51. Worried Wife - My husband is a police officer and we are really good friends with one of these deputies and his family. I would like to let you all know that he is having a really hard time dealing with this event that has taken place. He understands that Mr. Webb had 2 daughters. He also has a daughter. It was either him go home to his family or Mr. Webb. You all have no idea what it is like to be a law enforcement officer. You never know what you are going to be faced with. They are highly trained to protect themselves and others. When something like this happens, everyone wants to bash the police. Well I hope you all never need them. Then you will think differently about them. As far as Mr. Webb being a "good man", you all have been blinded. He was not a good person. Everyone that lived around him said so. He did drink. So Alfred, you went to church with him? You think that just because someone goes to church that they are a good person? Wrong, some of the hardest people to deal with are Christian people and this is sad. Have you guys ever seen a terrible obituary??? I haven't. So before you go around bad mouthing the cops for their jobs, think about what you would do if you walked up to someone pointing an assault rifle at you. Both sides of the fence, people do break the law, but usually not by pointing a gun at someone. I hate it for those girls and the wife, but I also want to know that my husband comes home to his family and has not been harmed. Posted July 14, 2006 00:03 July 14, 2006 00:03

52. Alferd - quote: Worried Wife.  I appreciate your comments because I was wanting to make another comment about this incident and was hesitant in bringing it back up, but had decided before you post yours, that I would. I have previously posted what I have heard by others, and have been vocal of my opinion concerning the situation as I so perceived it. The other night, I was talking to someone who I definitely feel has the inside scoop of what really took place that night and it is sad to say that this was just a tragedy waiting to happen and the sheriffs did all they could possibly do to prevent it from happening. Posted July 14, 2006 00:26 July 14, 2006 00:26

53. RB2281 - Worried Wife, why say that he was not a good man? You did not know him, did you? All you can do is judge his actions that day same as those of us that judge the actions of the deputies or any other involved party. The last time I checked, it was not illegal to drink. Has that changed? No one said he was perfect, we all have flaws but that doesn't mean someone should bash our character. If the deputies made an error in judgement that cost this man his life, then they should be punished. Mr. Webb already received his punishment for picking up that gun and firing off rounds. Floyd said it best "Let the investigation conclude before anyone starts pointing fingers!".  Posted July 14, 2006 11:31 July 14, 2006 11:31

54. Qbeth - quote: Originally posted by Floyd: Here's where the first mistake was made. Without it, there would be no other problems with which to clog this forum. He was outside at night discharging a firearm in an area where according to some it is illegal to do so. Without his action there, nothing else occurs. You are right Floyd. If he wasnt drunk and discharging a weapon non of this would have happened. Bothsides: Yes we all have made bad choices. Unfortunately, with bad choices come bad consequences. I do feel for the families of all concerned as this could have been avoided. Posted July 14, 2006 12:12 July 14, 2006 12:12

55. And Justice For All - As a very dear friend of Rob, I have been trying to take all this in as far as what has happened and also reading these posts online. I have finally lost my patience with those of you who think you know it all. Big suprise, you don't. Worried Wife, you have no idea who Rob was and because of the actions of the police, you never will. He WAS a good man and I do not know where you have the nerve to come off saying otherwise. Where do you get your stories from? Your cop husband? When you say none of his neighbors liked him, you are wrong. Anyone you ask will say nothing but good things about him. When the media came around after the fact and talked to people, they only said GOOD things about him. If there were people that did not like him, where were they? The media already made him out to sound like a bad guy, when he was NOT, so would they not also put in an opinion of him that was not good as well. They didn't because they didn't have a bad word said about him. How many calls have the cops been on where guns were involved? How many times have they shot on someone without being shot at? Why do they wear bulletproof vests, for show? The rules of the academy tell them to use other means before shooting to kill. These are the questions we need answers to before people automatically assume things about Rob. And another thing, yes there are not many bad obituaries but take the time to read some obituaries. Do they specifically list activities they were involved in with their church and youth? No, most are general and tell what organizations they were in, not things they did to help others. It is pretty pathetic to have you all sit here and bash someone who cannot defend themself. Does it make you feel better about yourself? The only thing you all know is what you hear on TV or from the other side of the cops. What about Rob? He can't defend himself. Maybe you all should just let it go, let his family grieve without your negative comments. To his wife and girls, I love you very much. We will have justice for all....including Rob. Posted July 14, 2006 14:51 July 14, 2006 14:51

56. sickpup - quote: Originally posted by And Justice For ALL...: When you say none of his neighbors liked him, you are wrong. Anyone you ask will say nothing but good things about him. When the media came around after the fact and talked to people, they only said GOOD things about him. Do you honestly think anyone would go on television and talk bad about a guy next door who was just killed? quote: We will have justice for all.... including Rob.  If justice is served in this situation, I imagine the cops will be found innocent of any wrongdoing and will be able to put this whole thing behind them.  Posted July 14, 2006 23:50 July 14, 2006 23:50

57. nojusticenwv - I don't understand why one would question the police officers reactions to an assult rifle pointed in their direction. I am very sorry that Mr. Webb's family is hurting and his children will grow up without their father. On the other hand, I feel for the officers who had to shoot Mr. Webb - due to his careless actions that night. To the person who stated they hoped the neighbor who called 911 can live with themself - that is an asinine statement. No one should be shooting a firearm of any type within 500 feet of a dwelling. Imagine this, a person could have been fatally wounded that night if a stray bullet had gone in their direction. I called 911 one night because a gun was being fired in my neighborhood for at least 20 minutes. I felt that it was in my best interest and my neighbors to call 911. As a matter of fact, my neighbor also called 911. As for the person who said the officers should have waited to be fired upon before shooting. You have got to be kidding!!! The officers were protecting themselves and if they had waited, they could have very well been shot. I would like to see this unfortunate incident change the mind of anyone who believes it is okay to shoot a firearm in their neighborhood. Posted July 15, 2006 02:37 July 15, 2006 02:37

58. Floyd - quote: I would like to see this unfortunate incident change the mind of anyone who believes it is okay to shoot a firearm in their neighborhood. Like most blanket statements, there are always exceptions. For example, I own 14 acres where I shoot away at my heart's content. Where I do it is in the center of my property where there is no direct opening through the trees to a neighbor's house and I have never fired into the air or toward a neighbor's house. It's always into an area where there is a dirt bank which acts as a backstop. Even then, I made sure to talk with the immediate neighbors so they knew what I was doing and they had nothing to fear. Posted July 15, 2006 03:29 July 15, 2006 03:29

59. Racegirl172 - Well, I know one of the neighbors, and as stated before, the cops parked down the street, and snuck up on Rob, when they yelled to him, he simply turned around, NOT pointing the gun at them, but simply turned around to the direction of the voice, and then it was over. Sometimes, you just have young trigger happy officers, maybe it wasn't the case here, but it could be. I just can't understand why they didn't fire a warning shot, or shoot him with something else. And if they weren't going to present themselves out in the open, then why not get on the horn and give him a warning? I'm surely not a police officer, but common sense tells me not to sneak up on someone with a gun of any type. I don't blame the officers totally, but I just wish they would've tried other tactics, and maybe this would've ended differently...and I'm sure they are NOW thinking of other options they could've used. And for those that have had bad experience with a police officer, that shouldn't spoil your view on the whole bunch. There is corruption in everything, not just the police force. I just think the community is so upset because there was just more common sense tactics that could've been used in this situation. No one should shoot a gun of any type in a neighborhood, but it doesn't take death to stop them either. I think they reacted to quickly without thinking things through. Posted July 18, 2006 13:46 July 18, 2006 13:46

60. Floyd - Did your acquaintance actually witness this or going by hearsay? Posted July 18, 2006 20:05 July 18, 2006 20:05

61. sickpup - quote: Originally posted by Racegirl72: ]Well, I know one of the neighbors, and as stated before, the cops parked down the street, and snuck up on Rob, when they yelled to him, he simply turned around, NOT pointing the gun at them, but simply turned around to the direction of the voice;So the neighbor says. quote: I just can't understand why they didn't fire a warning shot, If someone points an assault rifle in your direction, you don't fire a warning shot. You protect yourself and others. quote: or shoot him with something else.  Such as? Again, if someone points a gun at you, after they've apparently been firing it around the neighborhood, you can't really shoot him with a beanbag or a pepper-spray ball and hope for the best. You can't use non-lethal force and pray that he doesn't start spraying the neighborhood with bullets. Until the police have a non-lethal weapon that completely immobilizes the suspect, they can't take chances with the lives of innocent bystanders. quote: And if they weren't going to present themselves out in the open, then why not get on the horn and give him a warning?  I'm surely not a police officer, but common sense tells me not to sneak up on someone with a gun of any type. Then I'm not sure what kind of common sense you have. The cops went into this situation apparently only knowing that some guy was outside shooting an assault rifle around the neighborhood. Why on earth would the cops want to announce their presence in that type of situation? Next time there's a murder suspect hanging out in a house somewhere, I guess you think the cops should call the guy before they show up? Maybe waltz up and ring the door bell a few times? Just to give the guy a warning? quote: I think they reacted to quickly without thinking things through. The guy pointed an assault rifle in their direction! They didn't have time to t;think things througt. Posted Jul 18, 2006 21:41

62. Realisticwarmth - That was a sad ending for Rob. The police should have done it all different but now its too late, never mind the fact the poor woman lost her husband and he had to leave behind two girls. As long as the police are happy is all that matters around here. They should have at least pulled into driveway with the lights on. Posted July 21, 2006 02:17

63. Floyd - I agree it is a sad thing for all involved. quote: They should have at least pulled into driveway with the lights on.And your authoritive police procedural source for that statement is? Or is that just your feeling? I'm willing to wait for the official investigation with all the pertinent facts to end before making such comments. Posted July 21, 2006 16:16

64. Alferd - quote: Originally posted by Floyd: I agree it is a sad thing for all involved. quote: They should have at least pulled into driveway with the lights on.  And your authoritive police procedural source for that statement is? Or is that just your feeling? I'm willing to wait for the official investigation with all the pertinent facts to end before making such comments.I was talking to a lady who helped serve the dinner after Robert Webb's funeral which took place at the Catholic Church. I got the impression that the two deputies were back on duty, and for some reason, maybe in my mind, that the investigation had been completed. Seems like she said she got that information from the local news. Posted Jul 21, 2006 16:39

65. QBeth - I saw that too it was either in the newspaper or on TV. Posted Jul 21, 2006 19:14

66. Floyd - quote: Originally posted by Alferd: quote: Originally posted by Floyd: I agree it is a sad thing for all involved. quote: They should have at least pulled into driveway with the lights on. And your authoritive police procedural source for that statement is? Or is that just your feeling? I'm willing to wait for the official investigation with all the pertinent facts to end before making such comments. I was talking to a lady who helped serve the dinner after Robert Webb's funeral which took place at the Catholic Church. I got the impression that the two deputies were back on duty, and for some reason, maybe in my mind, that the investigation had been completed. Seems like she said she got that information from the local news? Since I don't get much local news way out here except for what I find on these sites, I may have missed it. I would say that if the officers are back on duty and the investigation is over, the officers did no wrong in their actions that night. Posted Jul 22, 2006 04:35

67. nojusticenwv - To Realisticwarmth, I doubt very seriously that the police are happy over this tragedy. I feel badly about what happened to Mr. Webb, and I am sad for his family. On the other hand, I hate that the officers were put in the position to have to shoot Mr. Webb. They had to make a judgement call to protect themselves. Posted Jul 22, 2006 11:10

68. Bigdog131 - "They should have at least pulled into driveway with the lights on.OK, so they would have pulled up into his driveway, with their lights and siren on, and all that would have done was lessen their chance of survival, because Mr. Webb could have shot them before they had a chance to exit their vehicles. You don't know what was on Webb's mind when this happened. Then you have 2 dead Deputies, who have families too. One of the deputies has a daughter TOO! In Dayton, Ohio, in '89 or '90, a police officer was on a traffic stop and was shot behind the wheel of his car by the driver with an AK-47 before he had a chance to exit the car. Was that fare? Realisticwarmth, have you ever ridden with a police officer when he has had to make a decision that changes lives? Strap up and badge up and your opinion may change. Posted Jul 22, 2006 16:51

69. nojusticenwv - BigDog131, I couldn't have said it better myself. As for Realisticwarmth, I am sure you would be HAPPY if the POLICEMEN had to save your life. How would you like an assault rifle pointed at you and you were fearing for your life and the policemen made a choice to save you. Think about it!!! Posted July 22, 2006 17:22

70. Racegirl172 - quote: Next time there's a murder suspect hanging out in a house somewhere, I guess you think the cops should call the guy before they show up? Maybe waltz up and ring the door bell a few times? Just to give the guy a warning?  Well, in this case, there was no murder suspect. And even when the report comes out, it will be in all favor of the police. All I am saying is that they could've used other means of controlling the situation...many many many other options....parking down the road was their first mistake....someone suggested earlier that maybe they should've called his house...they could've surely assessed the situation a little better....there was no hostage situation or anything of the sort...Any fool can see that this case was not handled properly...I want my tax $$$ to pay for officers with better training! Like I've said before, don't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch, but I think our area has quite a few bad apples on the force. Posted Jul 23, 2006 12:46

71. Floyd - quote: Originally posted by Racegirl72: Next time there's a murder suspect hanging out in a house somewhere, I guess you think the cops should call the guy before they show up? Maybe waltz up and ring the door bell a few times? Just to give the guy a warning?  Well, in this case, there was no murder suspect. And even when the report comes out, it will be in all favor of the police. All I am saying is that they could've used other means of controlling the situation...many many many other options....parking down the road was their first mistake....someone suggested earlier that maybe they should've called his house...they could've surely assessed the situation a little better....there was no hostage situation or anything of the sort...Any fool can see that this case was not handled properly...I want my tax $$$ to pay for officers with better training! Like I've said before, don't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch, but I think our area has quite a few bad apples on the force.  And what special training or knowledge do you possess that allows you to make that statement? Posted Jul 23, 2006 17:23

72. nojusticenwv - Floyd, any fool should know that it is against the law to shoot a firearm 500 feet from a dwelling. Any fool should know that a stray bullet could have hit someone that night. Didn't this happen at 1:00 in the morning? If I am wrong, I stand corrected - but any fool should know that Mr. Webb wasn't using good judgement. Posted Jul 23, 2006 19:09

73. whisper - I for one would like clarification as to the "many many many other options" that were supposedly available.quote: Originally posted by Racegirl72: All I am saying is that they could've used other means of controlling the situation...many many many other options....someone suggested earlier that maybe they should've called his house...they could've surely assessed the situation a little better.... Quite obviously pepper spray, bean bags, and tasers would not be appropriate when confronting a man armed and discharging an AK-47 assault rifle. In addition, when approaching an armed subject is it not in the best interests of the responding officers to approach in a manner in which they are able to get close to the suspect before announcing their presence, so that they are not an open target? In reference to calling the residence to let Mr. Webb know they were on the way, I don't believe it would be normal protocol for an agency to contact someone via phone that is armed and discharging an AK-47 assault rifle, just to let them know that they are on the way, sounds very irrational to me. Mr. Webb was advised by officers to drop the weapon and failed to do so. Not only did he fail to drop the weapon he turned it on the them. Mr. Webb put the officers lives in danger when he pointed that gun at them (intentional or not) and they acted accordingly and appropriately. "According to the Associated Press, friends and family members told a local television station that Webb was a good man who was firing the gun in celebration of the July Fourth holiday. They said he probably didn't hear the officers clearly and spun around to see what the commotion was, not meaning to point the gun at anyone." The consequences of Mr. Webbs actions, although unfortunate for his family, were brought on by no one other than Mr. Webb and his extremely poor judgement and dangerous behavior that night! It is my opinion that no matter how distasteful some may find it, the officers did what had to be done to protect themselves and the community!quote: Originally posted by Racegirl72: Any fool can see that this case was not handled properly...I want my tax $$$ to pay for officers with better training!  Be proud! Your tax dollars are at work and have apparently paid for officers with excellent training. The proof? The responding officers had a man pointing an AK-47 assault rifle at them and they went home alive! Had they reacted differently their families may have been the ones grieving. The community should be grateful that such well trained officers are part of their local police force. It is heartbreaking to know that not all officers that have responded to a call where they have had a gun pointed at them have made it home to their families! This message has been edited. Last edited by: whisper, July 23, 2006 22:51 Posted Jul 23, 2006 20:09

74. Bigdog131 - Have you ever heard of the term suicide by police officer? We have no idea what was in that man's head when this happened. He committed an act that left the officer's no choice but to rely on their specialized training. Would you have our soldiers and marines in Iraq stopping and telling their enemy to drop their weapons before they opened fire? Mr. Webb had the same kind of weapon that the Iraqi insurgency uses. If he had open fired on the officers, we would probably have had a large police officer funeral. It is a tragedy what has happened. Posted Jul 23, 2006 21:55

75. Floyd - quote: Originally posted by nojusticenwv: Floyd, any fool should know that it is against the law to shoot a firearm 500 feet from a dwelling. Any fool should know that a stray bullet could have hit someone that night. Didn't this happen at 1:00 in the morning? If I am wrong, I stand corrected - but any fool should know that Mr. Webb wasn't using good judgement.  I agree. I was simply questioning the individual about their expertise in making judgements as to what the officers' options should have been. Posted Jul 23, 2006 23:05

76. Realisticwarmth - Was all of you guys at Mr. Webbs house when he pointed the AK47 at the two officers? I think not!!! You all can not sit here and defend the poor officers who shot and killed Mr. Webb when none of you really knows what even happened that night. Yes if Mr. Webb really did point the gun in question at the two officers and they were really threatened than YES they had the right tp protect themselves BUT we do not know what happened. But I do know for a fact that a woman has lost her husband and the two girls will grow up without their DADDY. Put youself in the families shoes and quit defending the police force unless you know for a fact what really happened, which I am quite sure none of you do!!!! The Newspaper prints stories everyday, where do you think they get their INFORMATION? Exactly!!!!!!!!!They sure can't get Mr. Webbs side of it. I'm sure if he did fire into the air, it was all outta fun and NOT to harm anyone. This call all boils down to a nosey neighbor, I hope he or she is sleeping well after making the phone call. Like I said before this was all just plain STUPID!!!!!He could have been fined for shooting within 500 feet of a dwelling, but oh well, keep reading all the gossip and talk among yourselves because It does'nt change anything. It does not matter what anyone thinks now, hes gone!!!!!So in other words, whats done is done!!!!!!!!!!!!! Heres something for everyone to gossip about, that I heard, WONDER why Mr. Webb was shot in the BACK??? Makes a person wonder, now don't it? Posted Jul 23, 2006 23:50

77. nojusticenwv - Realisticwarmth, I also feel for Mr. Webb's wife, children and family. It's still against the law to fire off a weapon as Mr. Webb chose to that night, and you know that. I am glad that you or your's wasn't near the site of the celebration of shooting an assault rifle in the air. I am also glad that you or your's didn't get hit by a stray bullet, or anyone else for that matter. The one who called 911 had every right to make that phone call. The caller probably was terrified that the shots being fired may have strayed towards them or any of their neighbors. Wonder if anyone else called 911 or the sheriff's department that night. Bet they did, and I would have done the same. Posted Jul 24, 2006 00:34

78. whisper - Realisticwarmth, How can one rationalize a man being armed with and discharging an AK-47 assault rifle in a residential neighborhood and in turn pointed it at law enforcement officers. Explain how the officers were expected to walk up and arrest or cite Mr. Webb with an AK-47 pointing at them, or should they have just overlooked this? How do you fault anybody for calling 911 when someone is outside shooting a gun? You can honestly say that if at 1:00 in the morning (or anytime for that matter) you hear a gun being discharged in your neighborhood you would have absolutely no concern for you and your family's safety? You would just roll over and go back to sleep? I know for a fact that I would not, I would call the police as soon as I could get to the phone. Also, if what was printed in regards to Mr. Webb's family stating he did not mean to point the gun" (which means yes, he did point he gun at the officers) then I can only suggest they seek an attorney and attempt to take legal action and/or request the paper print a retractment with the correct information. Until that time it would be assumed that yes, Mr. Webb was armed with and AK-47, yes, he was discharging it into the air, and once again, yes, he aimed it at the officers. If all of this is correct then yes, the officers had every right to defend themselves with whatever means possible. I feel it is my right...no obligation....to continue to defend the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday to make certain that you, I, and our families are protected. That includes being protected from getting shot in the name of celebration from stray bullets. I've tried to instill in my children that just because it seems like fun and you get a rush from it, doesn't make it right. And, whatever you decide to do make sure you're prepared for the results your actions bring, some would refer to them as consequences, what a concept!!!! The stupidity falls on Mr. Webb's actions, not those of the responding officers. While it is a tragedy that his wife is now a widow and his daughter fatherless, the fact remains that had Mr. Webb been a responsible gun owner, which in my opinion would include never putting anyone in harms way by discharging it into the air or in a residential neighborhood, and never pointing a loaded gun at someone (especially officers) he would still be here for his family. Would it make you feel better if it was the officer's wives that were now widows and their children now fatherless. Would it be easier for you to justify their deaths? What if one of the bullets from Mr. Webb's gun had struck and killed someone, he had no target hence he didn't know where they would land. Would you just rack it up to a horrible unfortunate accident in the name of celebration, after all, he never meant to hurt anyone? Although the loss must be difficult, Mr. Webb played a HUGE role in his own demise. As for the reference made to being shot in the back, I would expect that you are prepared to post the source to which one could go to verify such a slanderous comment, which seemingly has been made out of misplaced hostility and the inability to accept Mr. Webb's responsibility in this fatal incident....... This message has been edited. Last edited by: whisper, Jul 24, 2006 01:39 Posted Jul 24, 2006 01:02

79. Jaquar - quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: Was all of you guys at Mr.Webbs house when he pointed the AK47 at the two officers?  You're being quite objective, since you weren't there, either. It's hard to believe you would be so passive when a 7.76mm projectile had it's potential energy aimed in your general direction. I'd like to witness your reaction in the same situation. quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: You all can not sit here and defend the poor officers who shot and killed Mr.Webb when none of you really knows what even happened that night.  You sound like your crystal ball told you something the rest of us don't know. What's the conspiracy against Mr. Webb? Did he fail to donate to the FOP? quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: Yes if Mr. Webb really did point the gun in question at the two officers and they were really threatened than YES they had the right tp protect themselves. BUT we do not know what happened. But I do know for a fact that a woman has lost her husband and the two girls will grow up without their DADDY.  Thus far, nobody disagrees that Mr. Webb's death is sad. However, you blaming the two deputies for killing him is unwarranted. What degree of sadness would you project toward the two officers, had they been killed by Mr. Webb? quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: Put youself in the families shoes and quit defending the police force unless you know for a fact what really happened, which I am quite sure none of you do!!!!  Do you know what happened? Are you unable to put yourself in the shoes of the deputies? Of the frightened neighbors? quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: The Newspaper prints stories everyday, where do you think they get their INFORMATION? Exactly!!!!!!!!!They sure can't get Mr. Webbs side of it. I'm sure if he did fire into the air, it was all outta fun and NOT to harm anyone.  Anyone with the slightest bit of common sense knows that discharging a firearm into the air results in the potential of people getting killed by bullets returning to earth, driving into the cranium. It's all just fun and games, huh?quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: This call all boils down to a nosey neighbor, I hope he or she is sleeping well after making the phone call. Like I said before this was all just plain STUPID!!!!!  Blame the neighbor? For reporting a man firing an assault rifle next door? I'd say the neighbor is sleeping a little more soundly now. quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: He could have been fined for shooting within 500 feet of a dwelling, but oh well, keep reading all the gossip and talk among yourselves because It does'nt change anything. It does not matter what anyone thinks now, hes gone!!!!!  That's realistic. Just have the officers walk up to a man pointing the hot barrel of an AK-47 at them and write him a ticket.  quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: So in other words, whats done is done!!!!!!!!!!!!! Heres something for everyone to gossip about, that I heard, WONDER why Mr. Webb was shot in the BACK??? Makes a person wonder, now don't it?  Where was it ever reported that the officers shot him in the back? You're story doesn't exaclty coincide with the report in the newspaper. As I've said, the death of Mr. Webb is unfortunate. On the other hand, considering the facts, it's unfair to blame the neighbor or the officers for their actions. The deputies had to go through counselling for the incident. They have enough to deal with, every day, to listen to the bleeding-heart liberals who would rather attack them for defending themselves and the surrounding population. Posted Jul 24, 2006 05:

80. Worried Wife - I can't believe what I am reading. Realisticwarmth, you are so clueless. You have no idea what is like to be an officer or a wife of an officer. These guys are highly trained for what they do. They are trained just like a soldier. Do you think that they would go into Iraq and let someone point a gun at them and not shoot. The more I read from you, the more I think you are just stupid yourself. Go ahead and blame the officers, I hope to God that you don't need any of them yourself. As I have stated before, we are good friends with one of the officers, he is really having a hard time dealing with this. NO ONE WANTS TO KILL ANYONE!!! I do have the inside scoop. I am sorry for Mr. Webb's family, but I am also relieved that my friend came home to his family. I am the wife of an officer, it is nothing but a worry when they are out on the road going from call to call. Do you realize how many ignorant people that are out there? By the way it was actually the night of July 3rd (morning of July 4th 1:00 AM) Why was Mr. Webb already celebrating? Do you have to celebrate that early? And by shooting an assault rifle in the air???? Come on, think about it. Use some common sense if you have any. You all on here bashing the cops, make me sick. Take a walk in our shoes and see what you think. Posted Jul 24, 2006 22:33

81. nojusticenwv - Worried Wife, I am sure it is very hard and stressful to be a wife of a police officer. It is my belief that many people who like to bash the cops - have probably broken the law themselves. The officers only had a split second to defend themselves against Mr. Webb pointing an assault rifle at them. It's a very sad ending for Mr. Webb and his family. Mr. Webb made a very ignorant choice that night and paid the ultimate price. I would like to know why his family members did not stop him from firing an assault rifle that night/morning. That question will never be answered on here, but I bet the family is asking themselves that question. Posted Jul 25, 2006 01:10

82. RB2281 - This is WV. How many people in this state fired a gun of some sort that night? I know in my neighborhood there was and I live in city limits. Growing up and living in a neighborhood quite far from where I am now, there were people who fired guns on July 4th. Yes, they also fired on July 3rd. This isn't California people. While it isn't the best idea and is illegal to discharge a weapon within 500 feet of a dwelling, how frequently do people in WV fire off firearms on the 4th? Posted Jul 27, 2006 09:47

83. infusion - I was always taught by my daddy, a very wise man, that guns were for personal protection and hunting only. Not toys to be fired off randomly in the air. I realize a lot of people do this to celebrate, but I don't think it's safe. Not to mention a lot of people drink to celebrate, and guns and alcohol definatley don't mix. Two years ago on Independence day a friend of mine had a bullet come through their ceiling where someone was firing in the air a few houses down. Posted Jul 27, 2006 11:21

84. Floyd - quote: Originally posted by infusion: I was always taught by my daddy, a very wise man, that guns were for personal protection and hunting only. Not toys to be fired off randomly in the air. I realize a lot of people do this to celebrate, but I don't think it's safe. Not to mention a lot of people drink to celebrate, and guns and alcohol definatley don't mix. Two years ago on Independence day a friend of mine had a bullet come through their ceiling where someone was firing in the air a few houses down. It was my mother who purchased my first weapon with the old S&H trading stamps. She is also the one who taught me how to handle it correctly. Two of the main things she taught me were to never fire a weapon unless I knew where the bullet would land and never point a weapon at someone unless I planned to use it for self defense. Posted Jul 27, 2006 12:34

85. Realisticwarmth - quote: Originally posted by RB2281: This is WV. How many people in this state fired a gun of some sort that night? I know in my neighborhood there was and I live in city limits. Growing up and living in a neighborhood quite far from where I am now, there were people who fired guns on July 4th. Yes, they also fired on July 3rd. This isn't California people. While it isn't the best idea and is illegal to discharge a weapon within 500 feet of a dwelling, how frequently do people in WV fire off firearms on the 4th? FINALLY somebody agrees with me. YES this is BY GOD WEST VIRGINIA. So big deal the guy was shooting a gun IN THE AIR, having fun. NO ONE GOT HURT and he was not pointing it at anybody!!!!!!! There are alot of people who celebrates by shooting a gun in air, I guess they too are trying to harm someone. Everyone has feelings NOT just the officers!!!! But we all celebrate in our own way, I'm sure I seen alot of bottle rockets leave the ground on July.4th but of course none of the involved parties got caught because there was no nosey neighbors here to call 911.......so it still all boils down to the nosey neighbor once again. Posted Jul 28, 2006 00:30

86. Jaquar - quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: FINALLY somebody agrees with me. YES this is BY GOD WEST VIRGINIA. Good for you. That still provides no merit to your previous post.  quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: So big deal the guy was shooting a gun IN THE AIR, having fun. NO ONE GOT HURT and he was not pointing it at anybody!!!!!!!!!  People have been killed by bullets falling back to earth, after people fired guns into the air. Yet, you continue to defend those who not only break the law, but kill others by their negligence. A responsible and reasonable person would never discharge a firearm, not knowing where the projectile might land...even in By God West Virginia. No wonder people all across America consider us dumb hillbillies. quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: There are alot of people who celebrates by shooting a gun in air, I guess they too are trying to harm someone. Negligence: A lot of people also celebrate by getting drunk and driving home. They don't intentionally kill people, but people die, nonetheless. Do you defend their actions? quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: Everyone has feelings NOT just the officers!!!! That point has been driven into the ground, not unlike a falling bullet. Nobody is saying Mr. Webb's family doesn't deserve sympathy. Your posts have, however, blamed the officers for defending themselves. I wonder if you would even post to this thread if the end result resulted in the deaths of the two deputies. And if you did, I'm sure you would still defend the suspect, saying he was defending himself...or some other conspiracy theory of that calibre.quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: But we all celebrate in our own way, I'm sure I seen alot of bottle rockets leave the ground on July.4th but of course none of the involved parties got caught because there was no nosey neighbors here to call 911...so it still all boils down to the nosey neighbor once again.  Bottle rockets and sparklers are a far cry from 7.76mm rounds being fired from a Russian-made assault rifle. I could sleep soundly, knowing my neighbors were setting off fireworks. When gunfire erupts, I'll get just a little concerned, myself. Of course, I'm sure you're going to blame the neighbors and law enforcement for the death of Mr. Webb, no matter what anybody says.  It is, indeed, sad that the man was killed. Blaming a frightened neighbor or the RCSO for not ignoring his dangerous actions is pointing a finger in the wrong direction, though. Posted Jul 28, 2006 04:18

87. nojusticenwv -  Jaguar, you told it like it was. It seems as thought Realisticwarmth is never going to come to the realization that Mr. Webb was at fault that night.  Realisticwarmth, your quote, "Yes, this is by God West Virginia," makes you sound like a country hick. I think you enjoy the negativity that you are sharing with us on here. I don't think YOU are correct in blaming the police officers and you love to keep posting the same ignorant statements. I'm so glad that you didn't live near Mr. Webb and a stray bullet didn't hit you or one of your family members. You evidently think this is what everyone should do in their own yards, shoot assault rifles in celebration. Doesn't matter if one is breaking the law. You must have watched too much of the "Beveryly Hillbillies." I liked that show, but it was just that, a show. Posted Jul 28, 2006 09:34

88. BabyGurl - Ok I have been reading some of the posts on here and a few have made sense and some have not. Everyone agrees that Mr. Webb's death is sad. Everyone agrees that has family is really hurt. But... as far as the AK-47 and the bullet going up in the air and coming back down to earth...landing in someones cranium, is bogus. And if you all stop to think about it, the power from the gun is what made the bullet go up in the air, it loses velocity while traveling upwards into the air and the remaining impact is GRAVITY traveling towards earth?? What are the chances of this quarter inch 150 grain peice of lead striking someone in the cranium?? The chances are as slim as a falling star crashing through your windshield while you are traveling down the interstate doing 75 mph. Some people just need to slow down and use common sense. The man was shot in the BACK while FACING a cop? What does the police force have now? Boomerang bullets? And what if one of the police officers bolistic point bullets would have fully penetrated and hit one of Mr. Webbs children? It is all a bucnh of what if's. There is no answers to any of it. If the cops made a wrong call, do you think they are gonna step up and say , hey im sorry I killed your husband, but I was afraid and I was taught to kill if I see a gun. NO! I can say I recall a night back in 1993 when a man had a 30-30 and he shot through a ceiling of his neighbors house. Neighbors called 911 and the street was full of cops. Is this man dead today? NO Did the cops try to talk to him? YES! Did the man have a loaded gun in his possession? YES! What did the cops do? They talked for a few minutes and looked at the situation.. Then they got cans of tear gas, threw them in the house where he was. They waited a few minutes and went in, got the guy, took the gun. He went to jail and the police had the gun. About 2 weeks later he was given the firearm back. I can back this with police reports. mr. Webbs death is very sad. There is no turning back for his family now. This is a very sad time for them. I do feel the officers involved should have thought it out. If they was so afraid they could have got on their radios and called for backup. They DID NOT have to kill him. Where I live I hear gun shots often. I do not call the cops every 2 seconds either. People need to stop and think about things before they act them out. If those cops would have thought it out, Mr. Webb would be alive, and they would not be getting trashed on here. And it could not have hurt them to bad, otherwise they would still be on leave. My friends son was killed in Beaver WV by a truck driver. That man was so hurt by what happened he turned his CDL's in and is still seeking help. I would like to be able to get a response from the attending officers. And did they go to his funeral? Posted July 30, 2006 00:43

89. nojusticenwv - Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~:Where I live I hear gun shots often. I do not call the cops every 2 seconds either BabyGurl, as I remember, the family members stated that Mr. Webb turned around facing the police officers with the gun pointed in their direction. If the police were afraid, they should have called for backup, who are you kidding? The officers made a decision to protect themselves. Hey Mr. Webb, hold on and let us call for backup, should the officers have gone that route? I think NOT, and they had every right to shoot, when Mr. Webb was pointing an assault rigle at them. By the way, are you related to RealisticWarmth? Furthermore, this was a different situation than what happened in 93. Did the man shooting the gun through his neighbor's ceiling, point the gun at the officers? About the tear gas, I suppose you think the officers who shot Mr. Webb should have talked it over, and should have ran to their cars and gotten some tear gas. They didn't have time to wait until they were shot at, in order for them to return fire. Hummmm, put yourself in the officers shoes. Posted Jul 30, 2006 01:43

90. whisper - quote: Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~:as far as the AK-47 and the bullet going up in the air and coming back down to earth...landing in someones cranium, is bogus. And if you all stop to think about it, the power from the gun is what made the bullet go up in the air, it loses velocity while traveling upwards into the air and the remaining impact is GRAVITY traveling towards earth?? What are the chances of this quarter inch 150 grain peice of lead striking someone in the cranium?? The chances are as slim as a falling star crashing through your windshield while you are traveling down the interstate doing 75 mph. Some people just need to slow down and use common sense. .....While a bullet falling from the sky may not have the force behind it a bullet fired directly at you has, it still has the potential to kill or seriously injure someone....... Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~:I can say I recall a night back in 1993 when a man had a 30-30 and he shot through a ceiling of his neighbors house. Neighbors called 911 and the street was full of cops. Is this man dead today? NO Did the cops try to talk to him? YES! Did the man have a loaded gun in his possession? YES! What did the cops do? They talked for a few minutes and looked at the situation.. Then they got cans of tear gas, threw them in the house where he was. They waited a few minutes and went in, got the guy, took the gun. He went to jail and the police had the gun. About 2 weeks later he was given the firearm back. I can back this with police reports. Mr. Webb was not barricaded inside a residence...he was in the open pointing an AK-47 assault rifle directly at the officers....BIG difference. Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~Officers involved should have thought it out. If they was so afraid they could have got on their radios and called for backup. They DID NOT have to kill him. Mr. Webb didn't listen to deputies when they told him to drop the weapon....he turned it on them...how long do you have to think when a weapon of that caliber is turned on you? How do you know Mr. Webb wouldn't have shot them before backup arrived? If you hear gunshots often.....you should think about moving.....I am amazed at how many people have condoned Mr. Webb's behavior and makes it seem so commonplace...I lived in Mr. Webb's neighborhood for close to 30 yrs, then inside Beckley city limits, then in Beaver...I don't recall any of my neighbors discharging firearms into the air....if they had, I most likely would have called the police. Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~: People need to stop and think about things before they act them out. If those cops would have thought it out, Mr. Webb would be alive, and they would not be getting trashed on hereIf Mr. Webb had been thinking responsibly, yes he would still be alive Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~:And it could not have hurt them to bad, otherwise they would still be on leave That is a completely unfair statement...even if they have returned to work it most likely still has an emotional effect on them. Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~:And did they go to his funeral? The deputies shot Mr. Webb in the line of duty ...I don't believe they would have any obligation to attend his funeral...and do you think the family would have welcomed them with open arms? This message has been edited. Last edited by: whisper, July 30, 2006 12:10 Posted Jul 30, 2006 01:54

91. Realisticwarmth - FINALLY, someone smart enough on here to admit the truth. There is always, always a way to handle a situation without getting someone killed.NO ONE should have died that night!!!!!!!!!!! I know of a story awhile back that involved A REAL shooting that happened in Irish Mountain, which it hit the papers for days, THREE MEN died that night, BUT it was NOT the police' fault, but these police did their job and they called for back up before they would even consider going in head first, They pulled up and heard the guns going off, they did not pull up and start shooting JUST because they got a call from 911 saying gun fight going on in Irish Mountain, it just goes to show, some of these rookie police are GUN HO HAPPY. They need to slow down and take the time to see what really is going on before they start shooting for no reason. Some police just have a bigger head than they do a heart. That is sad!!!! Posted July 30, 2006 01:55

92. Realisticwarmth - quote: Originally posted by nojusticenwv: BabyGurl, as I remember, the family members stated that Mr. Webb turned around facing the police officers with the gun pointed in their direction. If the police were afraid, they should have called for backup, who are you kidding? The officers made a decision to protect themselves. Hey Mr. Webb, hold on and let us call for backup, should the officers have gone that route? I think NOT, and they had every right to shoot, when Mr. Webb was pointing an assault rigle at them. By the way, are you related to RealisticWarmth? Furthermore, this was a different situation than what happened in 93. Did the man shooting the gun through his neighbor's ceiling, point the gun at the officers? About the tear gas, I suppose you think the officers who shot Mr. Webb should have talked it over, and should have ran to their cars and gotten some tear gas. They didn't have time to wait until they were shot at, in order for them to return fire. Hummmm, put yourself in the officers shoes.HHHMMM NO BABYGURL IS NOT RELATED TO ME,BUT I DO LIKE HOW SHE SPEAKS THE TRUTH.SOMETIMES THE TRUTH REALLY HURTS PEOPLE.ARE YOU RELATED TO NASTYCOP? Posted July 30, 2006 02:03

93. whisper - quote: Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: FINALLY, someone smart enough on here to admit the truth. There is always, always a way to handle a situation without getting someone killed.NO ONE should have died that night!!!!!!!!!!!  That is an extremely naive statement.... NO...as a matter of FACT, there is not always a way to handle a situation where someone is aiming an AK-47 assault rifle at you without someone being killed!!!!! Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: but these police did their job and they called for back up before they would even consider going in head first, They pulled up and heard the guns going off, they did not pull up and start shooting JUST because they got a call from 911 saying gun fight going on in Irish Mountain,it just goes to show, some of these rookie police are GUN HO HAPPY.  Would you please attempt to stick to facts in your postings...It has never been indicated that the officers just pulled up and started shooting....I believe it was stated that the officers approached Mr. Webb, told him to drop his weapon and he turned it on them.... Whether or not the deputies that shot Mr. Webb are rookies has very little bearing on what occurred and in any case, being a rookie does not automatically make them GUN HO!I no longer live in the area so it is possible that I missed the article that indicated the deputies were rookies...when was it published? Originally posted by Realisticwarmth: They need to slow down and take the time to see what really is going on before they start shooting for no reason.  If having an AK-47 assault rifle pointed at you is not reason enough to shoot someone....please tell me what is?Take the time to do what? See if he would really kill them? This message has been edited. Last edited by: whisper, July 30, 2006 03:13 Posted Jul 30, 2006 02:39

94. mtneer - It seems to me that the man was firing a weapon (I heard with blanks), right or wrong, in celebration of the Fourth of July, this disturbed some neighbor who in turn called 911. The 2 deputies responded, with no lights or siren, exited the patrol car and demanded a man with his back turned to them to lay down his gun. Now I don't know if anyone here shoots or not but if the man was wearing hearing protection he would have heard a voice that he couldn't have understood, if he was not wearing hearing protection after firing several shots his hearing would have still been impaired. At any rate he turns with his gun in his hand to see who shouted. Rash decisions were then made. Give it some thought, this was not a violent man nor was he a drunk or druggie. Posted Jul 30, 2006 03:07

95. mtneer - It also seems that a lot of people who have posted on this topic are so gun phobic that they would be unable to reach a logical conclusion about this matter. No, I don't think the deputies went out there with intentions of killing someone, but they made a quick rash decision. WHO was Mr. Webb firing at? Posted Jul 30, 2006 03:19

96. nojusticenwv - Realisticwarmth, you and BabyGurl have something in common. What you two would call the truth, I call ignorance. NastyCop, have no clue if I am related to him/her. But if I find out, I will be more than happy to let you know. Posted Jul 30, 2006 03:43

97. nojusticenwv - Realisticwarmth, FINALLY, you have become smart enough to create another name, whom AGREES WITH YOU. Posted Jul 30, 2006 03:49

98. whisper - quote: Originally posted by mtneer: It also seems that a lot of people who have posted on this topic are so gun phobic that they would be unable to reach a logical conclusion about this matter. No, I don't think the deputies went out there with intentions of killing someone, but they made a quick rash decision. WHO was Mr. Webb firing at?The officers quick decision may have saved their lives......Mr. Webb had no target, which made his behavior all the more dangerous, he had no clue where the bullets were landing.... Posted Jul 30, 2006 03:56

99. whisper - Originally posted by mtneer: It also seems that a lot of people who have posted on this topic are so gun phobic that they would be unable to reach a logical conclusion about this matter. Just because a person is aware of the true danger and killing potential of a gun does not make them "gun phobic" Posted Jul 30, 2006 04:03

100. Jaquar - remains a mystery to me why certain people seem to support criminal behaviour, while bashing our police-force, who work tirelessly to protect us. It's no different than the constant assault the military endures from the left-extremists who attempt to degrade and demoralize our troops, who are at war. Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~ ...as far as the AK-47 and the bullet going up in the air and coming back down to earth...landing in someones cranium, is bogus. I assume you are ignorant to physics. Firing a high-powered rife, such as an AK-47, into the air projects a bullet to the height of over a mile above the earth, depending upon the angle at which it was launched. The falling projectile can reach speeds of 300 miles per hour on it's way down. Is that the type of rain you're willing to chance while walking on the Rails-to-Trails? Ignorance. Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~ ...What are the chances of this quarter inch 150 grain peice of lead striking someone in the cranium??  Less than the chance that I would report a neighbor for indiscriminately firing his rifle in the air. Any like-minded and reasonable person would have the respect of their neighbors and of firearms to do something so thoughless as randomly firing assault rifles into the air. Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~ The chances are as slim as a falling star crashing through your windshield while you are traveling down the interstate doing 75 mph. Some people just need to slow down and use common sense. Most of the falling stars you see at night burn up in the earth's atmosphere. Mr. Webb's bullets didn't. Nobody, including you and I and Mr. Webb know where those rounds landed. Common sense would remind one that bullets have far more deadly outcomes than bits of dust and rock that enter the earth's atmosphere. Originally posted by ~BabyGurl~ I do feel the officers involved should have thought it out. If they was so afraid they could have got on their radios and called for backup. They DID NOT have to kill him. Thought it out.  It's so easy for you people to sit behind your computer monitors, in the comfort and safety of your own homes, and critisize those officers who were forced to make a split-decision to defend themselves. I'm sure you can sleep soundly tonight, cursing our boys in uniform for protecting themselves and the community. It's in your barbaric nature.  quote: Originally posted by mtneer: It seems to me that the man was firing a weapon (I heard with blanks)  The AK-47 is a gas-operated rifle. In order for Mr. Webb to fire the weapon semi-automatically, he would have to installed a gas suppressor on the barrel of it. In lamen's terms, a large red box would have been on the end of the barrel. Seeing as how the liberal, anti-gun, anti-military Associated Press reported the story, it's hard for me to believe they left such a crucial piece of damning evidence out of the story. Originally posted by mtneer: Now I don't know if anyone here shoots or not...  I shoot. My earliest memories of shooting was of my dad's teachings. He constantly reminded me to be mindful of the weapon; consider it loaded at all times. And to always know where the bullet will land when I fired it. Shooting guns into the air is both irresponsible and criminal.  quote: Originally posted by mtneer: ...Rash decisions were then made. Give it some thought... Rash. Decisions. Both have their own definitions. The officer's reaction to a hot barrel of an assault rifle pointed at them does not fit in the sentence combining both, unless you ask the man who pointed the weapon at them.  quote: Originally posted by mtneer: It also seems that a lot of people who have posted on this topic are so gun phobic that they would be unable to reach a logical conclusion about this matter. No, I don't think the deputies went out there with intentions of killing someone, but they made a quick rash decision. WHO was Mr. Webb firing at? Who was Mr. Webb firing rounds at? Even he doesn't know. ;It's funny...a bit strange to us who are more level-headed, but I would guess you would still defend him if one of his bullets happened to kill a child. You would seem to blame the nosey parent for calling 9-1-1, as their child bled to death in her stroller, in light of the "innocent" celebration. This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jaguar, July 31, 2006 00:55 Posted Jul 30, 2006 05:56