Dashcam Video Of South Carolina Shooting Released

10 Apr, 2015 by William Teach

Print this article Font size -16+

It doesn’t help the case of Officer Michael Slager, who has been fired from the force, in the least

(WISTV)The State Law Enforcement Division has released a copy of the dash cam footage from North Charleston police officer Michael Slager’s patrol car in the moments before he fatally wounded Walter Scott. (you can see the video at the link)

In the video, Slager pulled over Scott and asked to see his license and registration. Scott tells the officer he is missing some paperwork, saying the car is not his but he plans to buy it and the current owner has all of the documents. Right after Scott pulls over, you can also hear Slager tell him his third brake light was out.

Once Slager returns to his car to check Scott’s license, Scott gets out of his vehicle and Slager tells him to get back inside. Scott gets back into his car, then suddenly gets back out and takes off on foot.

You can’t see Slager, but through his microphone you can hear him as he runs after Scott.

There was a warrant out for Scott for unpaid child support. This in no way necessitated the use of force by Slager, especially in light of the video taken by a citizen of the actual incident. It was unjustifiable. He was not a violent felon, he was not carrying a weapon, he was not a danger to society. Let him go. You know where he lives, you have his car.

Slager has been accused of excessive force previously. A big question is, does this have anything to do with racism? Or just give the appearance of racism, due to the fact that the white officer is going to have lots of interactions with Blacks because of where he is patrolling? I certainly cannot say for sure, and nor can anyone else who does not know the officer. One thing that stuck out to me, though, is how easily he dropped what appears to be a Tazer next to the body, without really attempting to check the body for life. It’s like something out of an old cop movie, with the dirty cop ready to drop a “throw down”, ie, a handgun, to frame the perp and protect themselves from charges.

Let’s remember, though, that the vast majority of police officers are good people, and not paint the entire community for the actions of one or a few.

Crossed at Pirate’s Cove. Follow me on Twitter @WilliamTeach.