Well at least you mentioned the skateboard, many news outlets are completely omitting that bit.

I've been watching this develop as it struck a little too close to home. A lot of the details are not yet available, so a concrete assesment at this point is not possible.

If the guy did in fact assault the officer with his skateboard, it would seem that a cop would have several options to utilize before firing 12 rounds. A night stick, pepper spray or a tazer are all standard equipment for OPD. Furthermore, this particular officer has served as an MP, so reason leads me to believe he's had a fair bit of hand to hand combat training.

The officer in question has since been suspended or fired from the force. (sorry, I don't recall which)

A protest and demonstration took my place in downtown Olympia the other day, which while large in attendance, did very little to promote the cause they were going for. A later smaller protest that night lead by some shit starters went much more poorly.

I think one thing we can all agree on, is that assaulting an officer is a poor and risky decision.

I personally hope that this situation gets resolved quickly and changes to into effect that limit or prevent a repeat of this. Hopefully this will allow a body camera bill to be pushed through for the area.

Lastly, I wish cops would stop shooting people. But at the same time, I wish that they would, you know.... Shoot people. 12 shots fired with only 2 hits? 1/6 ratio is deplorable for anyone not using a rapid firing assault weapon.

well, one was apparently armed with a skateboard...