS SO COOL EVEN THUGS NEED A PRETTY WORK ENVIROMENT. EVER WONDER WHY DAMN NEAR EVERYTHING BOUGHT ON DORCHESTER ROAD AFTER 6:OO P.M. IS DONE THROUGH A SLOT UNDER BULLET PROOF GLASS ? GO FIGURE RIGHT! DON'T GET HUNGRY ON THE SOUTH END OF NORTH CHUCK, NO FOOD LION, BI-LO, PUBLIX, PIGGLY WIGGLY OR (WINN DIXIE) THERE, I WONDER WHY? THANKS NCPD, YOUR DOING A GREAT JOB. NOT!

Posted by ImplantedYankee on October 2, 2007 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone look out when this guy completes his short stay in "the hole". He will have a chip on his shoulder and be looking to get back his "street cred" or whatever. It's a virtual guarantee he will return to violence.

Posted by ccfromsc on October 2, 2007 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok I have a deal for everyone here: want a tour of North Charleston tonight? Cause on the first many got their checks in, and now they are spending the money. Booze, drugs, and skank women (aka prostitutes). I can show everyone here the drug dealing houses that were there last week, last month, six months ago, a year ago, three years ago, five years ago, 10 years ago, etc. Because they are all the same drug houses. My question is that none are ever busted....why?

Posted by sjmehlhose on October 2, 2007 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Too bad this fine officer wasn't able to get off a fatal shot and saved the taxpayers some money.

Posted by OverHere on October 2, 2007 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

North Charleston is a hell of a place and violent crime is really escalating.

Summey needs to get off the Noisette pipe dream and put money into law enforcement instead. The private sector can work out the real estate but only the government has the power to arrest and detain.

How about the mother and son who were killed recently by the "missing" prisoner, despite the fact that the reporter had reported that the guy mugged him and knew who he worked for? Law enforcement is failing badly.

Posted by bigbrotheriswatching on October 2, 2007 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

after reading these posts,
it is clear to see the racism, prejudice, and hatred that is alive and well in Charleston

Posted by jifdeng3 on October 2, 2007 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Charleston and N. Charleston= Little Detroit

Posted by bigbadaxe on October 2, 2007 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NCPD = TOO BUSY RAIDING LOCAL MINI MARTS FOR FREE SODAS & DONUTS TO PATROL CITY STREETS FOR CRIME. GOOD FOR WRITING TRAFFIC TICKETS IS ABOUT ALL. GOTTA KEEP FUNDING THE WAR CHEST. THOSE CROWN VICS ARE TOO COMFORTABLE, NEED A LITTLE MORE FOOT PATROL IN THE HIGH CRIME AREAS WHICH IS ABOUT EVERYWHERE IN NORTH CHARLESTON. WHATS THE LOGO SAY, "WE KEEP THE PEACE". THINK ITS TIME TO CHANGE THAT ONE. ANY IDEAS OUT THERE ?

Posted by ImplantedYankee on October 2, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To condemn violent behavior and any activities or "culture" that glamorizes it is not racism, prejudice, nor hatred. It's common sense.

Posted by crankyyankee on October 2, 2007 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I fail to see how pointing out that a sector of the population that is less than 50%, yet commits more than 90% of the homicides is being racist. Facts have no bias. Do the facts really bother that many that you would stick your head in the ground and deny they exist?

Posted by bigbadaxe on October 2, 2007 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

REMEMBER WHEN YOU COULD TAKE THE FAMILY OUT FOR PIZZA OR STEAK ON DORCHESTER RD. I WONDER WHY PLACES LIKE SHONEYS AND QUINCYS PULLED OUT OF THAT AREA, COULD IT BE CRIME? EVERYONE SAYS SUMMEY & THE KANSAS LAWDOG HAVE MADE NC A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE, THE REASON MR BROWN IS ALIVE TODAY IS BECAUSE HE HAPPENED TO HAVE A GUN TOO !!! MAYBE THE OFFICAL LOGO FOR NORTH CHARLESTON SHOULD BE " FIGHT CRIME-SHOOT BACK? LOCK AND LOAD OUT THERE.

Posted by icbmman on October 2, 2007 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All Summey really cares about is for his SUBURBAN city to become the primary city in the metro area (and in some aspects, it already is) and pull in constant tax dollars with development, regardless if crime is higher and quality of life is lower. He has even said himself that the crime problem doesn't bother him! Now he wants to build Noisette in hopes to further his all-growth agenda. My guess is that in building this huge project, Summey hopes that it will in itself clean up the crime, but this is backwards thinking. Before you rebuild a house, you have to exterminate the rodents and insects that have infested it, to make an analogy. Noisette and the rest of the city should be no different.

This is why I feel the cities of Chas and N. Chas should consolidate or merge, to basically purge bad leadership in BOTH city halls, institute better departmental policies (fire, etc.), and use the better-equipped and better-manned CPD to help clean out the north area with this crime.

Posted by hotrod2007 on October 2, 2007 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

icbmman,

This situation should have been defused in the store and never reached the parking lot. Maybe, if he identified himself as an officer IN THE STORE this would have not happened. I don't think someone running from PROBATION VIOLATIONS would turn around and knowingly attempt to shoot a police officer.

There is more to this story than what is reported. Also, you don't know anything about me about me, stick to the point. The point is Mr. Brown shouldn't follow-up a fools and compromise the safety of other because of ego. I would expect that from an educated, well-trained police officer.

Isn't there a school nearby? He wouldn't be considered brave if an innocent child had been hit with a stray bullet.

Posted by jrobinson on October 2, 2007 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where was all of this outrage a couple of weeks ago when that white dude who was a crack head killed that innocent woman and her son. I didn't see half of the people that are commenting on this subject saying anything then. If I recall correctly, that guy didn't only have a record, but he was also being investigated for robbing a reporter. I didn't see any comments about how he should have been shot to death in order to save the tax payers money. I guess white on white crime is more acceptable than black on black crime. Like I said before, nothing will ever change in Charleston, North Charleston, or anywhere else in this racist community, because instead of getting together trying to get to the root of the problem, the white people are sitting in their corner saying, there those negroes go again, killing each other. And the black folks are in the other corner blaming the government, the white man, the school system, and everybody else for not taking the initiative to pull themselves out of their situation, whatver it may be. This community belongs to everyone, and you are all responsible for doing whatever it takes to clean it up. Its easy to sit up in your house on the hill, and say its not my problem because I dont live over there. But what about the day that the gangstas from two different hoods, and have a beef with each other, bump into each other and Northwoods Mall, and start fighting and shooting. That may just happen to be the same day that a group of honor students from Poter-Gaud, or Bishop-England high school are just hanging out, and having a good time. Lets just say for the sake of this conversation that one of these honor students just happens to be your son, and one of those stray bullets strikes him in the chest, and kills him. Whose problem is it then? Its everybody's problem then, so instead of pointing fingers at each other, lets figure out a way to solve it now.

Posted by whycantitbebetterhere on October 2, 2007 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I live in North Charleston and most of the time, it is fine except for parts. My only criticism is that there is not a more intelligent pursuit of major narcotics dealers by NCPD - I want to see the BIG busts. Also, residents don't call the police because they are scared of retribution. I see drug deals all of the time downtown, west ashley, all over (I see you-you middle class junkies). People are too dumb to notice I guess and don't call the police. N. Chas. has done an excellent job in our neighborhood, which is in an older part of town. The reason you have problems in the community is that it is currently the oldest area with the most un-redeveloped commercial and residential property. It is only a matter of time before investors will recognize that fact, and start making tons of money on deals in there. It is currently the cheapest market, and it is close to downtown, it is prime for redevelopment (all of the infrastructure is there already), and it will happen. Anyone here in the 1970's? - downtown Charleston was just as bad if not worse then. Mayor Riley got the city re-developed, and it just keeps getting better. Also, I wonder how many jerks living in "other" parts of town are slum landlords with properties in North Charleston, who don't fix up or keep up their property, and have contributed to it's decline. I'm investing there, I am staying there, and I can't wait to see it improve. As for me, I will enjoy the re-development of the Dorchester corridor, as I drive it everyday on my 10 minute commute to work.

Posted by mizzmadison on October 2, 2007 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mdtpace, stop whining about the area in which one lives, I live in the West Ashley area, and I must say it is a very good neighborhood. Yet, I will be the first to say crime happens EVERYWHERE! Just watch the news, and read the papers like everyone else does, then you will see just like the rest of us just how senseless most of the crimes committed in today's society are. Obviously, you have not been listening; the stats show SC listed as the second most violent state in which to live. It did not focus on one particular area, it's a reflection us! Mayor Riley has been the Mayor since I was in high school back in the 70's it is time for a change! However, I personally feel the officer should have handled the situation much better than he did, call for back up- as a reassurance, but I would have never gotten into my car after arguing with a thug, or place other citizens in harms way !

Posted by jessie1125 on October 2, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It really pisses me off to see that people make judgements and spout off without really kowing what they are talking about. I personally never cared for cops because there are a few that give them a bad reputation and act like they are above the law. However, my husband is a cop, and those of you who keep saying that the mayor doesn't care about crime, don't know what you are talking about. Talk to a family member of a police officer and you will discover that they are forced to work every weekend because the crime rates are so high. When a city has been going to hell for 30 years, and the education system and parents suck, you can not expect the crime rate to drop over night. It amazes me how many people there are with bright ideas,but they never get off their asses to do anything about it.

Posted by ImplantedYankee on October 2, 2007 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I see violence condemned wherever it exists. I haven't been a member here for very long (one day), but I doubt it is any different. Calling it racism simply because the accused is black is nonsense. He pulled the trigger, white, black, or otherwise. If the legal system steps up, however, to make it harder on criminals, you can bet that someone will be crying racism, simply based on the demographics of who that would impact -- which is directly driven by the demographics of those committing the crimes.

BTW -- there are no hills in Charleston.

Posted by jessie1125 on October 2, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hotrod2007 - How can you say you would have shown your badge? Do you think that makes people respect or fear you?? That could have been the reason he was shot...If someone is going to point a gun at you, they sure the hell don't care if you have a badge, and your badge isn't going to stop the bullet from killing you.

Posted by unknown_username on October 2, 2007 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At 9:04 a.m., ImplantedYankee wrote, "there is nothing anyone can say that warrant's (sic) that reaction or any other. No measure of violence is justified by anything that happened here or by anything anyone might say."

Well put, IY. Violence is never warranted or justified. The development of problem-solving skills is grossly neglected in our education system and poorly enforced in our communities. It would serve our youth and indeed our society well to promote peaceful, communicative conflict resolution in all forums.

Though I agree with ImplantedYankee’s first statement, I cannot say the same for the remainder of that particular post. “IY” advocates non-violence, but then suggest Mr. Rivers be murdered (“put down”), likening him to a rabid animal. Does that not directly contradict the previous claim, "no measure of violence is justified by anything?" Does that not reinforce the heinous notion that violence is best treated with violence?

Doesn’t Christianity urge its followers to “do unto others as you would have done to you” and to “turn the other cheek?” Isn’t one of the Ten Commandments “Thou shall not kill?” I’ve not read it cover to cover, but maybe you know of a passage in the Bible that says “Violence is the way,” “Carry a gun just in case,” or “Kill another before they’re able to kill you?”

How do we ever expect to live in a society free of murder and violence when our very own government advocates and participates in both?

There are many inconsistencies in American socio-political realms, which do nothing to solve our problems. Many of our Christian leaders and citizens are pro-life and pro-war. People abhor gun violence, but want permits to carry them “just in case” they have to use them. People denounce murder, but protect, enforce, and support laws that put others to death. These things are completely incongruous. It’s no wonder we exist in moral inertia.

Despite our attempts to be a sophisticated, moral society, we will never be far removed from our savage past as long as we live in a “kill or be killed” society. Jrobinson is right – it’s our collective problem. The way to curtail violence is to have citizens and government officials collectively condemn its EVERY form. Until we recognize our universal connection, until we agree to abolish violence at every level, our society will continue to be plagued by these problems. If we want change, we must first decide to change and then act accordingly.

Posted by nitelite on October 2, 2007 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ImplantedYankee

you need to READ posts, and think about the message before you begin to rant. You are not alone in what you do. what Bigbrother was reffering to wasn't the actions, but the responses in the posts. and common sense is not all too common.

reading is fundamental

Posted by ImplantedYankee on October 2, 2007 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@nitelite

I read every word and was very precise in my response.

You could do with some getting back to fundamentals as well.

Posted by icbmman on October 2, 2007 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hotrod, do you know what happened in the store? Were you present during the altercation? The only thing we know is that there was a disagreement over "something stupid", according to the clerk, who seems to be an unreliable, biased witness. Where did the disagreement occur, inside or outside? An off-duty cop does not have to identify his/herself just because a minor disagreement between the officer and another person occurs.

Bottomline, any thug who is obviously armed (red flag #1) and approaches the target with gun in hand (red flag #2) is blatantly asking for trouble. You can armchair QB all you want, it just makes your comments more imbecilic. It also shows just how weak and defenseless you want yourself and others to be...self-defense is a constitutional right.

Posted by Kerry on October 2, 2007 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why didn't Mr. Brown call the police after the shootout?

Posted by icbmman on October 2, 2007 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

unknown_username, are you serious? "Violence is never warranted or justified"?!?! How obtuse can some of these posters get here?!

Why don't you tell that to members who survived the concentration camps in WWII? How about tell that to ancestors of slaves as well. Violence is not justified in self-defense, I guess, right? The right thing to do is let people walk all over you and kill you? I think the poor education in this metro area is showing its ugly head with ridiculous comments such as "unknown's".

Posted by kennyt on October 2, 2007 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dorchester Road,at the el cheapo side, has just about become a ghost town. I lived on Woodbine St 20 yrs ago and there was a Hardee's, a tire store I worked at and that Hess station that was there forever is closed the houses look like crap and the streets are full of trash. The bus station is still there as far as the police they are on I-526 pulling over criminals for speeding on there way to work. If you would take those 10 or so motorcycle cops and put them on lower Dorchester Rd for one month every day I bet the jails would be jammed full of drug user's and sellers, but the city needs money so they ticket the working people and let the thugs go wild usually. Not all cops are bad but if the motorcycle cops that were on 526 this week would have went to Rivers Ave there was two or three prostitutes walking up and down the street all day, I drive a truck to ports and csx and they are always working Rivers.

Posted by poorboy on October 2, 2007 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't blame the police but I agree with whoever said Mr Summey needs to put the resources in fighting crime vs realestate transactions!
Lyfe1999 I agree with you I'm just saying something is missing and I bet if someone asked some questions...

Posted by burton on October 2, 2007 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I live in the hood and I can tell you that I agree with the clerk that this was two hotheads trying to prove their manhood. All, Omar had to do was tell the punk he was a police officer and show him his badge. Do you think this guy would have then shot at a someone he knew was a police officer knowing he had outstanding warrants and they were looking for him? He just thought Omar was another Joe Q Citizen that he could punk.

Like the clerk said, "thug mentality." Ah, excuse me, I'm sorry and move on. You don't sit in your car and wait for the person to come out of the store. You get in your car and leave. Both of these guys are from the hood so I'm sure that's how it went down. Unless you have lived in the hood, you probably won't understand. Both of them are idiots! Luckily, no innocent person got killed from them trying to prove their manhood. Look for Omar to get suspended.

Posted by burton on October 2, 2007 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I also agree that we got judges that aren't doing their jobs. This punk should have been in jail long time ago! Unfortunately, there are too many cases to take to trial so the prosecutors have to plea-bargain most of the cases. I wish we could get rid of the judges that give most of these punks probation and no hard time!

Posted by trying2understand on October 2, 2007 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Burton-

I am a cop and I just read your last two entries. You made some good points I agree with all but one: an off-duty cop showing his badge. The first thing taught in officer survival school is when off-duty to blend in, not reveal to anyone that you are a cop or even look like a cop. This is espically true when a cop is out with their family. While off-duty,I have had to turn the other way or get up and leave a restaurant to avoid a potential conflict (bumping into someone or meeting a newly freed prisoner that I put in jail). I rather do everything I can to avoid a sensless altercation than to let pride take over, stand my ground and appear as a big-bad cop with a shiny badge. Some call it cowardice...I call it survival.

Posted by Onceagain on October 2, 2007 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Society is the problem. I spoke with an officer who responded to a murder scene at a apartment complex in Summerville. The victim was just found by a resident of the apartment complex where the murder occurred. While waiting for Crime Scene, several individuals had gathered and were joking about the victim being shot. The initial resident who found the victim was understandably shaken and made a comment to the jokesters about their behavior. They began to threaten him for asking them to show some respect for the victim. The officer darn near had a riot on his hands because of their idiotic behavior. As long as animals like this are in society we will always have violence. That is all they understand. How do you deal with trash like this? Certainly you can not reason with them. I'd hate to be a cop and deal with this on a regular basis.

Posted by wonderdog on October 2, 2007 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It seems that the same people complain every time a police officer draws his gun, whether it's in defense of others, in his/her own defense or to arrest a violent criminal, drug dealer, etc......then they complain that the police don't do enough to protect the citizens. I hope these same people never need the police to protect them - but if they do, the police will do their jobs so these criminal justice experts (note: sarcasm) will live to gripe another day.

Posted by burton on October 2, 2007 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wonderdog,
You got a family? I wonder if you would be singing the same tune if you were at El Cheapo pumping gas when the bullets started flying and God forbid a stray bullet hit one of your family members. I have much respect for the police as I work with them everyday to clean up my neighborhood but I have to call out stupidity when I see it. Stupidity on both of their parts for trying to prove their manhood. We call it "manning up" in the hood.

Posted by SCPDBLUE on October 2, 2007 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The news media said that the suspect (Rivers) was hit five times by officer Brown.I wonder what type handgun officer Brown was carring off-duty?...CPD officers carry GLOCK 21's in .45ACP a round which has one of the best street shooting records as far as ending a gunfight permanently besides the .357 Magnum loaded with 125gr. JHP's.The suspects wounds must not have been in any vital areas.Hats off to officer Brown i am glad we dont have to add his name to the fallen officer list in the tri county area....To officer Brown,Get well and hope to see you on the street my brother. To the solicitors office: Stop the revolving door, these scumbags are feeding on the citizens of this county and the people are getting tired of it.TRUTH in sentencing..To the people of the tri county: Elect people who will do what they say not say what they'll do.elect Mayors & Solicitors who will do the right thing ..To S.C. law makers: Thank you for passing the Concealed carry law in S.C. Now citizens who qualify can legally carry a firearm so that they can defend themselves against scum like Rivers.....

Posted by wonderdog on October 2, 2007 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, I do have a family. If some thug thought I looked at him funny or if I bumped into him and he pulled a gun, I would HOPE that there was a cop (off duty or not)or someone with a CWP to do what is necessary to stop him.

We will just have to wait for the results of the investigation. If the police officer involved is found to have acted improperly, he will be dealt with by his superiors (and then others in court, probably). Regardless of the consequences for the officer, the felon-with-a-gun Rivers will be back on the street, and he will be involved in another violent crime within a year. Bet on it.

Posted by havesense on October 2, 2007 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yep - we're screwed on this one. Hey after all we do have the 2ND HIGHEST CRIME RATE IN THE NATION!! That has to be fixed through legislation not violence - I'm not even going to pretend that the office acted in a wrong manner b/c u never know unless you're there.

Bottom line on this one - if anyone ever pulls a gun around my family or any children in my presence with the intention of using it or not - they'll be dropped where they stand & I don't miss!. That's why we have the 5th admendement right, concealed weapons licenses - no other choice in today's society but to stay out of harms way & protect yourself if you can't!

Posted by preachlove on October 2, 2007 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SCPDBLUE - I'm with you 100%. The Solicitor's office plea bargains and the judiciary gives them light sentences. Then they get probation, and a lot of times they simply get it because the jails are overcrowded. Let them live in tents. These are the entities/offices we need to hold accountable. They are the ones we should be "marching" and "protesting" against. They are letting the citizens of Charleston County down.

South Carolina should have 3 strikes law similar to California - 3 strikes and you're outta here! I'm willing to bet that (some) of these criminals will think twice about committing that third felony.

Posted by Cid95 on October 2, 2007 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

havesense - It's the 2nd amendment. The 5th amendment is the right to not self-incriminate yourself. Study up on the US Constitution.

hotrod and others that say he should have waved his magic badge - Maybe, just maybe, that would have worked. Or not.

What if this guy wasn't a cop though? What would you have done? Someone that pulls a gun on you is past talking. Better be able to defend yourself. Calling 911 means they will get there in time to collect your body. Nobody can guarantee your safety better than you can.

Posted by jerseylegal on October 2, 2007 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am new to this area and really baffled by the recent events I have read about. Why do all the black people here want to kill all the other black people here? Do blacks hate blacks? I have always been taught that down here the whites don'nt like the blacks. Who is hating who here and why all the killing and bloodshed?

Posted by wonderdog on October 2, 2007 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just looked up Rivers's public criminal record on the Charleston County Clerk of Court site......possession/distribution of crack, armed robbery, assault, possession of a pistol, more crack, possession of a stolen vehicle, kidnapping, more crack. He doesn't appear to be the kind of guy who would peacefully back down if the officer or anyone else had asked him to settle down and put the gun away. With a rap sheet like that, walking the streets as a free man, what was another violent crime to him?

Posted by hotrod2007 on October 2, 2007 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cid95, icbmmman and jessie1125;

I am not defending someone with a long criminal record; but, I don't think it is necessary to shot someone in the BACK (4 times).

Posted by nitelite on October 2, 2007 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just keep yacking... soon it will come out that Brown was lying when he said to Richard todd in an interview that no words were exchanged...eyewitnesses, even the store clerk has contradicted this...and that Brown instigated the confrontation and should have taken himself on his merry way...those who defend his actions are foolish...just think if it were YOU at that counter and he treated you as such...and you followed him at to his car...those of us who are trained or have been trained to use firearms know that there is a RESPONSIBILITY that must be utilized when possessing such a weapon...If more cops acted like Brown there would be way more shootings and killings, but luckily, THERE ARE NOT! why? because most of our officers act responsibly in situations like this as the bumping of people in stores, and don't try to intimidate people...I will be watching his press/lie conference very closely

Posted by wonderdog on October 3, 2007 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I may have misread the details, but I don't see any indications by the clerk or anyone else that Officer Brown started the argument, and the article indicates that he drew his gun after Rivers approached him with a gun. Should Brown have stayed seated in his car and asked Rivers to put the gun down? Maybe Rivers didn't really intend to threaten Brown.....maybe he pulled out his gun because he just wanted to rob the store; he had to walk by Brown's vehicle to enter the store, and he meant no harm to Brown.....would that would have been better?

There will be an investigation, and if the investigation indicates that the officer was at fault, he will be suffer the consequences. Rivers will probably be back on the street, no matter what the results of the investigation are.

Posted by Gator_slayer on October 3, 2007 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why can't blacks act civilized for a change? You demand equality, but still act like animals......go figure.
Quit trying to play the race card and take responsibilty for your
actions and your people.

Posted by justme2 on October 3, 2007 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SCPDBlue, Are you a police officer or a former police officer or in law enforcement. Just wondering after reading your post on this story.

Posted by nitelite on October 3, 2007 at 12:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yack, yack, yack...

funny how folks point out the fact about the young man's criminal background...would this have all occured if brown had went into the store and said "excuse me young man, I left me soda on the counter" ...but that's not what happened...

Posted by wonderdog on October 3, 2007 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And Sir Rivers would still be a free man, and life would be good. A criminal record does matter, you know.....it's pretty good evidence of one's character and one's ability to reasonably handle the every day stresses many of us face.

Posted by jrobinson on October 3, 2007 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gator_slayer

Did you join the conversation after you finished a fifth of Jack D., and a case of Bud- Lite. I bet you miss the good old days, when you used to jump in your pick up truck with the rebel flag, and shotgun in the back window, and rode around with the rest of your red-neck crew looking for some nigras to beat up. I take responsibility for my family. I have four sons, one is in college and working full time, and the other three are honor roll students. I'm dont think that most of white America want you representing them. Take that chaw of snuff out of your mouth, and get real.

Posted by JerseyLady on October 3, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Knowledge time for some people. The North Charleston (Dorchester) area is a location you will find in many cities, Baltimore, Philly, Houston, Atl, Columbia, Chicago, and LA that has the same face (crime). Some people who live in those areas are hardworking individuals who have families that are not thugs, drug dealers, addicted to drugs, are prostitutes. They take care of their houses, pay their taxes and vote. This case is about two thugs w/ a gun, a criminal that is being sought for outstanding warrants for various illegal offenses, and arising want be mayor with political aspirations who is a cop. Both were stupid at 9:30 a.m. in the morning when someone could have been harm in their shoot out at EL Cheapo. Ask the question where were NCPD at during this violent episode? And how do you think the people in that neighbor hood feel when something like this can happen at 9:30 a.m. when kids are at school and most people are on their way to work? No cops in North Charleston when thug and a CPD officer shoot out, should been the headline.

A former resident of that area.

Posted by jessie1125 on October 3, 2007 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hotrod 2007, I never said the officer was right. Honestly, the whole story sounds a little shady to me. I just said criminals do not care who they hurt. Seeing a cops badge will not stop them from shooting once they have already made up their mind to pull out a gun.

Posted by jessie1125 on October 3, 2007 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And jerseylady... Preview your comments before you speak.

"Ask the question where were NCPD at during this violent episode? And how do you think the people in that neighbor hood feel when something like this can happen at 9:30 a.m. when kids are at school and most people are on their way to work? No cops in North Charleston when thug and a CPD officer shoot out, should been the headline."

They were probably answering a call for an anal person like you who talks trash, but then is the first to call the police when she gets scared. If cops could be everywhere at once..there would be no crime. Seriously, think before you speak!

Posted by KnowAllSeeAll on October 3, 2007 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RE: PalmettoMan's comment (SCDPPPS should be shut down).

I'm guessing either you're a former employee of the department, a current but disgruntled employee, or else are a former client who is angry with his former probation officer because you got busted for something and are seeking to bring revenge upon them. I realize that may be a bit presumptuous, but that is my first impression. I offer my apologies if this is not the case.

You're bringing some heady accusations without much meat to them. While this is basically the 'blogosphere' and the ability to remain anonymous does make people a lot more brave than they otherwise would be. However, would you be willing to share with us what you do know, or claim you know, of illegal activities going on in this Department? Inquiring minds would like to know! You brought it up, let's see if you got the goods.

Posted by JerseyLady on October 4, 2007 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ha Ha jesse1125,

Glad my comments effected the one that was the 2nd most anal. Look like you can talk as much trash. Maybe someone should have told you this is only opinions blog. LMAO don't take it to heart unless you have a reason to be offend.

Posted by treefrog on October 17, 2007 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From what I saw on the video ...

there was no argument in the store. The Cop left first, the punk hauled a$$ out the door looking to start something.

Cop or not Mayor or not ... it is good to see someone that is armed and fighting back. Sitting back and doing nothing, opening local "civic centers" etc will do nothing to stop this sort of low-life trash.

If they are afraid someone will shoot back, they will think twice before pulling a weapon.

from what I saw, he was justified, I will not say he is a good cop, and will not say he will make a good mayor, but justified yes.

As a side line note: Even if you do not vote this guy in you guys need new blood in the mayors office.