Tension In The City

Rapides Parish is abuzz with news that seems to mimic  national news this weekend.  According to our local TV an officer was trying to make an arrest, and was knocked unconscious. 

After the first suspect was arrested, a second suspect resisted arrest, striking the officer multiple times and knocking the officer unconscious. At some point during the altercation the suspect, by his own admission, attempted to disarm the officer by taking the officer’s duty weapon from him. Bystanders, as well as backup police officers, intervened. The officer used a taser on the suspect, and all three suspects were taken into custody. The officer was treated for his injuries and released.

The officer, from all reports is recovering.

Rumors are buzzing, some fairly salacious.   Of course, our local TV station did what they could do to gin up controversy.  They interviewed a man from Los Angeles who helped the perp make bond.  It told one side of the story, but it contains all the buzzwords that you would expect in a situation like this..  Full interview at the link.

Talking with neighbors and friends, it seems that Alexandria is going the way of  the times.  I'm glad I retired when I did.  Our Sheriff, as of this posting, has been silent on the matter.  It probably hasn't even reached his inbox yet.  Of course, the investigation is continuing but we are not going to hear anything from the police perspective until it goes to court.

I was talking with a prominent local politician yesterday, and he said that he eels really bad for the police officers on the beat.  He went further, saying that he understands that they need the paycheck, but that he would not do the ob of a police officer in this political climate.  He's simply resign and find another way to feed his family.  I understand his feelings.