Snake was no rattler
Snake was no rattler
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21
By Jennifer Griswold
Published: August 8, 2007
NOBLE — A police bullet that killed a small boy last week had been aimed at a black rat snake, a Norman animal control officer said Tuesday.
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Police fallout
Noble Police Chief Ben Daves said the city has been without an animal control officer for about a month, so police responded.
The Noble Police Department's Police and Procedures Manual says "firearms may be used to destroy an animal that represents a threat to public safety.”
The manual states "firearms shall not be discharged when it appears likely that an innocent person may be injured.”
The three officers involved in the shooting are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of investigations by Noble and the OSBI.
The names of the officers involved have not been released.
In the meantime, the seven officers remaining on the police force are working overtime to cover the shifts, Daves said.
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•How many different types of poisonous snakes are in Oklahoma? Three, rattlesnake, copperhead and water moccasin (cottonmouth).
•How do you know the difference between the poisonous and non-poisonous snakes in Oklahoma? The poisonous snakes in Oklahoma are pit vipers. Their heads are shaped like a triangle; they have scent pits and their eyes like a cat. Non-poisonous snake have pupils like ours – they are round.
The King Snake should not be killed because it will eat any of these snakes.
My 5 year old son became ill suddenly and died in Dec. at the hands of a very well trained medical proffesional. He was properly trained, but when the situation arose, he used poor judgement that went against what his training provided and my son was left brain dead as a result.
To the person who commented that this family will in time learn to live with this childs death,but the officer will never forget, I would say that I pray that you will never have to truly understand the ignorance of your statement. What this family and this officer will have to live with in no way compare.
I can say with all honesty that as a Christian and by the grace of God, I have forgiven the person responsible for my son's death. However, forgiving does not equal dismissing responsibility.
Our choices have consequences, and sometimes they devastate the lives of innocent people.
It's this kind of 'protect your own' mentality and double standards that cause people to lose faith in law enforcement.
Charge the policeman, and let the legal system run its course....just as would happen to anyone else. Or is something being covered up? Perhaps this is a case of Noble police officers drinking while on duty?
Warren, Pauls Valley
I have resided in Noble seven years and if this is the decision making skills of the city's police officers then I suggest the city revamp the entire force .