Texas Trooper Down

[tcsd1236]

News reports still coming in, but a Texas Trooper was shot after pulling over a local nut case for not wearing his seat belt.
I tried posting the entire link over at the firing line, but it doesn't work. It's on the front page at www.austin360.com (http://www.austin360.com)

Trooper still critical at this time.
weapon descibed as an assault weapon, but no specifics given.

[Rebecca]

tcsd...

I haven't had much time to make many posts since Jim changed the layout... and I hope to catch up very soon. But, I couldn't help but to post here to say that my prayers are with this man.

I'm off to work. If you hear more news... will you post it, please? I'm coming here to check on him when I get off from work.

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by Rebecca (edited 08-04-2000).]

[Glockarmorer]

Here's the link to the story:
http://www.austin360.com/news/1metro/2000/08/0804trooper_arrest.html

Sounds like the TX DPS exercised extreme restraint in not killing this geriatric nutcase. Hope Trooper Vetter recovers fully. My thoughts are with him.

G.A.



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No cops, know anarchy.

[Rebecca]

I visited this site... and was pleased to find that we could post a little something to support Randy and his recovery. Of course, I was horrified to find that some people actually think it was perfectly fine to shoot a police officer because of the stand on seat belt laws. What a truly scary thought that others think so dangerously.

I left a post for Randy... and wished for him to have a speedy recovery. Maybe some of you would like to visit the link and add a few words, yourself.

God's speed to him.

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***Rebecca***

[Rebecca]

I can't seem to find any reports on here... but with what is being said by the public posting prayers for him... I think Randy must have passed away last night.

If anyone knows for certain... please confirm for me.

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[Rebecca]

Randy did not die on the 6th of August as some had been writing. However... last night, on August 7th... we did lose Randy Vetter....

************************************************** *****

*Trooper Randall W. Vetter
Texas Department of Public Safety, TX

Cause of Death: Gunfire
End of Watch: August 7, 2000
Date of Incident: August 3, 2000
Time of Incident: 1030 hours
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 6 yr
Suspect Info: Arrested at scene
Weapon Used: Rifle

Trooper Vetter died from a gunshot wound he received four days earlier while conducting a traffic stop. Trooper Vetter had stopped the 72-year-old suspect for not wearing a seatbelt. While he was sitting in his cruiser the suspect exited his vehicle and opened fire with a rifle, striking Trooper Vetter in the head. Trooper Vetter was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect. The suspect then used the cruiser's radio to say he shot the officer and then attempted to flee the scene. An off duty officer who happened to be passing by witnessed the shooting and alerted other officers, who took the suspect into the custody after a brief standoff on the roadway. The suspect was known to local officers for claiming he would shoot any officer who tried to write him a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt, however, Trooper Vetter was new to the area and was never notified of the risk.

Trooper Vetter had been with the agency for six years and is survived by his wife and eight-month-old son.


*as reported by the ODMP

************************************************** *****

A very caring wife of a Deputy Sheriff who had the pleasure of working with Randy years before... had been the one to bring the news to me, via email. She included this link... and I thought I should post it here for you...
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr080700b.htm

Thank you, Belinda. Hang in there... and know that you are in my thoughts as well. God bless you.

Many of us said our silent prayers for Randy. I know they will now continue for his widow and his infant son, Robert. May God be with them.

Rest in peace, Randy.

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