He wasnt arrested, lets check on that?
Police department stated the "ARRESTING OFFICER" in the bold. The department and the people who would know better than anyone on this board saying he wasnt arrested say he was arrested. Not a random person, but the source itself. It seems those who want to trust the police no matter what seem like their hands are tied here. THAT WAS AN ARREST...just like the police dept. that ARRESTED him said.
Arresting Officer just describes the officer that was either first on the scene, placed the subject in handcuffs or filed the incident report. All of those things can happen without an arrest actually happening. I spent years catching shoplifters in a retail environment. We took people to the ground, placed them in handcuffs and filled out the preliminary police report prior to the actual police arriving. But we never placed anyone under arrest.
Police have the right to detain people for all kinds of reasons. During that time, they may need to use force to protect themselves, others, and the suspect from harm. Placing them in handcuffs is often required to do so. In the event that a felony has occurred or may have occurred, the police may draw their weapon. You may have heard the term "felony traffic stop". This means the occupants are removed from the car at gunpoint.
In Bennett's case, he was not stopped solely due to race. There were other black males in the same area. Due to there being reports of shots fired, it was believed that a felony has occurred. Any possible suspect of that crime will be treated in a manner to protect the officers and public. (Guns drawn)
Based on the limited pictures/video, it appears the apprehension occurred on a busy street. Not sure if it is LV strip or Flamingo Blvd. But both are high traffic areas. Controlling a large guy in a small area can be very difficult. Had there been a physical altercation, Bennett or the officers could have been hit by a car.
With all if this, how would a reasonable person suggest the police handle this situation?
-You're a LV officer working a busy section of the strip.
-Reports of gunfire come in. You have a possible description.
- You instruct everyone to get on the found. Everyone complies except for one person. That person attempts to exit out a side door.
- You make contact with the person. He is much larger than you and is on the edge of a busy thoroughfare. Oh. And your backup is stuck in the crowd and may be minutes from getting to you.
- You have reason to believe this person was involved with a felony and you need to detain him for questioning.
Tell me how you proceed?