Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Justice for Guy Jarreau, jr.!

Justice campaigns against Police Murder and Systematic Cover-Up [link]
Justice for Guy Jerome Jarreau Jr.! [facebook.com/groups/119198064820815/]

Guy was murdered by Vallejo Police on 2010-12-11, and then vilified by his murderers in the mainstream media as a "thug" who deserved to be shot. Guy Jarreau was a student at Napa Valley College who worked for community peace, fed the homeless and acted as a youth mentor. Today, Vallejo Police feel they are above the law, and are white-washing the incident and withholding the video evidence that would show what really happened. Stand up for Community Justice!
Watch the Documentary: [http://northbayuprising.blogspot.com/2012/01/justice-for-guy-jarreau-jr.html]




Guy Jarreau Jr. by Ann Bassette, Paul Billingsley, Malcolm Marshall & Kevin Weston from New America Media [http://newamericamedia.org/]




2010-12-24 Memorial for Guy Jarreau, jr.
Guy Jarreau’s mother kisses his picture on a memorial poster. She says her son “came to me this morning,” saying, “Yours is the voice I have always carried since I’ve been your child. Now you need to speak for me.” – Video frame: YO! TV
Guy Jarreau Jr. memorial video from New America Media [http://vimeo.com/namvideo]. –
[http://vimeo.com/17904899]
Video: Ann Bassette, Malcolm Marshall and Paul Billingsley


2011-01-16 "Young Vallejo man's friends, grieving mother say he was filming anti-violence video" by Sarah Rohrs and Irma Widjojo from "Vallejo Times Herald" newspaper
[http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_17112408?source=most_viewed]
Every day at 5 a.m. Guy Jarreau, 34, called his mother in New Orleans to share a Bible verse with her and then say, "Isn't it just wonderful to be alive?" she recalled.
"That's how we started off the day for each other," Andrea Jarreau-Griffin said of her late son who died in a controversial Vallejo police-officer related shooting Dec. 11.
A month after the shooting, his mother joined friends and family members at a vigil for Jarreau in the downtown Vallejo alley where he was mortally wounded. He died on his way to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.
Vallejo police, meanwhile, are continuing their investigation into what they have described as a case of self-defense after Jarreau pointed a loaded pearl-handled pistol at an officer. The officer fired twice, hitting Jarreau once in the chest.
"The suspect had a loaded weapon and he confronted the officer with it and the officer was protecting himself and other members of the public that could have been hurt," police Sgt. Jeff Bassett said.
Police had responded to a 911 call about a man brandishing a gun near some teenagers on the street.
Jarreau's friends, however, say that just be-fore the incident, Jarreau was on the street filming an anti-crime video called "I'm Sick of Living Like This."
Close friend James Holliday said questions remain over a brief video clip police released of the incident showing a man identified as Jarreau with a gun. Police have said the indoor footage was likely taken shortly before the shooting.
"We don't know if he had a gun during the video," Holliday said.
Bassett said he's not sure what happened to the video Jarreau was making, but added "I'm sure it's in evidence."
Bassett said the officer who shot Jarreau was released for full duty a few days after the incident, and after a mandatory investigation and counseling.
The case, Bassett said, has not yet been submitted to the District Attorney's Office, which will review the evidence and decide if the police officer should be charged.
Police, Bassett said, are still waiting on a coroner's report and ballistics evidence before they can submit the report. A sergeant with the Contra Costa Coroner's Office said the reports are done but they must be typed up and undergo official review.
Jarreau's body went to the Contra Costa Coroner's Office because he died at John Muir Medical Center.
The case has attracted the attention of noted Oakland attorney John Burris, who told the Times-Herald his firm is considering representing Jarreau's family.
Burris, who grew up in Vallejo, recently returned to inspect the shooting site.
"We are still completing our investigation the best as we can," Burris said. "We are very close to making a decision. We are still waiting for the coroner's office report."
Burris said Jarreau's "good character" compelled him to look into the case.
"This is a young man who seems to have his life together. How's (it) a young person like that got shot?" he asked.
Attorney Ephraim Walker, an associate in Burris' firm, said a central question is whether Jarreau was actually pointing a gun at the officer.
"That's the big elephant in the room," Walker said. "The big question is what happened in that alley."
What's been happening in the alley since the shooting is that Jarreau's mother, other family members and friends have begun a series of monthly vigils to remember him.
His mother said, in an extensive interview, that her son was a religious, nonviolent man who devoted himself to helping children, poor people and the homeless.
"Vallejo lost a special individual. They lost a true man of God. He was God's, first. Then, he was my son," she said. "I will not rest until I get justice for the wrongful death of my son."
Jarreau-Griffin said it grieves her that flowers, cards, T-shirts and other items left in memory of Jarreau in the alley are regularly swept up and taken away. She added that she hopes someone who saw what happened in the alley steps forward.
A native of New Orleans who grew up in the city, Jarreau had a few run-ins with the law, but has no "violent criminal history," Walker said. Arrests were for public intoxication, public urination and cashing an unendorsed check, Jarreau-Griffin said.
Despite initial reports that said Jarreau came to Vallejo after Hurricane Katrina, his mother said he had lived in the city for 81/2 years and sent her money in the aftermath of the devastating storm. She said he held two jobs and was about to go on a speaking engagement tour with Street Soldiers, a branch of the Omega Boys and Girls Club which promotes non-violence. He also passed out turkeys and other items during the holidays in Vallejo, Richmond and elsewhere, she said.
Jarreau worked with the child care development center on the Napa Valley College campus where he was attending school. He regularly attended North Hills Baptist Church on Admiral Callaghan Lane where he helped with a children's basketball program.
"He was gentle and quiet," church administrative secretary Paula Prentice said, adding that many church members attended the first vigil for Jarreau shortly after his death. She said he didn't have a car and church members often gave him a ride so he could attend services.
"He was making changes in his life. The hardest thing is not knowing what happened," Prentice added.
Jarreau's mother said her son was grieving for his baby who was born and died on the same day in March in San Francisco, and that he was planning to fly to New Orleans on Dec. 16, to surprise his mother and propose to his high school sweetheart.
Jarreau-Griffin said she last spoke to her son the day before he died. Shortly before they hung up he said "Mama, you're my best girl," she recalled.
After several attempts to retrieve her son's possessions, she said police Thursday gave her a gold crucifix he was wearing, covered in his blood, and one of his diamond earrings. The other one is missing, she added.
Of her grief, she said "I feel so empty inside. It's like somebody pushed me down a well and I'm saying 'Where's the bottom to my well?'
"It's so dark. I keep looking for some kind of light."
---
Andrea Jarreau-Griffin cries as she talks about her son Guy, in the photo to the left, who died in a controversial Vallejo police-officer related shooting Dec. 11. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald)








Comments found at the Vallejo Times-Herald newspaper website:
Francine Simon-HenryJan 17
The video that was shot at his vigil tells the whole story. In that video, a witness came forward clearly stating that Guy Jarreau was holding a blue cup of water in his hand.
The witness stated that the cup of water hit the ground after he was executed by the police officer and the water and cup were clearly seen on the ground next to his body as the police kicked his body twice as he lay there screaming for help. This is clear as day. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand this. The witness stated on video that the officer was talking very negatively toward the other members of the group.
That these young men were handcuffed and sat on the sidewalk and that two other younger children were pushed toward a glass window, shattering it to pieces.  Why did Guy Jarreau carry a gun that day?
If you were walking in that part of town, with expensive equipment as they had, would you take extra percaution? Is it a sin for a person to protect themselves and other members of the group?
Didn't the singer in the group clearly state that Guy Jarreau acted as their security?
Didn't you hear the other witness state that there was a shooting at that same tatoo shop one week before? 
Whatever Guy Jarreau did earlier in the day prior to the murder, is really irrelevant. The only factor here is what happened in the alley. 
It is clear that the 911 tape said the Tatoo shop owner stated that the man who had a gun wore a plaid shirt and the gun was CHROME with a black handle.  Guy Jarreau wore a white striped shirt. The gun shown in the video that he had prior to the murder was still blue with a WHITE handle.  What is so difficult to understand about this? A second grader can draw these conclusions. If you had an ounce of common sense, you can see that this is a COVER UP by the police. 
There are far too many discrepancies and controversial statements. And the fact that the officer is right now working as if nothing happened, is an insult to us all. 
A INJURY TO ONE, IS AN INJURY TO ALL!!!!


Justice for Guy Jarreau, jr.!!!
Community Assembly and Rally
1:00 p.m., Friday, January 28, 2010
321 Tuolumne Street , Vallejo , Solano County District Attorney's Office
Vallejo Police killing of Guy Jarreau, jr.
CONTACT: Verrose.Hill (@) hotmail .com, 707-235-6872
In front of the Solano County District Attorney's Office and Service and Justice Center there will be a community rally calling on the District Attorney to conduct a full investigation into the fatal shooting of Guy Jarreau jr. by the Vallejo Police Department in December of 2010. The event will be open to the press, and there will be knowledgeable and concerned community members available to speak about the case and the call for Justice for Guy Jarreau, jr., a man who worked for peace in the community and was an active student at Napa Valley College, working with the Black Student Union and at the Child Daycare center.
A central demand of the community is that all evidence, including video taped footage of the nights events documenting the incident of Guy’s killing, be made available for a full and comprehensive investigation by the District Attorney or the California Attorney General. At this time video tape evidence from the incident is being withheld by the Vallejo Police Department, and there are contradictory accounts between the police who say Guy had pointed a weapon at an officer, versus eye witness testimony stating that Guy kept his weapon in his belt and had only a green plastic cup in his hand.
We, the concerned residents of the community and our fellow people, are demanding that justice be done by exposing the truth of what occurred that fatal night in December on Sonoma Blvd. All evidence from video taped recordings as well as eye witness testimony must be considered in a full investigation by the District Attorney or the California Attorney General. If the police department has done their job according to the law, then they have nothing to hide by releasing the tape for use in a full investigation by the DA.
We further ask that the paramedics who arrived at the seen come forward with their statements.
We ask for the police dispatch recordings.
We ask for any witnesses to issue statements.
We ask that Vallejo Police issue their officers with ear-bud bluetooth video cameras.
We ask for a Citizen review panel.
Endorsed by,
* God First
* Black Student Union, and UMOJA, of Napa Valley College
* Students for a Democratic Society of Napa Valley College (Part of Northbay MDS/SDS)
* Peace and Freedom Party of Solano County
* Oscar Grant Committee Against Police Brutality and State Repression
* Katrina's Dream
* Diablo Valley Movement for a Democratic Society (MDS/SDS)


The following was written as a statement by a student-lead community coalition as it was being organized at Napa Valley College, where Guy Jarreau, Jr. went to school.  While attempting to contact the family of Guy Jarreau, the coalition members continued to network but did not make any further public statement until official endorsement was given by God First, the memorial organization begun by Guy's mother Andrea.
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"Justice for Jarreau!" statement from "Napa Valley College SDS" (part of Northbay MDS/SDS):  
Hello,  We are the Justice for Jarreau committee.  Guy Jarreau was a student at Napa Valley College and active member of the Black Student Union/Umoja on campus.  Guy was shot and killed by Vallejo police on December 11. He was helping a friend film a music video about the problems of youth violence. Guy allegedly had a gun. However, the eye witnesses reports are contradicting the official police story. According to his peers and mentors, Guy was a hardworking and motivational student. There is more to the story then the police are telling.  Further information can be found here: [http://sfbayview.com/2010/the-mehserle-effect-vallejo-shooting-tests-era-of-police-accountability
---
We are the Justice for Jarreau committee.
We are a committee comprised of concerned students from Napa Valley College.
Our purpose is to coordinate actions in support of Justice for Jarreau.
Our current demands are: 
1. Release the evidence! The police confiscated a video tape which recorded the incident. Release the tape! 
2. A full and independent investigation! Eye witness reports have contradicted the official police story. There needs to be an independent investigation to clarify the contradictions found within the police version.      
We welcome everyone to keep posted as our struggle for justice progresses.


"How the media is exploited", a study from "Napa Valley College SDS - Justice for Jarreau! committee" (part of Northbay MDS/SDS):
Vallejo is an isolated city, sometimes considered to be "eastbay", but nested within the end of Napa Valley bio-region. We're stuck here with many, many types of people getting by. The most beautiful people of like mind can be found among the natives, who see petty differences as material masques, and who look for the common thread.
This is also the land of the "violent", "ghetto", "rap" standard of "hip-hop", of violent "hyphy", mass drug suicides of a generation. This is the land of the "thug", and fellow Napkins of Napa Valley can't stand being here. I know. They say Richmond has a meaner attitude, and I know because we all been there. Richmond also has a rich and powerful side too, as does Oakland, and elsewhere those "sovereign elite" live amongst the people...
You got to know history for it's own sake, because when the need comes, it comes, and those that live say it's because their ancestors chose survival. If the history of Eastern Europe has taught me anything, "communist" and "christian" alike, it's that the different "power-cliques" still use the same whipping slaves to unify the majority. Of course, the idea of "violent black men" is accepted by the North American monopolized media in any metropolis without question, because they "gotta whip 'em up!" to get those ratings, and such crude caricature is overplayed to another degree, because we all know the image of the violent Black man, our neighbor.
If the Vallejo Police Department gives the monopolized media photographs showing Guy Jarreau, jr. behaving like a violent black man, these media groups will report the photographs as typical of who Guy Jarreau, jr. was, without the usual context reserved for anyone else in Vallejo who "don' act poor".
Oscar Grant, Derrick Jones, Martin Cotton, hundred or more in Kalifornia during past 10 years, literally executed in many instances... Black, White, Latino... Northbay, Eastbay, Socal...
The following photographs were given to the monopolized media [they are the only suckas who would never have asked about Guy Jarreau jr., the Man] by an authority at the Vallejo PD, and it's a certain ratings booster.
"Guy Jarreau", the image:
Who is this other guy? What are they up to, huh? I know they aren't thugs.
This Man is not a thug!!! This is a typical man from the community of Vallejo. He changed his life through Jesus, came clean, worked with folks without homes, attended Napa Valley College where he also was employed...
 
The photographs were extracted by Vallejo PD from a video created during the time when Guy Jarreau, jr. and friends were producing an anti-violence video, and segments of which portray sarcasm about the typical violent attitudes so pervasive among minority youth, hence the gun.
It is not the gun described by the 9-11 call. It is not the man described in the 9-11 call.
So who is this Man vilified in the press?
No matter what, Vallejo is an extreme community composed of 13 or 14 different gangs representin' 9 different nations flowing in a town with connections worldwide. This is no joke, read between the lines, we are ALL in this together as a community, and Vallejoans know themselves to be FAMILY because we all know eachother.
We all understand what Vallejo PD has to do to protect themselves, but something is wrong, as of here. Like some fascist dictator in Latin America, the monopolized media played the tune called by the authority, and now folks are being triggered to snipe at fellow Vallejoans, as can be typically seen on any comments section in an online article about this incident.
As a native, we all know those extremists are the power in certain hoods. We know. And, here it is. This process of fascism in the community is now becoming reminiscent of the business used by Ku Klux Klan and their ideologically affiliated groups throughout the San Pablo bay area, from Napa Valley to Diablo Valley. Remember how these kinds of extremists used the lynch laws all around the USA? Castration and death, or paralyze for life the Black men accused of "rape" when it was no more than a flirt. They claimed it was "Community Justice by the Conservative Citizens Council", do a wikipedia search, because this is real history, a tradition from the KKK to the CCC right here in the Northbay, to vilify a good man in the media. It's the nature of the beast, and it's Another Man Down!
The facts show the unfired weapon was far from the body indicating it was thrown, did not match the gun described in the 9-11 call, and that nobody was actually ever threatened by Guy Jarreau, he was not threatening that officer!!!
Folks, people in Vallejo are folks of all races, and sometimes, a diverse group of citizens assemble in broad daylight next to the farmer's market to display their guns openly. Liberal journalists would say these were "gun nuts", but these fine citizens assembled specifically to exercise their collective right to bear arms LEGALLY for the cause of personal safety. Right On! These people held their civil rights gatherings throughout 2010, just like people do everywhere in this Libertarian state of California, including Oakland and at gun shows.
The Vallejo PD gave them absolutely no shuffle for this display of firepower, so close to alot of liquor establishments and banks, because this is the kind of thing typical in Vallejo, and it's fine to display this kind of constitutional knowledge. As far as I can figure, everyone knows someone who carries a weapon while walking around most of Vallejo. We natives know extreme things you out-of-towners won't understand, except the Oakland natives.
This is what drew the line for this fellow native of Vallejo. I hate pointing out dangerous truths, but I know what's up, and for this I seek guidance in my culture, and in my personal culture I CELEBRATE KWANZAA, and my history...
Therefore I know what follows.
UMOJA is Unity, a principle held closely by thousands of Vallejoans, including the author of this post, celebrating it during Kwanzaa ever year, no matter what my race might be, because here I live amongst many races and they are my people, and this is my culture, where we exist side by side.
IMANI is the principle we hold that in faith we shall be guided by a still yet unseen hand despite great odds, with community providing UJIMA, another principle of Kwanzaa telling us of the community responsibility to work together for our betterment, through NIA, the principle of purpose.
Some friends are talking about a common purpose to spark the dream for justice for Guy Jarreau.
It is now too much.
Community!
Rise. Stand tall. This man is of us all.


"Typical comments against Guy Jarreau, jr." collected by "Napa Valley College SDS - Justice for Jarreau! committee" (part of Northbay MDS/SDS):
This is a small selection of comments posted at [http://www.topix.com/forum/nascar/TBJA9CK97JOFQPR5L], and are provided here in the order they were posted, for archival purposes only.
Note, this archive was created when the archivist saw a comment by "Real American" which advocated more street executions by Vallejo Police, and saying that "those pants-dragging ni99ers need to be put in their place." However, later, when this archive was being prepared for posting, this comment was erased. Another comment posted by "Real American" is still there, claiming that the witnesses are being watched...
Realize, then, that the website's administrators are allowing intimidation tactics but erasing posts containing profanity, a selective censoring...
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Kim, Redwood City, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Transparency is key here.
Now they say as I originally said
2 shots fired
I heard yelling before which I said sounded directive, police.
No helicopter
Unmarked cop car
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Great Day in Vallejo, Oakland, CA, Dec 17, 2010
The credibility of the pants dragging bleeding hearts in NO GOOD, again.
Have a great day everyone.
One less criminial to scare Vallejo residents.
Ho ho ho
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Double D, La Crescenta, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Good shooting Tex! and it only cost the City $2.00 in amunition. Court dismissed!
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NRA Life Member, Oak Harbor, WA, Dec 17, 2010
Good Job VPD!
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JamesMac, Napa, CA, Dec 17, 2010
we got him on video... Yoooohooo thaks vpd for keeping us safe from crazy gunslingers.
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Native Vallejoan, Vallejo, Dec 17, 2010
SOP! Standard Operational Proceedure! The cop followed through with his training. No lies, no deception. Case closed!

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Hmm, Vallejo, CA, Dec 17, 2010
"Also, police Thursday said that other than the officer there were no other eyewitnesses to the shooting. That contradicted the initial police department account, released Saturday, indicating that more than one officer confronted 34-year-old Guy Jarreau in the downtown alley where he was shot."
Thank goodness the police got their story straight, finally. This transparency thing would be a lot clearer if we could see through it.
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Clarke Johnston, Vallejo, Dec 17, 2010
What part of the helicopter landing elsewhere are you having a problem with? Dang it. Do us all a favor
Don't vote.
Don't have kids.
Watch the videos. Your man isn't a role model, he's a chump. Straight up.
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Angry Citizen, Stockton, CA
Dec 17, 2010
I think VPD could of handle this situation in a totally differnt approach....not to say I knew the victim and he was no where near what you ignorant ass folks have to clearly say about him...VPD are soo trying to cover up for the mistake they clearly made... AND YESS THEIR WAS WITNESSES!!!! I so hope the victims mother hires a civil rights lawyer to sue the hell out of VPD for injustice and killing an innocent man who was just out there advocating for these unpriviledge youths... Cause honestly not all african american men are criminals!!! Get ya facts straight folks :-P
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Cedric, Oakland, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Oops! A fly in our Liberal oatmeal! Now what path do we pursue?
Personal responsibility for being stuck-on-stupid is many times hard to accept!
I am glad that the officer wasn't hurt, inspire of the Mayor and Clowncil trying to reinvent Vallejo.
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Wanglow, Vallejo, CA, Dec 17, 2010
"underpriviledge youths", that's a good one. Don't work, don't study, feast on TAXPAYER junk-food and alchohol, stay out until 3 am then sleep until 1100, never have to face a mean foreman or job deadline, or bad weather or horrible commute, hang around all day long in front of liquor stores and phony "barber shops"; yeah, that's a REAL TOUGH life for these poor zombies. In a few years they will all be "underpriviledged adults", gee, I wonder why?
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Willaim, Oakland, CA, Dec 17, 2010
I don't care about racial profiling. You know, sometimes it is good we are racially profiled, because the God's honest truth is that 99 percent of the people that are robbing, stealing, killing these drivers are blacks and Hispanics," said Mateo, who is Hispanic and has a black father. [http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/queens/taxi_big_fair_to_profile_0QVhd88HvjGJbruypDUj2L]
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Wanglow, Vallejo, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Ok, and thank you for being fair. I don't know what "facts" you are refering to but you CANNOT name ANYTHING I have ever posted that was untrue. I call 'em as I see 'em, regardless of "race". I have NEVER threatened harm to anyone, never wished ill upon another person undeserving or used profanity in my statements. I constantly write and work to end the democrat-created welfare system which has ENSLAVED generations of our American citizens and doomed them to a life of poverty, crime and disillusionment, without even Hope for a better life. Work is the ONLY Salvation a free-born Man has and by providing JUST ENOUGH free services to barely subsist on this political scourge has altered the course and Promise that this American experiment was created for. Please get off the defensive race issue and focus on the CAUSE of OUR most serious problems and work to change it. Excuses don't pay the bills.
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Bout Time, Vallejo, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Angry Citizen wrote: "I think VPD could of handle this situation in a totally differnt approach.... [for complete quoted post, please see it above]"
What is the number on your NAACP card? Burris would take this on for free and sooner or later Sharpton and Jackson will be in town. Burris = Slime, Sharpton = Liar, Jackson = Jackwagon. Nice bunch of folks that you people look up to.
And no there was no witness you idiot.
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They will never change, Vallejo, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Angry Citizen wrote: "I think VPD could of handle this situation in a totally differnt approach.... [for complete quoted post, please see it above]"
No they are not....But this one was and thats the point. You cannot keep on pointing the finger at someone else. When someone does something wrong they have to pay and in his case he paid with his life. Don't run around waving a gun around because you will get shot. You think you are tough or a bad (a)ss with a gun but your not, someone or many innocent people are going to get shot or killed. Like in Sacramento a innocent woman got killed because the IGNORANT black guys shot at each other at the barber shop. They all had guns now go figure....it's the life style you live so guess what? You will go down.
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Clarke Johnston, Vallejo, Dec 17, 2010
Angry Citizen wrote: "For you 2 quickly judge and dont even know this dude it's really sad that there is still ignorant ppl like your self in this messed up corrupted world... CHUMP!!!"
All I need to know comes from the video. I can and am making a judgement, based on HIS behavior within that video. Don't like it? Tough. He holds the gun like a thug, and threatens the camera like a punk. I'm not ignorant, just informed, unlike yourself. I've not quickly judged, I've sifted through four days of "don't judge and he's a nice guy" from posters like yourself.
Watch the video. If he acted in this manner with the police, so be it.
Guy said he didn't play. Well, it appears that the Vallejo Police don't play, either.
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THE KLAN, Vallejo, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Angry Citizen wrote: "I think VPD could of handle this situation in a totally differnt approach.... [for complete quoted post, please see it above]"
"not all african american men are criminals" true, but most of the crimes are being done by them.
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case closed, United States, Dec 17, 2010
Angry Citizen wrote: "I think VPD could of handle this situation in a totally differnt approach.... [for complete quoted post, please see it above]"
the person you say you knew obviously brandished the gun otherwise no one would have known or reported he had one. I seriously question the decision making ability of someone to irresponsibly handle a deadly weapon in that manner.
I also question the thought process of someone who would defend the subjects action. HE WAS CARRYING DEADLY WEAPON! What about that is hard to understand? QUESTION: how else should have the police handled It? Should the police have presumed the subject was not going to them shoot at them? Mabey then we would be having a funeral of police officer...would that make you feel better?
How about calling how it us and saying that the subject made a very poor decision as soon as he got up in the morning, and continued a string of poor decisions until it ultimatey ended up in his own death.
We all choices to make...and the subject made his. Life goes on...at least for those of us choosing not to carry pistols in our pockets.
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Black People, Vallejo, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Angry Citizen wrote: "I think VPD could of handle this situation in a totally differnt approach.... [for complete quoted post, please see it above]"
Just about 98% in Vallejo. Go figure. Take away your black criminals and VAllejo is almost crime free. Wow, what a thought. Get rid of Vallejo city council and you are 100 % crime free
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Grant, Vallejo, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Here he is carrying around a loaded pistol....and they say hes a role model...hmmmmm? sounds like a piece of trash
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Dirty Larry, Vacaville, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Angry Citizen wrote: "I think VPD could of handle this situation in a totally differnt approach.... [for complete quoted post, please see it above]"
So if you did not know the victim, why are you making a comment.
They say the "VICTIM" has been on the department for about ten years. I am sure the "VICTIM" is educated and has a family. The "VICTIM" probably is a typical down to earth guy or gal who makes everyone smile. The "VICTIM" gets up everday to put on a bullet proof vest to protect the citizens of Vallejo. I wish I knew more about the "VICTIM," in my eyes he or she is a hero. To the "VICTIM" thanks for your dedication to the community.
Now for the "SUSPECT."
A one-way ticket from New Orleans,$280.00
An ugly stripped shirt, Free from the Goodwill
An education from Napa College, Free from taxpayers
An ugly gun, Free, most likely stolen
Five bullets,#2.50
Getting center pounched in the chest by a .40 cal, PRICELESS
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what a joke, Oakland, CA, Dec 17, 2010
This is what happens when the youth of Vallejo try to do something productive!
They were filming a video against violence! And for that the Police shot and killed a wonderful man!
This case stinks and it needs to be investigated by an independent citizens council.
These gun slinging cops are killing innocent people left and right.
Oscar Grant and Derrick Jones in Oakland. Richard Poccia in Napa. And now this gentlemen!
Shame on you police!
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Juan Burris, Vallejo, CA, Dec 17, 2010
Kim wrote: "Transparency is key here. Now they say as I originally said 2 shots fired. I heard yelling before which I said sounded directive, police. No helicopter, Unmarked cop car"
You are a (s)tupid ugly woman. This is not in my nature, but we are all tired of your stupidity. Get a clue. This man had a gun, and was killed because of it. It's as simple as that. I assume you are saying that he never pointed a gun at an innocent person before the police came - thus the 911 tape is made up. I assume you are saying that the man (JARREAU) wearing the same striped shirt in the video is holding the same gun the police found on him- that too was made up. This same bloody shirt was found in the alley which you witnessed, correct?
You are probably a good person. You are probably just very lonely and depressed right now huh? You should be depressed, you are an ugly woman inside and out. One only needs to look at your youtube video with Guy JARREAU'S mother. Get a life Kim...do us a all a favor! Everyone should search the youtube and Guy JARREAU to see your ugly ass - the one wearing the jacket with "Kim" on it.
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VV Resident, San Francisco, CA, Dec 17, 2010
(Until Thursday, police had declined to discuss in any detail what has over the ensuing days become a controversial officer-related shooting. Police had contended that information would be released after investigations were conducted by the Solano County District Attorney's Office and department officials.
But Park said that after "rumors" circulated that Jarreau, originally from New Orleans, and a Napa Valley College student, had been unarmed when he was shot, police decided to release more details.
"We wanted to be more transparent, and show he was in possession of a gun," Park said.)
By caving in and letting this information out....It showed insecurities. Stand your ground VPD.
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Thankful, Walnut Creek, CA, Dec 18, 2010
GOOD JOB VALLEJO POLICE!:)
At least the stupid guy died rather than brought to the county jail where he'd be fed by our tax dollars and then probably re-released into society where he'd father many more children, in which all 5 of his baby mommas would ask for child support. All the while he'd irritate the rest of Vallejo, as he illegally crosses the streets...slowly... in his baggy pants while talking really loud on his cell phone.
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crow2k5, Vallejo, CA, Dec 18, 2010
Ive known Guy for 8 years & he was not a thug or a criminal, he was a great person, kind, loving, he would go out of his way to help someone. This is a tragedy. I know there is more to this story & i hope the truth comes out. I do not believe Guy pointed a gun @ a police officer. R.I.P. my friend & let the truth be shown, you will be missed... Guy Jarreau Jr...
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Juan Burris, Vallejo, CA, Dec 18, 2010
Here is the link to this ugly (a)ss woman - acting for the camera! We are all very tired of you!
Everyone look at this pendeja and see it for yourself! http://www.youtube.com/watch...
AND NO I AM NOT A UNION THUG OR ANY PART OF POLICE!
Just a tired concerned citizen, tired of enabling these thugs to wear their pants passed their ass while talking on the phone, yelling in the store, being total inconsiderate etc. etc. etc... while we make excuses for them, choosing words such as DISENFRANCHISED,racial institution etc...etc.
By the way, did we see the video of him HOLDING THE GUN WITH THE SAME BLOODY STRIPED SHIRT He was shot wearing .... THE ONE THE POLICE ALLEGEDLY FOUND IN THE ALLEY!- WHO IS THE MALCOLM X LOOK ALIKE with him....PATHETIC!
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Fight City Hall, Vallejo, CA, Dec 18, 2010
crow2k5 wrote: "Ive known Guy for 8 years & he was not a thug or a criminal, he was a great person, kind, loving, he would go out of his way to help someone. This is a tragedy. I know there is more to this story & i hope the truth comes out. I do not believe Guy pointed a gun @ a police officer. R.I.P. my friend & let the truth be shown, you will be missed... Guy Jarreau Jr..."
I am sure he was a great guy to someone, but you don't have to point a gun at someone to get shot. Just hanging on to a gun and running or just not dropping it justifies shooting. Next time you run after someone with a gun, don't shoot them until they shoot at you, ahahahhahahahh I will come to your funeral. This is not a TV show or movie. You pants dragging punks never learn
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crow2k5, Vallejo, CA, Dec 18, 2010
He knew those teens, they were making a music video, i talked to them, those same teens made & are going to make more tribute videos for Guy on youtube. He wasnt a danger to anyone. if you guys really knew him, you wouldn't be posting all these hateful comments, he would tell youths pull your pants up, be proud, dont be a thug, be somebody... He made a bad judgement bringing a gun to the video shoot & it cost him his life. millions of ppl own guns & they are not all thugs & criminals...
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VVV, San Francisco, CA, Dec 18, 2010
I agree. The police are already contradicting their story. I do not believe a word they are saying, and neither should anyone.
The police in Vallejo are killers.
The people posting on this forum are racists, psychotic, and ruining Vallejo by treating the youth as criminals. I know for a fact that many of these sick people hang out on the stormfront website for white supremacists. I watch you.
We need to stand up against these bigots, take back our town, and restore justice!
Justice for Oscar Grant, Justice for Derrick Jones, Justice for Richard Poccia, and Justice for Guy Jarreau.
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Mothman, San Francisco, CA, Dec 18, 2010
So I guess the thing to do is question the honesty and verbally bash those officers that have stayed on to work the streets of this city. Through bankruptcy, city councilwomen threats to come after them, half the number of cover officers, lack of show of support from citizens, no hope of future bargaining in good faith, lower pay, less benefits, no chance of promotion, and no light at the end of the tunnel. Crime is arising in our City and we are doing a great job of pushing those that want to stay and help out of here! What a concept. What an embarrassment.
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VVV, San Francisco, CA, Dec 18, 2010
The thing to do is to question the lies we are being told by the Vallejo Police!
The thing to do is to stand up to the scum posting racist, vile, and disgusting remarks on this site!
The thing to do is to rise up, as a community, clean out all the scum like the ones posting here, and take back our town!
We are sick of the police killing people! And we are sick of the pieces of trash over taking this forum with this racism and bigotry! Its time to take out the trash.
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QUICK FIX, Vallejo, CA, Dec 18, 2010
We need for people to be assured that every confrontation with police will be done legally, and if a citizen happens to get murdered by the police it should be recorded. There is more than one reason that a cop killing another human being should be recorded. Other than that it is evidence for the particular incident, it also will give people (who ever is involved) a first hand look at what the situation we give police permission to kill citizens actually looks like. Please read up and press our council and our police department to look into these cameras they can wear. Check it out http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34620212/ns/techn...
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Real American, Vallejo, CA
Any so-called witness to the so-called killing needs to know, you are being watched.


2010-12-16 "Vallejo Police Release Tapes of 911 Call in Officer Involved Shooting" from "Bay City News"
[http://www.fugitive.com/archives/33014]
Vallejo police released an audiotape today of the 911 call that preceded a fatal officer-involved shooting on Sonoma Boulevard on Saturday afternoon, as well as video footage shot by the victim’s associates that shows the man with a gun.
Police shot 34-year-old Guy Jarreau of Vallejo once in the chest shortly before 3 p.m. when he allegedly interfered with a 911 call for assistance, police said. He died Saturday at the John Muir Medical Center.
In the 911-call audiotape, a man told the police dispatcher that a group of about 15 young men were in front of his tattoo shop at 2118 Sonoma Blvd.  He said the group was videotaping something, and the oldest man in the group flashed a gun at him as he left his shop. He then told the dispatcher the man had the gun in a front pocket of his jeans. The caller said the weapon was a revolver, which he described as a chrome gun with a black handle. Parts of the audiotape are unintelligible because of a buzzing sound. Responding officers arrived at the scene and tried to detain the group, but one man walked south on Sonoma Boulevard, police Sgt. Kenny Park said. When an officer called out to the man, later identified as Jarreau, he allegedly ran into an alley in the 2100 block of Sonoma Boulevard just north of Florida Street, Park said. The officer lost sight of Jarreau as he turned a corner, and when the officer turned the corner, Jarreau was facing him as he approached, Park said. “It was apparent the man was trying to draw a gun from his pocket, and that’s when the officer recognized the threat to his safety and fired his weapon,” Park said.
Park said Jarreau had a criminal history in Louisiana. Police also posted a short video on the department’s webs site www.vallejopd.com, of Jarreau brandishing a revolver allegedly recovered from the scene of the shooting. The site has a picture pulled from the video that shows Jarreau with the gun, plus three still photographs of the weapon. The footage appears to have been shot an hour or less before the shooting and was taken by Jarreau’s associates.
Park said the blue-steel revolver seen in the video and in the still photos is the same revolver recovered from Jarreau’s hand at the shooting scene. It has a white pearl handle grip. The revolver contained five live rounds, police said. The video only shows Jarreau, and there is no sound.
The officer who shot Jarreau has not been identified. Park said he has been on the Vallejo police force for about 10 years and is on paid administrative leave. There were no witnesses to the shooting, and police are encouraging anyone with information to call detectives at (800) 488-9383, Park said. Vallejo police and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the shooting.
Video #1: [http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/uploads/547/Movie_0001.wmv]
Video #2: [http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/uploads/547/VPD1014469.mov]


2010-12-24 "The Mehserle effect: Vallejo shooting tests era of police accountability" by Kevin Weston[http://newamericamedia.org/2010/12/the-mehserle-effect---vallejo-shooting-tests-new-era-of-police-accountability.php]
Kevin Weston is director of New Media and Youth Communications at New America Media and, for the past 10 years, director and publisher of YO! Youth Outlook Multimedia. He can be reached at kweston@newamericamedia.org.
---
December 24, 2010 Vallejo, Calif. –
In the Bay Area, the veneer of police impunity seems to be thinning even as high-profile cases of police shooting unarmed Black men – in Oakland and nearby Vallejo – continue to occur.
Aftershocks following the killing of Oscar Grant III by ex-BART transit officer Johannes Mehserle have shaken up the landscape of police and community relations in the Bay Area. The age-old idea that, when it comes to Black males, police could get away with anything is being challenged.
Mehserle’s trial and guilty verdict, though probably only partial justice – he’ll do about a year when it’s all said and done – may have opened a crack in the blue shield of silence that has protected police from ever being held accountable. Grant was killed in front of a 21st century audience.
The scene of Grant being shot in the back by Mehserle is seared into the public memory, because it was virally-enhanced, and things have changed for the better – in the short term. Weeks after Mehserle was sentenced to two years for involuntary manslaughter in the slaying of Grant he was denied bail. It was a miracle that the Alameda County District Attorney even filed a case against Mehserle. And that is the difference between now and years past. Inside actors – officials sworn to uphold the law – are questioning suspicious police-involved shootings more than ever before.
Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts made headlines recently when he asked for a federal investigation into two of his officers involved in the shooting death of an unarmed East Oakland barbershop owner. The same team of OPD killed an unarmed woman in 2008. And, as if to underscore this budding new era of police accountability, officials in Oakland – including the newly elected mayor, Jean Quan – participated in a meeting designed to address police brutality recently hosted by the NAACP.
Now, the case that could break the trend or add full moon energy to the movement for justice involves a 33-year-old Black man, community activist, student and mentor who was gunned down in a lonely alley in Vallejo, Calif. Guy Jarreau Jr. was shot and killed by a Vallejo Police Department officer Saturday, Dec. 11, in the early afternoon.
He had lived in Vallejo eight years after coming from New Orleans. According to eyewitnesses interviewed by New America Media, Jarreau had his hands up facing the officer who shot him twice. “I didn’t hear no warning, no nothing,” said Martin L’Esperance, a witness and friend of Jarreau. “We were shooting a video on Sonoma, walking back and forth with the cameras. Guy was with us. He was security for us. He was there watching us, directing us – telling us what we should do in the video. The cops just pulled up on us, told him (Mr. Jarreau) to stop – everyone was walking away. He (Mr. Jarreau) walked into the alley. The cop just came onto the sidewalk, pointed into the alley and shot twice. “After that they told us all to get on the ground. … They handcuffed us all. We was like, ‘Is he ok? Is Guy ok?’ And a cop said: ‘I don’t give a f––k if he lives or he dies.’ That’s what the cop said. Then he said, ‘If you say something else, we’ll shoot you too.’ … Guy didn’t have a gun,” said L’Esperance.
L’Esperance and other eyewitness accounts contrast with the Vallejo Police Department’s story [http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/uploads/547/1011469-1.pdf].
According to an official press release: “Officers arrived on scene at 3:01 p.m. and observed the suspect flee into a nearby alley. The officers confronted the man, who was now holding the firearm. In self defense, the officer fired on the suspect, striking him at least once. The suspect was taken via air ambulance to a Bay Area trauma center, where he was later pronounced dead.”
According to witnesses, Jarreau lay on the ground for close to 45 minutes before he received help. Time will tell whether or not the Solano County district attorney will look at this case with the scrutiny it deserves. If officials do act, Vallejo will join Oakland, Chicago, Philadelphia and New Orleans in pursuing justice by holding police responsible for their actions. It is a moment of momentum for accountability that Black communities across the country should welcome.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Community Objects to Sonoma County Deputy Gellhaus Return to Duty

Unite for Justice against Police Murder and Systematic Cover-Up! [link]
Campaign for Justice for Andy Lopez Cruz! (d. 2013-10-22; Santa Rosa) [link]

2013-12-07 Press Release from the "Andy Lopez Organizing Committee"
Contact: Jon Melrod [415-806-0154]

Stop the Miscarriage of Justice by the Sonoma County Sheriffs’ Dept.
Mass Picket Line at Santa Rosa City Council 12.10.13 @ 4pm
STOP THE WHITEWASH NOW!

On October 22nd, Deputy Sheriff Erick Gelhaus, reputed weapons training expert and 28-year veteran of the Sonoma County Sheriffs’ Department, shot and killed 13-year old Andy Lopez.
Sheriff Gelhaus was placed on leave pending an internal investigation by the Sheriffs Department to determine if he had violated internal ethical or operating procedures of the Department. Without releasing any results of the investigation, Gelhaus is being returned to duty on Monday 12.9.13.
Not only has the Sheriffs Department’s so-called “internal investigation” lacked transparency with no findings being announced before Gelhaus returns to duty, BUT the 90-day investigation by the SR Police Department as to whether Gelhaus engaged in criminal activity has thus far resulted in no public comment and no transparency.
Under such opaque circumstance it is a miscarriage of justice and a slap in the face of the Santa Rosa Community to returnGelhaus to duty at this time. Perhaps it is Sheriff Freitas’ Holiday Gift to Sheriff Gelhaus and the Sheriffs Department -- NOT A GIFT BUT AN INSULT TO THE OUTRAGED SANTA ROSA COMMUNITY THAT HAS PROTESTED ANDY’S MURDER 9 TIMES SINCE OCTOBER 22nd.
There will be a mass picket line in front of the SR City Counsel Meeting this Tuesday @ 4pm to show our outrage and displeasure at this WHITEWASH!

Monday, December 9, 2013

California Military Department

California Military Department [http://www.calguard.ca.gov]
"Across our organization, we are committed to improving, preparing and protecting our communities, state and nation."
* California Army National Guard
* California Air National Guard
* California State Military Reserve (CSMR)
* California Youth and Community Programs.

"Why More States Should Establish State Defense Forces"
by Jessica Zuckerman, Colonel Martin Hershkowitz, Brigadier General Frederic N. Smalkin and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D. [http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/02/why-more-states-should-establish-state-defense-forces]: (Footnotes are numbered, and given after article)
SDFs are exempt from the restrictions of the Posse Comitatus Act,[10] which prohibits troops in federal service under Title 10 from engaging in domestic law enforcement activities.[11] While the Posse Comitatus Act has never proved to be a major obstacle to deploying federal forces for domestic emergency response, and does not apply to the Army National Guard or Air National Guard while serving solely in state status under Title 32, SDFs may enforce civilian criminal law uninhibited by legal obstacles, if given that power under state law.[12]
 Typically, SDFs are under the control of the state’s governor, in his or her role as militia commander in chief; operational control and the chain-of-command typically run from the state’s adjutant general (TAG), through the state’s military department, to the commanding general of the SDF.[13] That is, the adjutant general, who is the state’s senior military commander and typically a member of the governor’s cabinet, commands the SDF on behalf of the governor. As the commander of the State Military Department, TAG is responsible for all training, equipment allocation, and decisions regarding the SDF’s strength, activity, and mission. The adjutant general is also the commander of the state’s National Guard and often directs state emergency response.[14] Through TAG and the state’s joint staff, the SDF can easily coordinate with other key components of the state emergency response.
Footnotes:
* [10] 18 U.S. Code, § 1385, Posse Comitatus Act; and J. R. Brinkerhoff, “Understanding the Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act,” State Defense Force Journal, Vol. 3, No. 1 (Fall 2007), at [http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA494995&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf] (February 7, 2012).
* [11] James Jay Carafano, “Assessing Plans to Deploy U.S. Military on the Homeland Security Front,” Heritage Foundation WebMemo No. 2156, December 5, 2008, at [http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2008/12/Assessing-Plans-to-Deploy-US-Military-on-the-Homeland-Security-Front].
* [12] James Jay Carafano, “Critics of the Hurricane Response Miss the Mark in Focusing on Posse Comitatus,” Heritage Foundation Executive Memorandum No. 983, October 3, 2005, at [http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2005/10/critics-of-the-hurricane-response-miss-the-mark-in-focusing-on-posse-comitatus].
* [13] Col. H. Wayne Nelson, Col. Robert Barish, Brigadier Gen. Frederic Smalkin, Lt. Col. James Doyle, and Col. Martin Hershkowitz, “Developing Vibrant State Defense Forces: A Successful Medical and Health Service Model,” State Defense Force Monograph Series, Winter 2006, at [http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA494466] (February 7, 2012).
* [14] Arthur N. Tulak, Robert W. Kraft, and Don Silbaugh, “State Defense Forces and Homeland Security,” Parameters, Vol. 33 (Winter 2003–2004), pp. 132–146, at [http://www.carlisle.army.mil/usawc/Parameters/Articles/03winter/tulak.htm] (February 7, 2012).


Military Police Soldiers of The California State Military Reserve (CSMR) 
"State of California: PMO News", October, 2006, publication of the Provost Marshal Office of the 40th Infantry Division Support Brigade for the California State Military Reserves [www.40dsbpmo.org], this edition retrieved 2013-12 from [www.calstatela.edu/faculty/dherz/Police%20Reserve%20Trainee.pdf]:

State Police Reserve Trainees Wanted -
The State of California is standing up a State Defense Force to respond to state emergencies in California. This can include Civil Disturbance, Natural Disasters, and acts of Domestic Terrorism. The California State Military Reserve is the State Defense Force for California. We have NO federal mission, so we can not be federalized and can not be sent overseas. Our job is to take over the state military missions from the California National Guard when they are called to federal service. With the California National Guard a third smaller than it was at the time of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, and with so many of the remainder of CNG troops engaged in the Global War on Terror, the California State Military Reserve must be prepared to respond to a state emergency.

CSMR Benefits  -
• NO Overseas Deployment • NO Term Contract • NO academy required. • Annual Uniform Allowance • Pending Retirement Benefit • Pending Education Benefits • Free Military Police Training • State Military ID Card • Access to Base Exchange and Clothing Sales. • Military Email Account • Life Insurance Benefit • Eligible for Membership in the National Guard Association of California. • Civilian job protected by Law. • List Military Police service on resume.

Police Reserve Trainee Requirements  -
• Age 19-45 • California Resident • US Citizen • California Drivers License • No Felony Convictions • Be height/weight proportionate • Live within driving distance of Los Alamitos, California. • In general good health. • Not a sworn employee of a first responder agency. • Able to train 1 day a month. • Have an understanding and proficiency in the English language. • Have the ability to qualify with the M16/M-4 and M-9 (9mm Beretta). • Pass a background check.

Be Ready for California -
State Military Police Reserves train one day a month at the JFTB Los Alamitos. Additional training days are available for those wishing to train more than one day each month. In addition, you will participate in a 5-day Annual Training at Camp Parks, California. There is no boot camp. 120 positions are open. CSMR Military Police Trainees will train each month in various Military Police subjects including but not limited to: Riot Control, Checkpoints and Road Blocks, Restricted Area Access, Fire Team Movement, Military Drivers License, Nuclear/ Biological/Chemical suits (MOPP Gear), Base Security/Interior Guard, Combat LifeSaver, PC 832, WMD/Terrorism Response, Convoy Security, Radio Communications, as well as basic Military Police course instruction. When ordered to State Active Duty for training or for a state emergency, CSMR Military Police Reserve soldiers are paid at the same rate as soldiers of the California National Guard. Contact christopher.mott@ca.ngb.army.mil

Police Instructors Wanted -
Current and former law enforcement officers are needed to provide police training to soldiers of the California National Guard and State Military Reserve. Experienced investigators can assist with the Criminal Investigations Division. Prior service members come in at their former rank. There is also a State Officer Candidate School and Warrant Officer School for soldiers seeking an officer commission. Must be ages 21- 63. Contact the Brigade Recruiting NCO, SGT Chris Mott at christopher.mott@ca.ngb.army.mil for additional details. www.casmr.com 562-795-2898

Base Security Positions Opened at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos.
On September 9th, the State of California opened up 79 Base Security positions at State operated military bases, including 15 positions at the JFTB Los Alamitos. Applicants should be in the California National Guard or California State Military Reserve, in the ranks of E-3 to E-6, and have a background in law enforcement or security. For additional details, contact christopher.mott@ca.ngb.army.mil Members of the CSMR have no federal mission and can not be deployed overseas. These are full-time paid positions with full state benefits.

M-16/M-4Training on the Small Arms range at Camp Roberts, California. The Small Arms Training Team is run by the California State Military Reserve.

Above: Standing Search. Below: Vehicle Search training, detecting Improvised Explosive Devices.

Riot Control training.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Vallejo Police Department

Vallejo PD is administers a "hot zone" inhabited by over 12 criminal street organizations.
VPD Emergency Service Unit [link]
* Vallejo PD's Militerized weapons:
** Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) [link]
** 16-ton Caiman assault vehicle [link]
* Vallejo PD aim to shoot unarmed teenagers  (2014-06-23) [link]
* VPD Officer Involved Shooting of Ever Ramon Martinez (2014-04-09) [link]

Vallejo Police Officers Union is politically influential, shown by it's ability to maintain higher-than average salaries and acceptance by public officials of their extreme human-rights abuse.
* Vallejo City Police personnel add 108% overtime to their normal work time, resulting in a 208% work rate [link]
Vallejo's crime rate is around the same as elsewhere in Solano County, yet the average cost of annual employment of a Vallejo officer is 50% more than similar position in nearby Vacaville & Fairfield. If their employment contracts were market rate for the area, the Vallejo Police Department could hire 38-57 more officers on the existing budget for 2013. During Vallejo's bankruptcy Vallejo Police Officers Union refused to make any contract concessions, and in fact, insisted on getting raises for 2 years in a row during bankruptcy.


Many evicted in Vallejo at Hogan Avenue by VPD Community Services Section, Code Enforcement officer & Neighborhood Law program (NLP) (2014-09-05) [link]


City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report, Volume 1, Issue 18, June 21, 2013. Daniel E. Keen, City Manager
[www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=47689]:
New Apprentice Firefighter / Paramedic Hires -
Scott Basset: Basset was born and raised in the Bay Area. He has an Associates Degree in Fire Technology and recived his National Paramedic Certificate and License in 2010. Bassett recently served as a member of FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 3, which responds to disasters throughout the United States.

POLICE DEPARTMENT Operation Goodwill -
Operation Goodwill officially commenced on May 15 and concluded on June 15. The purpose of the operation was to provide proactive enforcement in high crime areas and reduce violent crime. The operation consisted primarily of the following personnel:
* Sergeant Joe Iacono (Vallejo Police Department) * Corporal Les Bottomley (Vallejo Police Department) * Detective Josh Caitham (Vallejo Police Department) * Detective Jared Jaksch (Vallejo Police Department) * Sergeant Bill Hornbrook (Solano Sheriff’s Office) * Deputy Dave Curl (Solano Sheriff’s Office) * Deputy Brian Bero (Solano Sheriff’s Office) * Deputy Chad Sayre (Solano Sheriff’s Office) * Officer Mike Paulson (California Highway Patrol) * Officer Eric Girard (California Highway Patrol) * Officer Shawn Mulholland (California Highway Patrol) * Officer Mark Williams (California Highway Patrol).
The operation typicially fielded about five two-officer cars during any one shift who were able to accomplish the following: * 631 total field contacts (field interviews, consent contacts, and neighborhood interactions) * 187 total arrests (bookings and cite & release) * 121 total parole and Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) searches (residence and person) * 86 total vehicle tows * 80 total infraction citations * 7 total firearms seized from criminals.
The operation provided varying level of involvement in the following cases of interest: * Arrested 3 wanted California Department of Corrections Parolees at Large * Arrested 17 wanted PRCS suspects * Arrested a PRCS fugitive from justice after a multi-agency SWAT standoff * Arrested a sex crimes registrant for being out of compliance * Assisted with 3 vehicle pursuits * Assisted San Bernandino Sheriff on a child sex abuse case and arrested the suspect * Assisted patrol with the apprehension of a double shooting suspect * Assisted in the arrest of a murder suspect, after the murder and an officer involved shooting * Assisted patrol Officers and Detectives with a murder investigation which began 30-minutes prior ro rhe scheduled conclusion of the operation * Located a small scale methamphetamine conversion lab and arrested its owner * Located and arrested a pimping and prostitution ring at a local hotel * Located a lead on a stoeln CHP handgunand passed along information to CHP investigators * Conducted an undercover prostitution sting and arrested five suspects * Responded to calls for service following a murder and officer involved shooting * Seized approximatley $6,000 in Asset Forfeiture during a narcotics investigations * Made 13-drug related arrests at a house tagged for closure by the Neighborhood Law Program.


"Operation I.D: Another deterrent to “would be” burglars is Operation Identification"
from the report for the Police Department, published in the “City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report”, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 6, 2013, from Daniel E. Keen, City Manager, City of Vallejo:
The best crime prevention tool which exists is simply a “Good Neighbor”! Law enforcement officers cannot be everywhere at once, but you and your neighbors can. You are the ones who really know what is going on in your neighborhood.
Put that neighborhood “know–how” to work. It is simple: just use your eyes and ears—then your telephone. If you spot something suspicious, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Neighbors working together in cooperation with law enforcement make one of the best crime fighting teams around. Consider becoming involved with Nextdoor.com which will allow you and yourneighbors to share valuable safety tips and real-time information related to your specific neighborhood, and communicate neighborhood concerns with the VPD.
For more information on how to start your own Neighborhood Watch Group, or to find out more about Nextdoor.com, contact Christina (Tina) Encarnacion at cencarnacion@ci.vallejo.ca.us, or call (707) 553-7218. The VPD’s success depends on the ability to establish strong and trusted police and community partnerships which will reduce criminal activity and victimization.


Community Services Unit (CSU)
from the report for the Police Department, published in the “City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report”, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 6, 2013, from Daniel E. Keen, City Manager, City of Vallejo:
The CSU, under the watchful eye of Captain Jim O’Connell, has started to take shape. With the launching of Nextdoor, increased personnel have been assigned to establish Neighborhood Watch Groups, in addition to police collaboration with the Neighborhood Law Program, significant progress is being made.
On December 2, Lieutenant Sid DeJesus and Community Services Associate Tina Encarnacion, met with John Dinga of Garthe Ranch who put together a Neighborhood Watch meeting which was attended by approximately 20 individuals. The meeting was a great success, as Tina provided Neighborhood Watch handouts, answered questions related to starting and maintaining a successful Neighborhood Watch Group, and how to successfully log on and create a Nextdoor neighborhood group.
Dear Tina and Lt. Sid, Many thanks for attending our first meeting last night, and for providing so much helpful information to help us get started with our Neighborhood Watch Group, which will be called "Highlands at Garthe Ranch" on the Nextdoor.com website. [signed] John Dinga.
Future meetings are already scheduled, and if you or anyone in your specific neighbor-hood would like information on how to start a Neighborhood Watch Group, please contact Tina Encarnacion or Retired Officer Mary Pedretti at (707) 553-7218

CSU November Status Report -
Over the last month, Retired Sergeant Jim Coughlin, in collaboration with the Neighborhood Law Program, researched over 230 problem addresses and/or names associated with these same locations which have resulted in VPD having to respond to 1,705 calls for service, authoring 381 crime reports, an unlimited drain of police resources.
As a result of this same research, Retired Officer Mary Pedretti and Tina Encarnacion, along with uniformed patrol officers and other City Departments, made contact with the following problem locations:
* 1120 Cunningham Street – Retired Officer Pedretti responded to the above address with Patrol officers and the Water Division to shut off water due to water theft and perform an inspection. There was no answer at the door. Concerned neighbors were asked to contact VPD regarding activity and to alert patrol. Two days later neighbors called 9-1-1 and officers were able to make contact with four individuals and recover three vehicles. One arrest was made.
* 119 Aragon Street – The CSU was contacted by two citizens regarding a residence taken over by squatters. The CSU tracked down the property owner with assistance from the NLP (Neighborhood Law Program of the Office of the City Attorney) and met the owner at the residence and along with Patrol officers, were able to make contact with three individuals. One arrest was made due to a warrant. The house was fully furnished and the squatters were stealing electricity; PG&E has since terminated power and rendered the location safe. The squatters were removed from the property, all trash was cleared, and the homeowner boarded up the property.
* 107 Lilac Court – A 94-year-old chronic victim of vandalism was contacted regarding a report she filed with the police. The CSU contacted the Graffiti Abatement Program and the graffiti was painted over within 24-hours. They also canvassed the neighborhood while providing crime prevention tips and contact numbers for the VPD.
201 Tamalpias Drive – The CSU was contacted by an out of state homeowner regarding her property being taken over by squatters. The homeowner was advised of the proper steps to take while assigning a property manager to represent her move toward eviction of the squatters. The CSU and the property manager made contact with the squatters and they were served a 24-hour notice to enter. The property manager was able to enter the property the next day, the squatters were removed, the property was boarded up and an alarm was installed.
* 859 Palou Street – Tina Encarnacion witnessed squatters jumping out of the windows at the location while in the area on unrelated business. She alerted the NLP regarding the property and requested for neighbors to contact VPD when they observed activity. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, officers contacted four squatters and were able to safely remove them from the property. The homeowners were contacted who then secured the property, installed an alarm and provided neighbors with their contact information for any future activity.
* Mini Drive – CSU was contacted on Nextdoor regarding Mini Drive Neighborhood Watch wanting help with crime prevention tips for their neighborhood. CSU is setting up a meeting after the New Year and will be sending out invitations to host a gathering for all the neighbors to attend and build interest in community involvement.
* 148 Plov Way – Neighbors called regarding squatters breaking in and robbing property from the above location. The home owner was contacted and is securing the property.
* 321 Mooreland Street – A neighbor called to complain about squatters at 321 and 330 Mooreland Street. CSU is still attempting to contact the homeowners of 321 to assist in securing the property. Both properties have been turned over to the NLP.
* Highway 37 Bridge – There is a Homeless Encampment located under the Highway 37 Bridge. CSU is working with the Code Enforcement Division to clear the homeless encampments under the bridge and surrounding areas.
* Southport Way/Georgia Street – CSU was contacted regarding trash being dumped on a vacant lot located at Southport Way and Georgia Street. The Grounds Division was contacted and immediately removed the dumped trash.
* Farallon Drive – CSU was contacted regarding several abandoned vehicles having been dumped in the area. The Unit contacted the Traffic Division and Police Assistant Ryan Burger abated all of the vehicles.


Community Services Section (CSS)
[2 Florida St.] [707-553-7218] [COMMUNITYSERVICES@CI.VALLEJO.CA.US]
Nextdoor account - Vallejo Police Department
How to contact Vallejo Police CSS
For those wishing to contact the CCS directly for problems or concerns and need a reply, please call 707 553 7218 and leave a message, or email us at communityservices@ci.vallejo.ca.us
Someone will get back to you. If you have an emergency, DO NOT leave a message or email us - dial 911.
 This should only be used for non-emergency calls and issues that do not need a report. Dial 911 if you need an Officer to respond.


"Vallejo Police- Minutes from the Neighborhood meeting on Nov 7"
from Vallejo Police Department, City of Vallejo, using Glen Speckert’s notes from the November 7 - Neighborhood Watch Team Leader’s Meeting. Shared with 82 neighborhoods in City of Vallejo in Crime & Safety.

* Pizza, Cookies, Coffee, and water were available as people filed in to the Vallejo Library meeting room.  Captain James O’Connell opened with an introduction of the team for community outreach. He introduced the VPD team and the neighborhood law team. He introduced the new division - Community Service Section (CSS) with Mary, Tina, and Jim.
* Kenny as the day shift watch commander. Gatekeeper.
* Dana Trio - Dispatch supervisor
* Neighborhood Law attorneys Ryan Griffith ( ryan.griffith@cityofvallejo.net ) and Eli Flushman (eli.flushman@cityofvallejo.net ) got the most applause during the introduction.
* When citizens have quality of life complaints, contact CSS: 707-553-7218 or Communityservices@ci.vallejo.ca.us
* Captain O’Connell guaranteed that they will call you back, and will respond to e-mail directly.
* While the VPD is still low on staff, but they have a plan. Will answer questions and connect with citizens relative to quality of life issues.
* They are making it a priority to connect with the community.
* After introducing the police staff, Jim introduced the star of the show, Chief Kreins.
* Welcome Message - Chief Joseph Kreins
* The Chief handed out VPD Lapel pins and stated that in 35 years in law enforcement he had never been more challenged.
* He extended kudos to Caudia, who created the neighborhood law program. Code enforcement is also on the team and helps.
* The Neighborhood Law program is the legal hammer to deal with these issues.
* They are setting up the Community Service Section (CSS) specifically to address these issues of quality of life.
* Jim Coughlin was coaxed out of retirement, and has a role gathering records, advising neighborhood law, assisting. He fosters collaboration amongst many departments.
* Chief Kreins is a huge believer in interactions to gain input. Engaging the community, hearing what is happening NOW, not 5 years ago, is important.
* VPD is doing the best we can. Showing up each and every day. Tough challenges every day.
* VPD needs to hear from YOU.
* VPD is 82 strong today. this includes 7 in training, 7 out on disabilities
* We can still partner with the community, can still do the best we can with the resources we have.
* CSS promises that someone will get back to you.
* Chief Kreins then took Questions. Q’s for the Chief - When do you expect to fill the 30 vacancies? Last year there were 16 new hires and 25 retires. It will take at least a year to bring VPD up to full strength.  Authorized up to 110 - or 116 or 106 - depending on how you count, when you include matching federal funds.
* Retirements will slow looking forward.
* Much new technology coming online. A new Records Management System (RMS) is on the horizon, along with a modern Dispatch system, which includes trending, analysis, forecasting,
* Next system - upgrade the mobile data computers in the police vehicles. This includes in-car digital cameras, and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs).
* The Participatory Budgeting Whole Bunch of Cameras and Intelligent Archives will be coming online early next year, joining the existing surveillance camera.
* Q for the Chief - What is the effect of AB 109? AB109 is the state law on prison parolees. - We could spend hours - CCR - Community Corrections partnership - 7 members on the governing group. Sheriff judge, public defender DA, and health and human services oversee the CCR. The realignment of prisoners from state to county jails. AB109 gave us a better tracking mechanics. Established a compliance team. Representative from VPD into the compliance team. Southern California has it worse.
* Summary: The police are the public, and the public is the police. We really have to be working together. We will be doing more prevention and community policing.
* Introduction to Neighborhood Law: Jim Coughlin. There are 2 attorneys to work on civil cases. They look at historical issues relying on the record built up when citizens call. This is a civil action. We can go after squatters - there is a process - need to continue to call 911 Dispatch, to show the record of contacts. The way we can all help is by calling. Build a case. Needed police reports. No shortage of evidence in many properties. Health and safety receiverships - courts take over the property. We are pumping the civil lawsuits out. Now that the judges are familiar with the program, things are going smoother. 7 cases went all the way through the courts. 318 Kentucky street was the prototype case. Getting compliance by hitting in the owners in the wallet. Program is working and working effectively. You have to call. You need to show a history. With a history, the attorneys can do their job.
Q - what about drug house?  A - Need the calls for service against the drug houses.
205 properties - 350 reports - discuss. The important message is to call in to 911, leave a history.  There has to be a pattern. There have to be multiple calls. The ones that are changing the quality of life for the whole neighborhood, are the ones that will be addressed soonest.
Q - What about burned out buildings. A - health and safety receivership. They are seeing many “zombie foreclosure”. The process includes a notice of default. Receivership takes a while - issue a notice - notify petition, trial date, receiver is appointed, property begins to come back.
Q - How much longer will Neighborhood Law continue? A – We’ve been here 10 months, of a 2 year program.
* If you like what they are doing, tell their boss - Claudio
* Jim O’Connell - Receiving Community Input: Captain Jim O’Connell then led the community input process, talking individually with everyone present. Everyone gave their name and their home neighborhood, and a brief summary of problems. The VPD team took notes. Some people promised to follow up by e-mail (for example Tess will send in the 12 points from the St Vincent’s meeting at the Vallejo Yacht Club )
* NextDoor was confirmed to be the system of choice for sharing information. For example when posting pictures or video of suspicious people.
* The effect of “know you neighborhood” whether it is with phone trees, or NextDoor, was quite apparent. It doesn’t matter how big a neighborhood is, because it is a Local effect. It is scaled across a large number of disparate neighborhoods.
* In many neighborhoods, things are better now than they were “before” everyone got to know their neighbors. In others, organized neighbors are making progress, but there is much to do.
* The Neighborhood Watch effect is strong, and now, backed up with a partnership with the VPD and Neighborhood Law, is much stronger. This was the first meeting with representatives from neighborhoods across the entire city of Vallejo.
* Who What When Where Why Weapons - 911 Etiquette - When reporting shots fired - If you just heard them, report and be done. If you saw the car or have other information, let them know.
Jim O’Connell suggested a contest for the coolest neighborhood name.
* To volunteer, contact Lt. Sid DeJesus [707 649 3570] [SdeJesus@ci.vallejo.ca.us] (don’t ever get a job you don’t love)











Citizens on Patrol (COP)
from the report for the Police Department, published in the “City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report”, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 6, 2013, from Daniel E. Keen, City Manager, City of Vallejo:
The VPD’s COP were very active during the month of November, specifically around the Thanksgiving holiday. COP’ers were able to circulate many busy shopping centers throughout the city and responded to multiple non-emergency events as directed by the Communications Section, which allowed uniformed officers to focus on the more important duties associated with in-progress calls and traffic related incidents. Their effort resulted in over 50 volunteer hours being dedicated toward the citizens of Vallejo. Over the next month, COP’ers will join uniformed officers who will present an increased presence in the busy shopping centers of Vallejo; including, Four Corners, Target Center, Gateway Plaza, Safeway shopping center on Admiral Callaghan Lane, and the downtown area of Vallejo. This is all designed to increase public safety and ensure the shopping experience is pleasant.
VPD Volunteers and Citizens on Patrol will be preparing for the 2013 Annual Toys-for-Tots campaign hoping to collect toy donations for under-privileged kids throughout the community. Volunteer Coordinator Bill Donovan and Officer Jeff Tai will be working again with Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, who has been very generous with toy donations in previous years and has proven to be a great partner with the VPD in making the holiday seasons a bit merrier for many of Vallejo’s children.
Those wishing to make a donation, please contact Bill Donovan at (707) 648-4052, or email him at WDonovan@ci.vallejo.ca.us


"Police Explorer", from the report for the Police Department, published in the “City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report”, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 6, 2013, from Daniel E. Keen, City Manager, City of Vallejo:
The VPD is actively seeking applicants for the volunteer position of Police Explorer. The Vallejo Police Explorer Program is part of the Vallejo Police Activities League (PAL) and designed for youth of Solano County that may be interested in a career in the law enforcement field. Explorers participate in a variety of activities throughout the city and department. Some of those activities include: monthly police trainings, weekly meetings, “ride -a-longs” with patrol officers, assistance at DUI checkpoints, holiday de- tails and parades, local fundraisers, community events, and statewide police explorer competitions.
Requirements for the program include:
* Must be 14-20 years of age and have completed the 8th grade at time of appointment,
* Resident of Solano County,
* Maintain a 2.0 GPA, average in high school,
* Contribute at least 10-hours of volunteer time to the program per month.
Contact the explorer program advisors for additional requirements. Interested and qualified persons must submit an Explorer application which is available at the Vallejo Police Department main station located at 111 Amador Street. Instructions for completion and return are on the application. If you have any questions regarding the program, please feel free to email the program advisors: Corporal Bob Knight bknight@ci.vallejo.ca.us, or Officer Sean Kenney skenney@ci.vallejo.ca.u


2014-01 map showing a selection of Neighborhood Watch groups southern Vallejo:



2014-09-05 from City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report, Vol. 2, No. 23, by Daniel E. Keen, City Manager:
New Hires -
Police Officer Gary Jones

Officer Gary Jones, Badge #674, was born in Redding. He graduated from Mesa Verde High School in Citrus Heights and attended San Francisco State University, Foothill College, Na-tional University and Los Medanos College. He graduated from the POST Basic Academy at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Law Enforce-ment Training Center.
Prior to coming to the VPD, Jones was most recently a Deputy Sheriff for Sonoma County. He is described as a team player, possessing a positive attitude, is calm under pressure and is a quick learner. He desires to work for a more active agency and is proud to be part of the Department.

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2014-09-05 from City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report, Vol. 2, No. 23, by Daniel E. Keen, City Manager:
New Hires -
Shannon McCarthy, Communications Operator II.
Shannon was raised in San Mateo County. She graduated from Aragon High School and successfully completed the Public Safety Dispatcher course at Na-pa College.
Before coming to the VPD, Shannon worked as a Communications Operator for the Davis Police Department. She is described as confident, calming, hav-ing excellent people skills and able to handle high-stress scenarios.


2015-01-09 from City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report, Vol. 3, No. 6, by Daniel E. Keen, City Manager:
Police Office Wesley Simpson
Officer Simpson, Badge #682, was formerly a Vallejo Police Department (VPD) Cadet since 2008. He earned his Bachelor of Science from CSU Sacramento and was later hired as a Police Trainee and enrolled at the Napa Valley College Police Academy in July 2014.
Officer Simpson donates his personal time to underprivileged and misguided youth for an organization named “If Given a Second Chance Foundation.” He has been described as a mature, responsible person, with an excellent work ethic and a positive attitude.
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Police Officer Jade McLeod
Officer McLeod, Badge #683, graduated from high school in Georgia where he participated in many sports and was an accomplished athlete. He attended the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA, earned an AA Degree from the Community College of the Air Force, and is continuing his education at the Uni-versity of Phoenix in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree.
Officer McLeod, until just recently, was a member of the U.S. Air Force, 60th Security Forces and was deployed to Afghanistan between 2003 and 2006, and had been stationed at Travis Air Force Base since August 2006. Officer McLeod is a re-cipient of many commendations and medals in-cluding an Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expedi-tionary Medal. He continues to serve our country as part of the Air Force Reserves.
Officer McLeod was hired by the VPD and was enrolled as a Trainee at the Na-pa Valley Police Academy in July 2014. Officer McLeod enjoys exercising, playing softball in the Air Force League and otherwise spending time with his family. He is described by his close friends and family as a team-oriented, thoughtful and highly professional individual.
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Police Officer Kenneth Jackson
Officer Jackson, Badge #684, graduated from the Napa Valley Academy in 2007, and is the son of retired Vallejo Police Captain David Jackson and broth-er to Kristin Jackson, Vallejo Police Communication Operator II.
Officer Jackson began his career at the Martinez Po-lice Department in 2008 before moving on to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office in 2009. During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, Officer Jackson was assigned as a uniformed patrol deputy and utilized as a Field Training Officer, EVOC Instructor, Report Writing Instructor and Officer-In-Charge during the sergeant’s absence.
Officer Jackson has been described by friends and family members as being mature, having a calming personality, a good problem solver and a dependable professional. He decided to join the VPD because he felt a sense of loyalty to the city where he was born and to the organization where his father worked for more than 30 years.

Friday, November 29, 2013

"Santa Rosa, Calif.: 80 youth march surrounded by 26 cop cars; Community demands justice for Andy Lopez!"

Unite for Justice against Police Murder and Systematic Cover-Up! [link]
Campaign for Justice for Andy Lopez Cruz! (d. 2013-10-22; Santa Rosa) [link]

2013-11-29 by Richard Becker for "LiberationNews.org" [http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/news/santa-rosa-80-youth.html]:
A November 26 march organized by high school and middle school youth protesting the police killing of 13-year-old Andy Lopez was met with overwhelming force by the Santa Rosa Police Department. The SRPD deployed 26 police cruisers and six motorcycle units to temporarily stop the march of about 80 young people, arresting one marcher and citing 12 others.
The pretext for this massive and outrageous deployment of police power was that the marchers were in the street on Mendocino Avenue, but the seven previous protests of the murder of Andy Lopez had all taken to the streets of Santa Rosa without incident. Thousands of people have marched and rallied in an outpouring of anger and grief unprecedented in the city’s history.
After the arrests, the march was successfully completed to the office of Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch, where the protestors demanded that Ravitch indict sheriff’s deputy Erick Gelhaus for the killing of Lopez.
A broad-based Justice Coalition for Andy Lopez, incorporating many organizations in the area, has been formed and has charted an energetic campaign spanning the coming months. Actions are focused on the call for County sheriff’s Gelhaus to be indicted.
Thousands of children, youth and adults from around the world have posted photos and messages, in a tremendous outpouring of grief, anger and solidarity on the coalition’s Facebook page.
Andy Lopez, an 8th grade student, was shot and killed by Gelhaus on October 22, while walking with a BB gun in a field near his home in the southern part of Santa Rosa, a city of 160,000 located 50 miles north of San Francisco. That day, two Sonoma County sheriff's deputies pulled up in their patrol car behind Lopez. Gelhaus jumped out of the passenger’s sheet, took a firing position behind the door and yelled to Lopez to “drop the gun.” As Lopez, undoubtedly startled, began to turn to see who was yelling at him Gelhaus opened fire, hitting him seven times.
According to three eyewitnesses, only 2-3 seconds elapsed between the shouted command and the shooting.
Gelhaus, who admits that he’s “not sure” if he identified himself as a police officer according to media reports, claims that he believed Lopez was carrying a high-powered assault rifle and that the boy posed a threat to Gelhaus and his partner by turning and raising the barrel of the gun in their direction. The deputy who was driving the patrol car did not open fire.
The fatal bullet pierced Lopez’s upper right chest and went through both lungs and his heart, killing him almost instantly. According to Arnoldo Casillas, attorney for the Lopez family, the trajectory of the bullet definitively demonstrates that Andy had just begun to turn in the direction of the shouted command when he was hit with the fatal shot. The autopsy showed that several other bullets struck him when he was face-down on the ground. After the shooting, Gelhaus handcuffed Andy’s lifeless body and ordered the area evacuated.
Gelhaus is not a run-of-the-mill racist cop. He is a self-proclaimed weapons expert and weapons instructor as well as a deputy sheriff. He publishes regularly in weapons journals and websites, including SWAT magazine and the Firing Line Forum.
In a 2006 post titled, “He's Got a Gun!... A BB Gun...” Gelhaus outlined exactly what he would actually do on Oct. 22, 2013. He wrote that if police officers saw someone holding what might or might not be a real gun they should shoot first and later try to convince the authorities that they feared for their lives. “It's going to come down to YOUR ability to articulate to law enforcement and very likely the Court that you were in fear of death or serious bodily injury. I think we keep coming back to this, articulation—your ability to explain why—will be quite significant.”
At a packed press briefing on November 4, attorney Casillas, accompanied by Lopez’s parents, Sujey Lopez Cruz and Rodrigo Lopez, announced the filing of a federal lawsuit. Casillas called the official investigation by the Santa Rosa Police Department “a whitewash,” and said, “It’s a done deal, folks. They [the SRPD] have already concluded it was justified. Shame on them.”