There are certainly “progressives” who would argue that the following two (non-fatal) incidents pale in comparison to the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police officers earlier this week.
Those incidents were caught on video, causing nationwide outrage and compelling President Obama to head for a microphone and issue a statement soon after touching down in Poland Thursday morning.
Still, they’re stories worth sharing, particularly coming so soon after the fatal shootings of five police officers at a protest march in Dallas Thursday night, which helped contribute to a spike in the number of police officers killed in the line of duty this year.
26 police killed so far in 2016, up 44% from 2015 https://t.co/qH4mxJzxUm pic.twitter.com/ehssMaDLnb
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) July 9, 2016
Even though the president is still concerned with “untangling” the motives of the Dallas shooter, it seems it will be left to local law enforcement to investigate these shootings. In Valdosta, Ga., on Friday, a police officer was shot after responding to a fake 911 call — clearly an ambush.
Valdosta, GA Police Chief after officer was shot multiple times by a suspect this morning. https://t.co/uCiGyXNYmE pic.twitter.com/7OJ2tXyZaq
— WALB News 10 (@WALBNews10) July 8, 2016
GBI interviews Kennesaw parents of man accused of calling for, then shooting police officer in Valdosta. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/Lq7jNxZkmX
— Ross Cavitt (@RossCavitt) July 8, 2016
Why did an asian man try to shoot the police in Valdosta? Where was he from? Military history? Gang ties? Weird.
— Silkk The Chakra (@vonteofNeWeRa) July 9, 2016
According to WALB, Stephen Paul Beck, 22, called 911 and claimed that someone had broken into his car. As Officer Randall Hancock arrived to respond to the call, Beck opened fire and shot Hancock multiple times. Hancock, a 10-year veteran of the force, fired back and shot Beck. Both men are currently hospitalized.
GBI: One shot hit the officer in the abdomen below his protective vest. Other shots hit the officer's vest. https://t.co/B3FePVrxK9
— 13WMAZ News (@13wmaznews) July 8, 2016
Also on Friday, a police officer in Ballwin, Mo., was shot after stopping Antonio Taylor, 31, for speeding. As the officer, who has not been identified, was returning to his cruiser, Taylor exited his car, advanced quickly, and fired at the officer three times, hitting him in the neck, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
A woman who describes herself as “just a mom” heard the shots, saw the fallen officer, and held a towel against his neck until help arrived.
St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar told the press, “Make no mistake, we believe that Ballwin officer was ambushed.”
#StLouis, #Missouri#Police Officer 'Ambushed, Shot in the Back 3 Times During Routine Traffic Stop' https://t.co/aw1SNBRny6 #Sheriff
— NetAdvisor.org® (@NetAdvisor) July 9, 2016
Earlier today we had an officer who was shot in the line of
duty. The officer is currently in critical
but stable condition. (1/2)— Ballwin Police Dept (@BallwinPolice) July 8, 2016
2/2Thank you to the community for the outpouring of prayers &
support.We look forward to the
cont. support of the community during this time— Ballwin Police Dept (@BallwinPolice) July 8, 2016
Message from Chief Scott in reference to today's shooting. pic.twitter.com/g9fKoF2BEV
— Ballwin Police Dept (@BallwinPolice) July 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/ChiefSLMPD/status/751473823631892481
The Post-Dispatch reports that Taylor has a lengthy criminal history that includes arrests for robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Neither incident is being considered related to the Dallas police ambush.
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