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Erik Scott’s team leader at West Point reminisces about his friend at memorial on Saturday. Scott was killed a week earlier by Metro officers at a Costco in Summerlin.
Saturday, July 17, 2010 | 9:38 p.m.
Erik Scott memorial
Sun archives
A 38-year-old West Point graduate who was fatally shot outside a Costco store last week by Metro Police was remembered Saturday as an ambitious businessman and a dreamer.
His younger brother, Kevin Scott, said Erik Scott was working as a salesman, selling medical devices. He said he was excellent at his job and persuasive — especially when convincing his younger brother into dangerous stunts.
Those in attendance laughed at stories of the two brothers becoming fitness buddies and participating in the 1997 Body For Life contest.
“I was in the 10th grade and my brother said, ‘It’s time to lift some weights.’ He’s been doing pushups since the fourth grade,” Kevin Scott said jokingly.
After sharing a few stories about his sibling, he turned somber as he said, “I’m going to miss my brother greatly.”
Metro Police say Scott was shot on July 10 when he exited the store, pulled out a gun and pointed it at officers. A store employee had reported that Scott had a gun and was damaging property.
His family has disputed the police version.
Scott’s memorial was held at the Las Vegas Country Club, 3000 Joe West Brown Drive.
His childhood friend, Chuck Lang, said he was in shock and disbelief when he heard about the shooting.
Lang said Scott loved life and had a huge impact on his. He said the Sacramento, Calif., native joined the Army and convinced him to do the same.
They both ended up moving to Las Vegas and later discovered they had been living just three miles apart.
“I was struggling to find a job and Erik told me to go back to school and get my degree,” Lang said. “Two years after that, I was standing with a diploma in my hand.”
“Erik came into my life, and I was lucky enough to be considered his friend,” he said.
Another friend, Lee Ann Pusateri, asked everyone to “put aside your anger and celebrate his life.”
His girlfriend, who was at the store with him at the time of the shooting, didn’t speak, but asked Pusateri to read a note.
“I had no idea last Friday would be the last time I’d wake up in his arms,” she wrote. “Erik was the definition of what a real man should be.”
His mother, Linda Scott, said her son made it a goal in the eighth grade to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and followed through with his dream, receiving awards and a scholarship.
“We are left now with his memories,” she said. “We miss you, Erik, and hope to see you again someday.”
Scott will be cremated and his ashes will be spread over the Pacific Ocean. Besides his mother and brother, he is survived by his father, Bill Scott.
This is one of those times you really have to wonder? WHAT gives the Police the rights to conceal evidence? Think about it Costco Policy is to video record their property using a DUAL recorder( means 1 camera = 2 exact video tapes) 1 on property & 1 off site. Why did they take both original tapes so only they could view them? Who says or determines if they SCREWED UP ? Hmmm ? Sounds like a another cover up ???
My prayers are with the Scott family.
@R_angel78
Let's wait for the investigation to be completed. Then....
SummerlinCC-So that's what's important to you? Talk about splitting hairs........
SummerlinCC: The company he worked for sells medical devices, so I've updated the story to reflect that.
@bape702
You have evidence he was waving his gun? You were there? Metro does excellent work and I believe waiting for the investigation to be complete is the smart thing.
Way too many conflicting accounts of activity that led up to his death
Huge Lawsuit is on the way,Guaranteed
bape702,
make sure your mouth is engaged to your brain before you accuse of waving gun. Use your little brain..
@bape702
I'd like to see the video to make that determination. Oh wait, Costco is having "difficulty" retrieving video of the incident. There are just too many different stories of what happened in the store, on the way out of the store, and on the outside of the store.
I wish the ones who were there at the Costco would get together with the community, so we can all talk about what happened. I want to meet the ones who said he was pointing his gun at police. I also want to meet the ones who said he wasn't destroying merchandise. I also, DEFINITELY want to meet the Costco employees who said he was destroying merchandise. I want everyone to tell their side of the story. There is a coverup going on here. The tapes are being altered, and everyone knows it! Jobs are at stake here. The cops who shot him, as well as Costco employees who said he was destroying merchandise, and called 911. Costco will get rear-ended financially, as well as suffering a P.R. nightmare, as well as Metro getting the same!!
Rest in Peace, Erik Scott.
I'm really sickened that the papers are only reporting that Neville states that they has 12 witnesses saying that Erik drew his weapon at the police officers and that the family family disputes that fact. There are TONS of people disputing that fact including eye witnesses. No one has ever mentioned the fact that police cars have video cameras. Did Metro turn those off or have trouble downloading those too? What Metro and the reporters are doing is disgusting.
NOTE FOR REPORTERS, IF YOU'RE GOING TO REPORT A STORY, REPORT NOTH SIDES OF IT! INCLUDING THE FACT THAT OTHER EYE WITNESSES CLAIM THEY NEVER SAW ERICK DRAW HIS WEAPON. IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE THERE IS SOME FAVORITISM HERE. show some respect to the friends and family!
Metro has more so called justified shoots than Los Angeles.This reminds me of Henderson Police shooting of the 70yr old ice cream lady and got away with it.There needs to be an investigation!!
j1979,
Not all police cars have video cameras. Metro doesn't. If you want to buy them for the department, feel free. They are around $1,000 per car. When a department has 800+ patrol cars, it gets pricey. As for witnesses, many people have CLAIMED to be there and witnessed the events. If they were there, they should contact Metro homicide, since their statement is ALWAYS welcome. There are more than just 12 witnesses who were interviewed by the way. The actual number is over 50.
@OTISKONEE
During the coroner's inquest, it was the lady's own children who stated she had a knife and would not put down the knife. Also you failed to mention that the shooting officer continued to back up so as not to shoot her until he had his back against a vehicle and had no other place to retreat to. She continued to approach the officer. Tell me..at what point do YOU defend yourself? That shoot was TOTALLY justified. Perhaps you could do a little research before throwing out accusations of Henderson Police Murders!!!
Snafubaby,
I would like to know why you want to see the people who are witnesses? You want the community to get togather and talk about this, who are you? Are you an elected official, will you be on the inquest? There is a process to all of this, you want the information go to the inquest. You sit and state there is a coverup going on, oh here we go again a conspiracy. What basis do you have for this. So I assume Metro is taking the video tape and altering it to show Scott with a gun? Just how are they altering the tape?
Metro is covering up for costo or is costo covering up for metro. People will tell their story at the inquest.....oh I'm sorry is that being covered up too.
So everyone is covering up for each other, and no matter what the witnesses say, it is a conspiracy of epic proportions. Your logic is so completely screw up its hard to imagine you dont see a shadow around every corner. Come on use a little logic, a coverup like the one you suggest would have to involve so many people willing to risk not only their careers but also their freedom. Ask any police officer from any town and they will tell you. As a whole a police officer will not cover up for another officer when it comes to a bad shooting. Yes you will have a few that will but what you are suggesting is a coverup on a wide scale, for what? To save 3 police officers, I think not, to save metro money? Doubt it they are insured for such things? So why the cover up.....oh im sorry the three officers are so important to Metro, Gillispie, Jet, Multiple Sergents, Liutenants, Detectives, Evidence techs, Officers, would all risk a federal crime and prison time. What a joke.
@tslennon
You might be right. I don't know. Earlier this year Metro had a fatal accident. A lot of cop haters said Metro would cover up the incident. The investigation proved that the Metro officer was not running code 3 enroute to an emergency. Metro stepped up to the plate and did not cover it up. Metro will not cover this incident up either. I just believe that we need to wait for the the COMPLETE invetigation before we jump to any conclusions.
Eric
May he rest in Peace, I am very sorry that he lost is life and what his family is go thought. But may I ask a question what and why was Eric walking around and then pointing a gun at the Police officers that is a good way to end up like Eric. I am so sorry to the family I am not trying not to be stupid/annoying person, it was just a question.
Tiffany, thanks for checking and making the revision in the article.
@logic_shoud_rule: I mentioned it because there is a big difference in the qualifications to hold each job. Just about anyone can become a medical supply salesman. But if you're selling medical devices, you need to have the skills to go into an operating room with surgeons and help them use your product(s).
To me, it makes somewhat of a difference, particularly given this case. Maybe not a huge difference, but a difference. Medical device companies know their reps. have to be in hospital operating rooms with doctors. They typically look for people that have the temperment and ability to do so and they tend to avoid anyone that acts the slightest bit "erratic".
This consideration is of less concern for medical supply salesmen.
It may be "splitting hairs", but in a case where Scott's temperment is being challenged, it is also relevant.
@Robert2, "Metro will not cover this incident up either. I just believe that we need to wait for the the COMPLETE invetigation before we jump to any conclusions."
You may be right. Unfortunately, Metro PD created much of this problem themselves by issuing statements prior to the coroner's inquest that contradicted eyewitness statements and provided other charged statements based on some initial unconfirmed information that was later challenged (i.e., victim going "bezerk" and destroying merchandise in the store).
You're correct that we won't know whether Metro's investigation is honest and supported by facts until after the investigation is complete. But hopefully, you can understand why people are so upset.
When Metro began to modify its' version of events that occurred inside the store, it raised suspicion.
Then Metro came out and said witnesses confirmed that Scott had pointed his gun at officers on the same day that a newspaper published four confirmed eyewitness reports saying the exact opposite.
Then Metro announces that they're experiencing "technical" problems trying to view the tapes from Costco.
Given that the Metro officers might have to face manslaughter charges if the eyewitnesses interviewed by the newspaper are correct, can you at least understand why people smell a cover up?
lvstrip,
sounds to me like your a police officer from the same department as the idiots who shot and killed a innocent man!! If you actually believe a well educated man with his background would be so stupid as to point a gun at a police officer then your just an idiot!! The amped up officers screwed up giving him commands (several from different officers)you think maybe he was trying to obey the order to "drop it" and remove his weapon from his waitband when he was shot? this is most likely the case. But because one of the officers gave him the order to "drop it" makes them responsible. And probably one amped up officer opened fire and 2 others followed suit not because they seen Eric with a gun in his hand, but becuase they seen the first officer shoot! Im thinking this is more plausible then statements of him pointing a gun at the officers. Unless of course you think he had a suicide wish. Then maybe the police story of events would make sense. However I dont believe that to be the case. The officers first mistake was not taking control when they tapped him on the shoulder. Obvioulsy close enough for 3 grown men to take down 1 man. Also, they could have used a taiser. But instead after getting his attention, the officers stood back barked out a bunch of contradicting orders there by completely confusing a man that eyewitnesses stated seemed unaware he was the reason for the evacuation or even why the police had shown up. And, in his attempt to comply with the confusing orders gets killed!!!! The police were quick to report that he had a gun and was pointing it at the officers before speaking to eyewitnesses at the scene. If this were the case, then im sure you would have more people defending the police and we probably would not be talking about it a week later. There is nothing I have read from eyewittnesses saying he pointed a gun or even had one in his hand. In fact, from one eyewitness account, there was nothing in his hands after he went to the ground!! It is well known that police officers cover each others mistakes. I hope the family of Eric rapes the police for the idiot trigger happy officers who killed a man in cold blood. There was no good justified reason for his death. The fact that costco is having technical difficulty is the icing on the cake. The only reason I can think why costco would not want this evidence released is probably because it would show Eric as acting appropriately and not going berserk as reported by police. The police would not want it released because it would show a completely unjustified shooting by 3 of their own. I also hope those officers involved get prosecuted for their actions. Also, Costco and the employee who created this mess (becuase she freaked out over someone having a gun on his person then exaggerated his state of mind when calling 911) have to take some responsibility for his death. RIP Eric.
I'll post this again. Here is an e-mail address for those wishing to contact Pam Barron chief of staff to Asst. AG for Civil Rights Tom Perez at the US DOJ's Civil Right Division: pam.barron@usdoj.gov I don't know this blog's policy on posting e-mail addresses, but I would think that posting the official, non-personal address of a public servant would be OK(?).
Of course the family will dispute the Metro report. Wait till the report is made public rather than become Monday morning quarterbacks who weren't there. These blogs are the 21 Century edition of the CB radio and everybody believes everything they read,...wait till the FACTS emerge before making comments without basis. A well educated man with his background perhaps screwed up jademar,...it happens.
Well, I have a lot of thoughts:
He had a concealed weapons permit, so even though having guns was legal, that doesn't mean it's going to keep you out of trouble. The Summerlin Costco (before this incident) didn't strike me as a place that required me to be armed, and I'm there a lot. I think this guy is guilty of making a very bad decision to carry the guns to Costco. Seriously does anyone really think it's necessary? Yeah yeah it's his right, but still not a smart decision, and if he didn't have guns with him that day, he'd be alive.
Second, putting aside the video footage thing, as the father of two young children, I appreciate Costco erroring on the side of caution in these sort of incidents. They certainly made the right call clearing the store.
As for what happened outside of the store, I sure hope a video is available and shown to the public so we can close the door on this. However, as I originally stated, just because it's legal to carry a concealed weapon doesn't mean it's a smart decision to bring two guns to a store packed with families in Summerlin at lunch time on a Saturday.
Sorry I didn't get this all in one post, but another thing is that Metro isn't perfect. Period.
First, it's easy to pick and prod after the fact. Second, we all know that police officers aren't perfect. They're early 20's kids making what, 40 grand a year to risk their lives? You're not getting the cream of the academic and professional crop to be cops. They make mistakes. We don't know about this situation yet so I'm not passing blame on this incident, but we know they aren't perfect and they CAN make mistakes, especially when they think their lives are at risk. I sympathize with what they have to deal with.
Take this as a lesson.....use YOUR judgement when doing something that can result in you having a conflict with the police. You know they can make mistakes, so don't think about them being perfect and your rights alone. Think about your actions, legal or not, and how they can put you at risk, like what happened with this guy.
metro sure aint perfect. in fact, the sheriff is a friggin retard. however, heres an easy solution to preventing incidents like the costco shooting: 1. dont break the law. 2, do what the police tell u. if u dont like it/agree with what theyre doing, u can always sue/file a complaint later. but when u act like eric did, u wind up dead. and dont put much stock in people saying what a good kid eric was...people said the same thing about every serial killer, rapist, arsonist thats in prison. the news doesnt see fit to print the people that say, "geez, that kid was a dumbass, or a troublemaker, or what have you". the dead guy was the master of his own fate. too bad he wasnt smart enough to live to fight another day.
No doubt that Costco and probably Metro will pay big bucks to settle this.
Never would have happened if Costco employees were trained properly in the first place.
@SummerlinCC
I understand why people are upset. In many cases it is human nature to act emotionally and impulsively. I also know that some people watch too much TV and think that the world of cops is kickbacks, bad shooting cover ups, stealing narcotics from the evidence room...etc kind of life. It makes for good TV but it is NOT real. All I have said is let's wait for the final version, the complete investigation. There will be no cover up.
@ cmvr2010
If you really think that you NEED to take a weapon to a place or area then you just should not be going to that area if you can help it. It is the supposedly "safe" places like summerlin where carrying a weapon makes sense.
Robert2-You're either a Cop or a Fool. Maybe both...
Fact, it's obvious that a massive screw up occurred. Scott never went "bezerk". Obviously the responsible parties are trying with all means possible to cover this up.
@logic
I agree with you that there was a screw up here, a man is dead, I think that qualifies. I never said Scott went bezerk, again I agree with you. All I have said is let's wait for the complete investigation. How is waiting for the investigation to be completed foolish?
The conclusions people are drawing are amazing! If you weren't there and didn't see it with your own eyes, you have no idea if a screw up occurred. No idea. How do you know? None of us know, we were not there. Video will tell the tale, if it exists. If not, we have no choice but to trust the investigation will reveal the truth. Assuming anything about the incident isn't a good idea. Yeah a cop can screw up, but a well educated white guy can also make a bad decision. [Insert politican joke here]
For a West Point guy it was poor judgment for him to carry his weapons into Costco because the store prohibits conceal firearms.
I would like to know what Erik did to have the Costco employee call 911.
For someone who appears to have been unruly in the store, creating a disturbance, and wielding a gun, justice is served! Good job metro, you saved us taxpayer's money. We in the real world call this an instant stimulus package for all of America!
@Robert2, I hope that you're right. There are really only two options. Either Metro chooses to cover it up or not. If Metro has a strong ethical command climate, we'll all have nothing to worry about.
But if the command climate inside Metro is such that it permits less than ethical behavior, we've got a lot to worry about. If that is the case, the more visibility and scrutiny that this case comes under, the less likely there will be a cover up.
I know a little bit about how the Metro LEO's should have responded to this incident and handled the immediate aftermath. I'll be the first to say that I don't know much about Metro's command climate.
I can say that I wasn't impressed by Metro giving out unconfirmed information as facts before the inquest. Seeing some of the revised Metro statements made me distrust the internal investigation. However, I do think the Sheriff himself said all the right things in his interview.
Sheriff Gillespie asked that we give him two things: patience and trust. He's got my patience. I will wait before drawing my final conclusions, although I will not stop challenging those who draw premature conclusions themselves.
Trust is a different matter. It is earned, not given.
The initial Metro statements made many people lose trust. I understand that they were initial statements, not final finding of facts. But many of us are going to need to see the tapes and the results of the investigation before trusting again.
In Nevada a business cannot "prohibit" the carrying of concealed weapons. All they can do is ask someone to leave if they happen to find out he or she is carrying.
Libertarian-conservative radio talk host syndicated out of Atlanta GA -Neil Boortz -said on Las Vegas station 670am (kmzq) that "he love it when police saved taxpayers money like this..."and then referred to the dead man as a "P.O.@". I called the station and ask if they think this is appropriate broadcasting and they have yet to get back to me. I guess they have low ratings and are willing to engage in this type of shock-jock programming. The morning host Steve Wart?, Warp??? is a Republican opperative and refuses to take calls on this subject.
The mere fact that there is so much discussion around this shooting is an indication that many of us in Las Vegas have great concerns over Metro's rules of engagment, training, and the manner in which we investigate officer involved shootings. We have concerns with the rules and regualtions of CW permits. We have concerns over the transparency of this investigation; both by the public company Costco, and our own Metro police department. And we should have concerns. Maybe Erik Scott's death is the tipping point to an investigation processs the breeds confidence and justice, not suspicion and anger. It is time to step back and take a closer look at the process and this time, not like in 2007,we need to make some changes. When a young man was gunned down on the strip after being pulled over for his music being too loud, Rory Reid and the County put together a work group and had public testimony about the concerns for the coroners inquest. I watched those hearings as community leaders and victims families fairly and accurately exposed the imperfection with this process. They had lived it. And what was the result of your taxpayers dollars for that dog and pony show? Very little. Infact I think there are more questions today about Metro and their rules of engagement and the fact that they still investigate themselves. In 2007, the young man with his radio too loud was the 18th officer involved shooting in 2007. Erik Scott was the 15th officer involved shooting in 2010, since his death the number is now 17. This number amounts to more than one coroners inquest per month. How can you properly investigate all these shootings? How do we know they are fair invetigations? Why is Erik's Scott's family not allowed access to the tapes and if there is a problem with the tapes, why are they not privey to the phone calls and discussions about the tapes? Costco is a public traded company, they have a duty to provide a safe place for their shoppers. But if on any given day you don't have surveillance tapes, how safe are you as a shopper? Why in the coroners inquest can Erik Scott's lawyer not cross examine the police, the coroner and Metro witnesses? Why can't Erik Scott's family bring in all their witnesses and allow the entire story, all accounts be heard. Maybe the Costco employee overreacted. Maybe the 911 call was exaggerated, or maybe it was accurate. Maybe Erik was waving a gun, or maybe it was still in the holster when he was killed. Maybe Erik should have just lied on the ground. Maybe only the first shot needed to be fired, and not the other 6 shots. Only through an open and two-sided process, the very same process you and I as citizens have in a court of law, will the truth in all these OIS be told. Being shot by a police officer should not have any different legal or investigative process that being shot by your neighbor.
Mr(red) --Read your own words. I should feel sorry for you.
By mred
July 11, 2010
8:54 a.m.
Suggest removal Metro kills a white CCW dittohead veteran in Summerlin and the teaparty/bags are in a tizzy. When it was the black man in the hood with the furtive movement, the TBs dittoheads were cheering Metro on. Just check the archives of this paper. What goes around comes around.
Good job Metro, one less listener to the Alan Stock Republican talk radio show.
@SummerlinCC
From other pictures of shootings that have happened in this town it looks like everyone and his brother shows up to do their part/job investigating. I have not seen pictures of this incident but I can only guess they had a lot of professionals on the scene. No one is going to jeapardize going to jail by covering for 3 guys they don't even know. Metro has I think over 3,000 employees, I am not sure. It is not like some small town operation where everyone knows everyone else. No one is going to risk their job. I just don't see a cover up. You are right though...trust is earned.
Certainly private business owners in Nevada can "prohibit" carrying concealed weapons on their premises. The remedy is to escort the violator from the premises or call the police with a trespassing complaint.
I'm very interested in seeing the video tape. Not for a second would I believe there would be a problem with the video, if there is, I would feel strongly there is a cover-up. Sams Club I would bet has an outstaning survallence system, if it was theft of big screens the tape we be right out.
Although I can't stand Gary Loveman, I would have to use his quote on what happended. "I don't comment on hearsay or speculation"
release the video or bring in the Feds.
It's funny, liberals curse Metro for doing their job and normal people praise Metro for doing such a great job.
Liberals want Nevada to become just like other liberal controlled communities, Oakland, Ca. South Central Los Angeles, North Las Vegas, and Brooklyn, NY. Harlem, NY. where criminals and less desirable are rewarded and the police can't do their job to the fullest extent prescribed by law.
All I can say is good job Metro and don't succumb to the Liberal mindset, they've desecrated America enough.
Robert2- The history here is that of missing tapes and 911 calls. Gov.Gibbons vs. the cocktail waitress is just one example.
Lovely, just picture some kook in a smelly, sweaty double-wide typing in "good job metro" on their keyboard...
@logic
I don't recall that as a shooting, where everyone would be called in to investigate. That was some sort of groping offense if memory serves. Really not even close to the same type of investigation been done in the Scott case.
I don't curse Metro for doing their job, but it IS reasonable to expect an honest and open investigative process. How can a police department investigate itself?
The very existence of government and police in our society is proof that all humans need some regulation and oversight, government apparatus are not immune from this fundamental rule. ALL government agencies need to be held accountable in a system of CHECKS and BALANCES.
WHO checks and balances the LVMPD?
If the police are allowed to regulate and/or investigate themselves then why can't citizens be trusted to regulate ourselves? We can just put everyone on a "judicial honor system" and do away with the cops. How well would that work?
Another example of a majority of uneducated punks making 80,000 a year plus overtime shooting someone without just cause. It will go to the citizen whatever committee and they will be obsolved like always. I think the US attorney should prosecute all 3 of them for manslaughter. Metro has never seen such incompetence that gillespie has brought upon it. That man who they killed in cold blood was a war hero with the iq of 100 or so cops.
I would like to hear from a customer or an employee who was at the scene of this tragedy.
Robert2-So the severity of the case will dictate if we get an honest investigation? You're serious??
A quick correction:
Please do not use the e-mail for DOJ above.
Instead, please e-mail Tom.Perez@usdoj.gov to request that US DOJ enter this investigation
logic...Guess your dictionary does include the words: irony, sarcasm....
You probably missed the point when you read: "Uncle Tom's Cabin" "Death of a Salesman" or Mark Twain....etc.
I still contend that the dittoheads (with the exception the "Libertarian" at Brand X Newspaper) haven't made a stink when the black college student athlete (oh he sold pot to a narc-big deal) or the black man on the strip with his radio too loud in his car, etc. were killed by Metro... Just when GI Joe educated white guy is sent to his maker, that some of the CCW dittohead crowd gets "up in arms."
Boortz says crap to make money and get ratings, my discourse is dramatic to make the "Rush is Right" hypocrites think for a change.
I also note that Metro is trying the case, and tainting the jury pool on every boot lick-er radio talk show in town. Why aren't they waiting for their phony "inquest."
I hope they didn't remove my post. It is a good one underscoring the the teaparty flakes and phonies. I bet if the guy who was shot was Islamic, you'd find very few sympathetic posts as well.
Mr(red) Nice try but I've read your "body of work". Fortunately, you represent a splinter minority.
il-logic? Despite your "suggest removal" I checked and my great post of 7/11 still stands.
After a handcuffed black man was killed in Oakland, 4 Oakland cops were coincidentally killed a short time later. I can see many more weak and troubled minded people decide to go out in a demented "blaze of glory" rather than face humiliation from Metro.
The rising level of violence and lack of confidence in law enforcement will further turn the area into a ghost town. Many tourists who faced all to typical rude encounters with the local "Keystone Klan" - won't be back to Vegas.
Mr(red)-I didn't write the "suggest removal". Just copied and pasted your red words of wisdom.
There was a time that "most" people said the Earth was flat, or "white people shouldn't marry blacks." I don't care if I stand alone or if you like my posts. If you don't like them, then I know I'm right.
Seems like your monitoring the website with an agenda: Who do you work for? Why do you want to censor the views of others?
@logic
No, I am not saying the severity makes a difference. I am saying Metro officers were involved in this shooting and that fact caused dozens of people to move into action. Dozens who are professionals at what they do in an investigation. The Gov. Gibbons allegation you are referring to was not investigated by dozens. It basically came down to a he said she said situation. There were no witnesses, like in this case. There was no video, like in this case. And there was plenty of alcohol, which is not like this case.
BIG DIFFERENCE.
I've been posting on a wide range of issues for months, you've just popped up to comment on this particular situation. Seems interesting? Why is this issue so dear to your heart???
logic? You never commented on past police shooting stories. I have. Why did you come out of the woodwork on this one? Know someone connected with this story?
AS someone that wasn't there, I have no true idea what happened there. But as someone that knows the man's family very well out here in southwest kansas, I do know that it is very unlikely that this man pulled a gun on an officer. Let alone, an army of officers. I just pray for everyone involved that the truth is found and justice is served. I really think that the officers jumped the gun and got trigger happy. Our prayers are with the family. The Lord is with you and the truth will prevail. You can't doctor the serveillance cameras.
Mred:
The cop was found guilty, involuntary manslaughter. Besides, did you see the family and others on the news afterwards, based on their denial and lack of civility when speaking into the cameras, it is sad to say the kid is better off today than being screwed for life being around his family members. The family using their child's death as a race issue and then they play the race card is sickening and uncalled for.
My prayers are with the kid and I know he is much happier where he is and for not having to suffer at home listening to all his racist family members. He will no longer have to look at people by the color of their skin he will see all people as equal just as others will see him.
mred,
why are you painting this issue black or white. It has nothing to do with color. I can see your obviously a black man who is pissed off with white america. You are going way off subject, I can respect your post if it has to do with the topic, Other wise your just waisting your breath. Just the wrong place to post about your personal issues!!!!
quote--"The mere fact that there is so much discussion around this shooting is an indication that many of us in Las Vegas have great concerns over Metro's rules of engagment, training, and the manner in which we investigate officer involved shootings...."---
I totally agree, ttnow.
Where there's smoke, there's fire...
Robert2-Maybe you didn't get my point. The Gibbons investigation featured missing video tapes as well as missing 911 call(s). Hell, even the 911 call about the guy falling to his death in MGM's theatre has disappeared.
Want more? Metro initially tried to obscure the evidence by intimidating eyewitness at the tragic accident scene when the patrolman died from the high speed crash on Flamingo last year. They tried to pin it on the driver of the pickup truck that the cop hit. BS as it turned out.
So, the point is: This time you think it's different? History is not on you side.
Las Vegas Sun,
When will the Costco video recordings be released? What about the video recordings in the officers police cruisers? Are you pressing Metro about these as well? How about by-stander cell phone video recordings? Did Metro confiscate any of these? Are there any?
The public should be kept up to date on the investigation.
@logic
I really am not all that familiar with the Gibbons case. As I stated before my memory is vague on it.
As far as the accident. As you state "BS as it turned out". We know it was BS because Metro did a complete investigation. Metro did not cover it up. They owned up and admitted their officer was not running code 3 enroute to an emergency. He was speeding. Metro did an excellent investigation then and I trust they are doing another one on this case.
Geez..why is it so hard for you to wait for the investigation? History is on my side, you just keep trying to rewrite it to fit your universe.
just a sudden thought...why isnt the girlfriend speaking up? she's like prime, prime witness to this! she was right beside him when it happened. i know she's still grieving and all, but more than anyone else, wouldnt she want justice for erik's death? im surprised that was all she said (she did not even say it - as she had a friend read it) at the memorial.
A few thoughts.
1. I respect Robert2's opinion. While we may have differing levels of trust in Metro PD, I can understand his desire to hold judgement until the investigation is over. He is at least keeping an open mind that the police may have made a mistake, which is a far different position than many commenters who feel that the police can not make mistakes.
2. @mred: Part of what you're saying is probably true. Erik Scott's case is unique in many ways, but if it turns out that Metro PD messed up, there may have been instances in the past where other people experienced similar injustices. I don't know. And yes, when a successful businessman gets gunned down, it attracts more attention than a kid in the ghetto. I can tell you that if I see a story about a kid that gets shot in the ghetto, I barely even read the story. I'll confess to being guilty of that. Maybe that will change in the future. If there have been injustices in the past, they were just as wrong, regardless of skin color.
Scott's death should be of concern to NRA members who value the right to bear arms, just as it should be of concern to card carrying members of the ACLU.
This isn't about race or political affiliation. It's not about whether someone supports the police or not. It's about ensuring that justice is done.
In a recent interview, Colonel Scott made a comment indicating that he had heard other stories about people claiming excessive force had been used and, said "Let Erik Scott be your voice". And so I would say to you today, let the death of this man unite us, not divide us.
Robert2-Are you really that naive? Ok I'll try this ONE LAST time. Metro tried to intimidate eye wittiness at the Flamingo accident. They threatened them with arrest. Had they not come forward, where do you think that "investigation" was heading?
History shows that many of the so called impartial investigations in this town were riddled with troubling questions.
Despite that, the officers are routinely cleared of wrongdoing and a settlement with the survivors was reached in many cases.
I'd give odds that is exactly what will happen here.
The irrefutable truth is that these bastions of justice are less than honest when it comes to obscuring facts and evidence to save their own skin.
@isohatethem: Colonel Scott has relayed portions of the girlfriend's version in one of his interviews. Looking at the videotape in from the memorial service today, it seems it may be awhile before she will be composed enough to speak in front of a camera. Needless to say, the girlfriend's version directly contradicts Metro PDs version.
If you believe that there should be an outside law enforcement agency investigating this shooting, here is the address for Asst. US AG Thomas Perez: Tom.Perez@usdoj.gov
Duhh-Doesn't Asst.US AG Perez get the newspaper? They need an email from me? Hilarious..
I didn't make anything up and I'd challenge anyone to dispute that. All the facts come from local news sources.
@Robert2
"You might be right. I don't know. Earlier this year Metro had a fatal accident. A lot of cop haters said Metro would cover up the incident. The investigation proved that the Metro officer was not running code 3 enroute to an emergency. Metro stepped up to the plate and did not cover it up. Metro will not cover this incident up either. I just believe that we need to wait for the the COMPLETE invetigation before we jump to any conclusions."
You're right they did own up to it. EVENTUALLY.
If you remember correctly however, they first came out and said he was rolling code, and that a drunk driver turned in front of him.
Turns out, this guy wasn't drunk. Turns out the cop didn't have his lights and sirens on. Initially metro came out strong pointing the finger at the other driver. The media blasted his picture all over the news and the web.
People were angry and upset and said horrible things about this guy for causing the death of the cop. Then after a week or two of investigations they revealed it was the cops fault.
Problem is, this other guy, his life was ruined by the media, ruined by metro coming out and saying things that were unfounded and not true.
That's my problem. I don't care if Metro says NOTHING at all. It's better that they say nothing at all then run at the mouth with stories that aren't true. Capt. Neville should have given a statement that it was an ongoing investigation and that more details would come to light over the course of the next few weeks.
Sure people would have been equally upset, but not as upset as they are now because as more details were revealed its turning out that Erik wasn't going Beserk in the store, and destroying merchandise is a strong term for someone opening up a case of metal water bottles to see how well they'll fit into his backpack/cooler before he buys them.
Just sayin, Metro PR did a bad job on the Officer Manor case and Gillespie had to backpedal hard to regain the trust of the public. Now, they've done it again by coming out and painting Erik Scott the way they did in the beginning.
It'll be interesting to see how this turns out.
@logic
You state: The irrefutable truth is that these bastions of justice are less than honest when it comes to obscuring facts and evidence to save their own skin.
I never said there haven't been mistakes by Metro or any other police agency in the world. I am not that naive to believe errors in judgement haven't been made. They are after all HUMAN. It's called life and you and everyone else posting here have covered up things or done things they certainly don't want others to know about. It's human nature.
You state: Had they not come forward, where do you think that "investigation" was heading?
It is not up to the patrol officer to decide which way an investigation will go. They secure the surrounding area and do their best to keep people back so that evidence will not be destroyed. Something most of us don't understand. In addition, it was these same officers keeping people back who personally knew the dead police officer. I don't know Logic...do you think they might of been just a little more emotional than usual?? The area was secured and detectives and the usual army of investigators arrived. The investigation was always going to be done right. Regardless of the opening emotional moments. The investigation was NOT covered up nor was it EVER going to be covered up.
@mitzy17
I agree with you. It could have been done better. I just want the investigation to be presented. There is no way there is going to be some grand cover up. Too many people involved.
@logic: Perez's office isn't located in Nevada. He is the Asst. AG for the United States.
Quite frankly, he's probably not reading Las Vegas papers unless he has a reason to do so.
Three shootings in 8 days. Must be the weather. This is crazy!
Robert2-Ok you wore me down. Sadly, reason, facts, past practices, as well as past news accounts doesn't register in you head.
SummerlinCC-You response is that he doesn't get the Las Vegas papers, therefore, he can't know anything that goes on here? Absurd.
j1979 if the newspapers are not reporting the other witnesses maybe noone has come forward that wants to be identified on TV and tell their side of the story.Now I know from other articles you said you are close to the victims girlfriend then you come forward and ask people to talk with the local newspaper about what they saw.See when people talk about a cover up they are talking about the LEO's that patrol the streets because those guys have tried to cover for one another but didn't work after full investagation took place so the truth will prevail,not right away.Scott's family needs to hire an attorney and make sure he talks to all the witnesses accounts.god be with!!
For all of you that call Police Officers Pigs call a crack head next time your in trouble...their number is 1 800 get high or if that dont work 1 800 Ill rob u 4 crak....next, where I live the "right to carry" laws have not passed yet but thanks to a recent supreme court ruling I am sure things will change here also. One of the problems with the "right to carry" laws is that the Police also have and have always had the right to carry and also the right to shoot and kill when threatened or when others are threatened with deadly violence. Most Police Officers go thru some testing to show their trustworthiness, integrity and common sense skills to carry a gun and take on the high responsibilities bestowed upon them to make life and death critical decisions. The average Joe with his great "right to carry" probably has not been thru such scrutiny before arming themselves with a deadly weapon. I am sure the "gun nuts" out there just love the recent supreme court ruling. Carry all the guns and ammo you can! It's not just Las Vegas that this is happening but thru out the country. Bottom line is the more guns being carried out there on the streets, into stores and other public places the more Police related shootings there will be...get use to it...Gun nuts asked for it now we got it...
My prayers to the family.......
Hey metro what startled you most???? That this was in scummerlin or you actually got to load your bullet into your weapon......
Most Police Officers go thru some testing to show their trustworthiness, integrity and common sense skills to carry a gun and take on the high responsibilities bestowed upon them to make life and death critical decisions.
buckiefan where the hell are you from... It sure is not Vegas or for that matter earth itself.. What the hell kind of statement is that.. Dont tell me,, your on crack... If not it sure seems so by your remarks...
For somebody with all that gun handling training I'm surprised that he as soon as he realized that the police were yelling at him that he didn't put both hands above his head instead of going for his gun. I don't blame the police for shooting him since they have NO idea who he is or what's in his mind.
Why in the world was he carrying TWO pistols????
@saltydawg
I don't know why he was carrying 2 pistols, but it was certainly his constitutional right to do so. So far, I have not heard anyone say that he was carrying illegally. It appears so far that he was legal in this regard. I have to say that after reading hateliars extensive post this whole mess does not look good for Metro. I will continue to wait for the official investigation to be completed.
The police in Las Vegas appear to be terrified of Joe Citizen. Why?
The police in Las Vegas appear to be terrified of Joe Citizen. Why?
@saltydawg, some off-duty LEOs (and others, apparently) carry two weapons to have one for a back-up in case the first weapons jams. I know, it may sound a little extreme, but it's totally legal.
@Robert2, in retrospect, you're right, Scott should have just raised his hands instead of trying to respond to police orders. Unfortunately, CCW training teaches permit holders to take commands from officers when they arrive on scene. Of course, that training is based upon the assumption that only one set of commands will be given by the police....
Thank you hateliars for writing an informed, intelligent commentary on this situation.
saltydawg,
maybe the police should shoot you also "...since they have NO idea who..."YOU ARE"...or what's in ..."YOUR"...mind." Your mentality sounds like that of a cop!
DO NOT SHOP AT COSTCO!
we all need to stand up together and boycott costco.
@Summerlin
Any way we slice this one it is still a sad day. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Scott family. I can not even imagine the pain they are in. I have to give huge kudos to the father who gave the interview. I don't believe I could of held up as well as he did. Nothing good in this story, just pure sadness and grief.
Here's the thing. I have a friend that was there and was only 50 ft away from the shooting and saw EVERYTHING! He stated that he had seen the "suspect/victim" a few moments earlier shopping inside with his wife, talking, smiling and being very affectionate towards her. Then when they were outside, again, only 50 ft away from them when it all happened, he NEVER saw the victim waving a gun. HE WAS NEVER ASKED TO GIVE A STATEMENT ABOUT WHAT HE WITNESSED!!! That sounds very fishy to me...
Second degree murder for 3 bad boys. They will beat your worthless hide everyday in prsion. I have transported many to state prison, and they melt when escorted inside the walls. You 3 will pay & have a miserable 20 yrs & have no spirit left when you leave prison, that is if your sill alive. THe 3 should have been disarmed on the spot and cuffed and taken in for evaluation. See ya around losers.
why did a medical devices salesman need to walk around costco with two concealed weapons?
"saltydawg,
maybe the police should shoot you also "...since they have NO idea who..."YOU ARE"...or what's in ..."YOUR"...mind." Your mentality sounds like that of a cop!"
Don't worry, I don't plan on making a disturbance at a major retailer while packing two pistols and then showing a pistol to store employees. Anyway, if the police do shoot me it will be while I have both hands empty above my head.
Not sure why my last comment was removed--it only gave VegasGirl66 the phone number to Ross Goodman's offices (the lawyer that is representing the Scott family)
saltydawg,
They will shoot you with a AR-15 point blank in the face with you hands empty above your head. However, they will give you a chance to get on your knees first. (JUST LIKE THEY DID THE KID LAST MONTH POINT BLANK IN THE FACE ON HIS KNEES!) They call it "execution style".
@Leem
That investigation is not complete and YOU were NOT there. Sounds to me like you are mad at police officers. Are you in the system?
It breaks my heart to read all the negative comments being made against the deceased. I know it has been said dozens of times already, but until the people who truly know what happened speak out, and until all of the facts are released, we the general public won't know what happened. For people to say that he made a bad decision by carrying, or making comments about why was he carrying two weapons in a Costco, it makes me sick. Need I remind you about the Luby's massacre or the Virginia Tech incident or the Westroads Mall shooting, or the Ft. Hood incident, etc.? We who are licensed to carry should carry EVERYWHERE. BGs don't just strike in dark alleys and shoddy liquor stores; they show up at the mall and the movies and our schools and yes, even places like Costco. I pray that none of you ever encounter a BG pointing a gun in your face demanding your car or your money or your wife, but if it does ever happen, someone like me or another concealed handgun carrier is much more likely to save your rear than a LEO. Anywho, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Scott family, and I really wish people would stop conjecturing and bad-mouthing Erik and his "poor decisions"...
why keep taking me off the page? all i say that my heart goes out to the scott's families and the same thing happen to my son in 2008. what are news really trying hide.