A New Jersey state trooper dispatched to the wrong home was justified in shooting the owner, who had grabbed his own weapons because he feared intruders were outside, authorities said Friday.
Gerald Sykes, 76 at the time of the incident, was shot twice in the chest and once in the upper groin at his home in Upper Deerfield Township, Cumberland County, just before midnight on July 29, 2016.
Miscommunications among emergency dispatchers caused two troopers to respond to Sykes’ home, where dispatchers believed someone had dialed 911 and hung up.
Sykes’ attorney, Rich Kaser, said Friday that the family was considering a lawsuit. He said the state’s decision was disappointing but not surprising.
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5 comments:
You can bet they will be listening to the 911 call. Feel for the offices and the family involved.
zero accountability, shame, murderers...nothing less
A dispatcher mistake. It's why counties and municipalities have insurance.
I was a police dispatcher back in the eighties for both police and 911. I know from personal experience, it isn't always the dispatchers fault. We try to get the best data available on each call. Sometimes there are language barriers or the person calling isn't sure of the correct address or gives us the wrong address if they are calling for a neighbor or friend. Today it's easier with google and gps positioning but they still get it wrong. In my case it was a house fire and the person gave me the wrong street name. Muir street instead of Mill street. A replay of the recording saved me. You repeat the address to them and they still don't always get it right.
So, these cops shot him through a window while on his BACK deck? Why would they be behind the house? Procedure is front door. Bang and notify loudly. This is murder and I hope the shooter pays with his life. They are not law enforcement officers of any kind. The are completely ignorant and killed an innocent man.
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