Philando Castile case, and some advice

Philando Castile shooting and some advice:
by jon gutmacher

On July 6, 2016, Philando Castile, an African American male,  was shot four times during a routine daytime traffic stop by a police officer in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.  According to Diamond Reynolds,  the girlfriend of Mr. Castile, who was in the vehicle -- Mr. Castile had informed the officer he had a firearm and was legally licensed to carry it, and was reaching for his wallet for his driver's license in response to the officer's request.  At that point, some reports indicate the officer told Castile not to move, and Mr. Castile may have moved his hands slightly at which point the officer shot him, resulting in his death.  The story is tragic.  For CWL holders -- it is a very serious reminder that once a police officer knows there is a "gun" involved in almost any encounter -- there may be a strong possibility of an over-reaction or total misunderstanding by the police officer that results in tragedy to the civilian involved -- no matter what their race or nationality.  I have seen several other YouTube video's where an over-reaction was patent.  On the other hand,  police officers must make split second decisions where their lives are on the line -- and increasingly -- they are the targets.

For that reason,  I urge you to use great caution, and  read my earlier article on the Alton Sterling case.  No matter what the actual situation is -- things have gotten out of hand for everyone -- police and citizens.  In any encounter with police officers I have strongly recommended that before you reach for anything -- anywhere -- that you first ask the officer for permission to do so . . .  and wait for their response and OK, before doing so. My book goes into greater detail -- but this very small piece of advice may advert a tragedy -- for all involved.

And just for the record -- I don't know if the facts are as Ms. Reynolds has said, or not.  It may be entirely different.  But, it is critical for everyone -- no matter your race or nationality -- that this case be investigated before jumping to any conclusions.  Many times the reaction of the police in using deadly force -- was -- the right and proper action.  If somebody is reaching for a gun, or it really looks like it -- there's normally not much of a choice.  But again, only time will tell.  For now,  I'll wait, and repeat my warning:   DON'T REACH -- ASK FIRST!