Gary police officer seriously wounded

[FTO SGT CARTER]

Gary police officer seriously wounded


Associated Press
September 12, 2003


GARY, Ind. -- A police officer who tried to break up a fight outside a bar was seriously wounded when he was shot with a large-caliber, laser-sighted handgun, authorities said.

Patrolman Wayne Dodson, 32, was in serious condition today morning at University of Chicago Hospital, hospital spokesman Collins Yearwood said. Dodson still was awaiting surgery to remove a .50-caliber bullet lodged near his spine.

Police said Donny Harvey, 26, of Merrillville shot Dodson with a Desert Eagle semi-automatic handgun about 1 a.m. Thursday outside a Gary bar. The bullet penetrated Dodson's back through his duty belt, just below his protective vest, police said.

Police said Harvey shot Dodson when officers ordered Harvey to drop his gun after officers tried to break up a fight outside the bar. Police then shot Harvey, who was taken to a local hospital under police guard. Hospital staff would not release information on his condition.

Harvey was expected to face attempted murder charges.

[FedDC]

I will never understand why the words "Drop the gun" are spoken prior to firing. I am not second guessing this officer, but it is a proven fact that someone with gun in hand can shoot you before you can react and shoot him. There is no way to win if he already has a gun in hand. The officer that was just shot in memphis did the same thing and told the guy to drop the gun...the guy then shot the officer in the head. Action beats reaction every time. If the guy can't be held from behind cover, he needs to be shot. I know the liability gurus hate this, but I'd rather be judged than carried.