Spokane7
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September 2, 2010 in City
Deputy’s approved vacation stalls interview about shooting
Sheriff: Forcing deputy to stay could have tainted investigation
Knezovich
(Full-size photo)(All photos)
The interview that could explain why a deputy shot and killed a Spokane Valley pastor will come Friday morning – after the deputy returns from a weeklong vacation approved by Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich.
Deputy Brian Hirzel left town the day after an Aug. 25 encounter with Wayne Scott Creach at his sprawling nursery business, the Plant Farm, 14208 E. Fourth Ave. Officials have only said that Hirzel and Creach had some sort of “confrontation” that ended when Hirzel shot Creach moments after the shirtless 74-year-old grabbed his pistol and went outside to investigate what he may have thought was a prowler.
Knezovich said at a Wednesday afternoon news conference that he approved Hirzel’s vacation partly because the county would have been on the hook to pay for travel costs had Hirzel and his wife canceled. But the sheriff said his greatest concern was that he didn’t want to “taint” the investigation by making it appear he was forcing Hirzel to submit to the interview.
“This case is more important” than a vacation, Knezovich said. “We have to ensure the integrity of this investigation, and I’m not about to do anything that looks coercive that would jeopardize this investigation.”
Knezovich also for the first time revealed that Hirzel, an 18-year law enforcement veteran, made a radio call for “Code 6,” which means he needed immediate assistance from other deputies after his initial encounter with Creach.
“Within 10 seconds, he stated ‘Shots fired, need medics.’ Those were the first words out of his mouth to ensure that medics were en route,” Knezovich said.
On Tuesday, Creach’s son, Alan Creach, said his mother heard a shout and what sounded like three shots. She called 911 and saw other officers driving up the street before she ended the emergency call. Creach said his mother put on some clothes, walked outside and saw her husband lying in the gravel parking near Hirzel’s unmarked patrol car.
But a deputy kept Imogene Creach from approaching her husband, and she didn’t see anyone providing medical aid, her son said.
Knezovich said Wednesday that deputies assigned to the Spokane Valley Police Department did try to save Creach.
“Medics were dispatched, and within six minutes … they were on scene assisting the deputies in their efforts to save Mr. Creach,” he said. “Sadly, Mr. Creach was not able to be saved due to the injuries he received.”
Knezovich said he could not provide any more details until investigators talk with Hirzel, 41. He spent the bulk of the news conference explaining why that interview has yet to take place.
Hirzel “is willing to and wants to do this interview. This should state that he wants everyone to know what happened that night,” Knezovich said. “There is no attempt for him to make up any stories because, quite frankly, that is against policy.”
Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan said patrol deputies have to request vacation well in advance. In Hirzel’s case, his week of vacation was scheduled some time in December or January.
Knezovich said the delay in interviewing Hirzel will allow Spokane Police Department detectives, who are handling the case under an agreement to investigate officer-involved shootings, the benefit of reviewing physical evidence gathered from the scene to determine if it fits with Hirzel’s statement.
“We have to make sure this is a clean interview. We have to make sure this is a clean investigation,” he said. “And I’m not willing to jeopardize this investigation by doing anything that can appear coercive.”
But former Spokane County Prosecutor Don Brockett said he can’t understand what Knezovich is worried about.
“I don’t know why you would take the position that canceling their vacation would be coercive,” Brockett said. “It may cost something, but I always thought the death of a person was the most important matter you handled. I would think you would want to handle it correctly.”
Area police agencies have union-negotiated protocols that call for 48-hour delays before detectives interview officers involved in shootings. Knezovich also pointed out that even without the protocol Hirzel could exercise his constitutional right to not speak with detectives.
“I don’t understand that 48-hour thing,” said Brockett, who served as prosecutor from 1969 to 1994. “When I was there, law enforcement took the position that the reason they wanted to interrogate everybody immediately was to make sure they couldn’t get their stories straight. Do the same thing you do when you interrogate private citizens. Find out what the story is right off the bat.”
Canceling Hirzel’s vacation “may be inconvenient,” Brocket continued, “but I don’t understand how (Knezovich) can interpret that as coercion. It doesn’t seem to track.”
Most Spokane Valley officials, including Mayor Tom Towey, reserved comment until the completion of the investigation. But Councilman Gary Schimmels said he would have thought Hirzel’s interview was of “prime importance.”
“It’s kind of a surprise. There is uncertainty when (city residents) don’t have answers,” he said. “It would be nice to put the facts out. But I don’t have control over that.”
Jeffry Finer, a civil attorney representing the mother of Otto Zehm in a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Spokane Police Department, said detectives sometimes work around a witness’s schedule.
“I don’t think I have ever heard anyone say that delaying getting statements from witnesses improves the quality of the investigation,” Finer said. “It’s very rare that people’s memory improves over time.
“So allowing time puts at risk the quality of information they are going to get,” he said. “You have to balance that, I guess, with some refunded plane tickets.”
Killing suspect remains at large 
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Cheezwhiz on September 02 at 12:36 a.m.
It’s against policy for cops to lie, so I fell much better. He would never violate policy. I can’t recall any ticket I’ve had where the police report told the truth. Oops, it was “exaggerations.” That Code 6 thing is the first good lie. It makes it look as if a 74 year old pastor with no round in the chamber actually physically attacked the cop. First hint that Hinzel won’t be charged. Once again, the police get away with murder. The sensible public will boil. The sheep will accept it as the truth.
Scoutster on September 02 at 6:04 a.m.
“Where’s the man who fired the weapon?”
“Oh, he left on vacation the day after. He said he’d come back next week and we’d get it all figured out.”
“Good enough for me. Where are we going for lunch?”
I don’t usually revert to name-calling, but the SPD and the SCSO look like a bunch of clowns.
Get with the program, people, or don’t expect us to ever take you seriously again.
JBlim on September 02 at 6:09 a.m.
When we tally up the bill for how much this is going to cost the taxpayers, give Sheriff Ozzie a $2500 credit for not ruining the shooter’s vacation and bill him for the rest.
lucs on September 02 at 6:16 a.m.
I can see this will be a doozy of an investigation.
So, Hirzel claims he made a “code 6 call” before he shot Creach. At about the same time Imogene Creach tried calling 911. I would be very interested in seeing the times on both of these calls.
In other words, Hirzel claims that Creach was standing near his car and threatening him. Obviously, the pastor was pointing his unloaded pistol at Hirzel and repeatedly pulling the trigger on an empty chamber.
Not that there is another side to the story….at least, not any more.
The family disputes any medical aid being given. I wonder what the pastor’s last words were.
Yep, this will be a doozy of an investigation.
Cheezwhiz on September 02 at 6:34 a.m.
Think there will be a dash cam video or audio? If there was, I’d guess it will be lost. Will the SCSO make the “Code 6” dispatch tape from the deputy, public? I’m guessing it was never recorded as well, even though Ozzy can recite it.
lucs on September 02 at 6:50 a.m.
Re-reading the stories, it would appear that Hirzel did make his call before pulling the trigger. Maybe.
The story will be whatever he chooses to tell. Obviously, he will say” he made an effort to defuse the situation. The pastor was in an agitated state and the deputy felt threatened.”
As we then move on to the next police shooting….rinse and repeat.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on September 02 at 6:51 a.m.
I’ve stayed out of these strings on this sad incident mostly.
My question is ? IF the Spokane Police Department is the priimary investigator for this use of force …. then why is Sheriff Ozzie the one doing all of the talking, and not someone other than the P.R. person for the SPD Ms Deruwe (sp).
Here again we have the Chief of Police for Spokane seemingly also “on vacation” perhaps where there is no phone or internet.
In my opinion any Public Relations to calm the turbid waters here should be done by Chief Kirkpatrick personally. What’s up with that? john
lewis8457 on September 02 at 7:19 a.m.
So the cop feels comfortable during his interrogation he is let to go on vacation? Would he like a lolly pop too or an ice cream cone. Maybe rub his tummy or a tickle behind the ears.
Mrs. Creach saw no emergency crews working on her husband but Ozzie said there was, maybe they were invisible? Just like the invisible gun Shonto Pete threatened Jay Olsen with?
If a cop sees a senior citizen wandering around in slippers pants and no shirt wouldn’t they try to give aid? Even if the guy has a gun in his hand? What ever happened to back up?
I agree with you John where is the SPD police chief? Or make it interesting have Karl Thompson talk to the media and try to tell us we all have the same rights, while trying to keep a straight face.
Where is the Mayor assuring us we do not have a target on our chests?
lewis8457 on September 02 at 7:29 a.m.
SR when you shut down threads for the night why don’t you reopen them in the morning?
PlanB on September 02 at 7:35 a.m.
At this point, I find it impossible to believe anything Knezovich says.
Finer has it right: memory doesn’t improve with time. The further you get away from the actual event, the less reliable the information is. No matter how sincere Hirzel attempts to be, his recall of the event will not be as accurate as it could have been.
Scoutster on September 02 at 7:41 a.m.
I, too, have marveled at the ineptitude of the public relations around this event. They are totally incompetent.
Ozzie looked like he got caught on TV last night. I guess he did.
You are right, tho, John, since the investigation is being done by the SPD, they should be in front of the microphones, talking authoritatively and clearly about the process.
Unfortunately, they don’t have competent public information in that dept either.
bszottlinger on September 02 at 8:02 a.m.
ChefGus:
You aren’t being disingenuous are you? Even though she should you don’t really expect to hear much from Chief Kirkpatrick do you?
I have no idea what the investigative interview strategy is in this case. But does anyone happen to know what triggers Miranda Warnings?
Brad
chouligirl on September 02 at 8:09 a.m.
Oh my god! What kind of man can go on a vacation the day after shooting and killing another man. Really?? And the sheriff thinks that’s okay too?? Well, now he’s had plenty of time to consult with legal advisors to come up with the best story money can buy. And the police would be on the hook for his vacation why?? I’m thinking that if I had something huge like this happen at my work just before my vacation there wouldn’t be any offer to pay for my vacation now that I can’t take it. What’s more important here? An investigation into the DEATH of a man, or a vacation for the officer?? Hmmm, let me think… What is wrong with this picture??
It comes as no surprise to me that this officer was a California cop who moved to the Kootenai County sheriffs department for a few years and then moved to the Valley. The bottom of the bottom of the barrel. The California cops don’t know the law and don’t care to know it. They do as they see fit…and in this case, shot and killed an elderly man. Some restraint there. Police are supposed to be trained to handle emergency situations and not to react with killing first.
When will the police department ever just do what is true and right and say hey, this officer screwed up and will be charged…they always cover up for their own. It’s the police who make it an “us vs them” scenario. This is very, very troubling…everyone needs to take notice.
scottm on September 02 at 8:19 a.m.
I placed a link to yesterday’s online story, and reopened the comment thread on that story, below the photo of Sheriff Knezovich above.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on September 02 at 8:36 a.m.
Interesting to me that there are all of a sudden multiple “concerned citizens” on these strings in the Review…. wondering where you all were when a few folks were working very hard to even accomplish the seemingly simple task of getting a Police Ombudsman… all of the issues you raise were raised back then several years ago now… but only by us “liberal” types … PJALS Veterans for Peace ect…. and now that there is a death of a Baptist, Business Man in the Valley who was exercising his right to brandish a weapon.. (likely without any training… because if he was trained and current he would have had a round in the chamber of his .45 cal sidearm.)
All of the training I’ve had is simple…. not easy but simple… and that is if you take your weapon out of the holster it means you ARE going to kill someone…. basic training 101..
I am a concealed carry… and if you waved a .45 caliber sidearm in my direction… that would be my choice, and my only choice…
There is NO time to “talk” or “discover” in those situations… a split second ( the one it takes to Jack a Round into the firing chamber ) means You are the dead one.
I am waiting for the full story….. and mostly wondering why Sheriff Ozzie is the point person here instead of Chief Kirkpatrick and her SPD internal review folks. It is their job to be on point here…. not the Sheriff’s. John Olsen
SpokaneIsFun on September 02 at 8:44 a.m.
The Sheriff forgot “PUBLIC PERCEPTION.” This will certainly cause a Civilian Review Board for law enforcement. Is this what he wants??
This whole “I’m on vacation” concept stinks to high heaven.
Now every homicide suspect will tell investigators they will not make a statement. Good job Sheriff for setting this standard.
misjustice on September 02 at 8:44 a.m.
I watched Ozzie’s interview and I must say that he had a difficult time spitting out his non-coercion rationale. It seemed that even he didn’t believe himself, how can we be expected to believe him?
Brocket nailed it when he stated, “It doesn’t seem to track.”
As for Annie Get Yer Gun, she’s too busy dusting off and updating her resume, in her never ending search for a new job, to actually DO the job she is currently being paid to do. She has been a bitter disappointment as Chief.
misjustice on September 02 at 9:01 a.m.
((cheezwhiz says: It makes it look as if a 74 year old pastor with no round in the chamber actually physically attacked the cop))
I suppose the officer KNEW there was no round in the chamber. How was he to know this? Wait & look down the barrel? Wait to let a man that is pointing a gun at him shoot the officer?
***
((lucs says: Obviously, the pastor was pointing his unloaded pistol at Hirzel and repeatedly pulling the trigger on an empty chamber. Lucs also says: So, Hirzel claims he made a “code 6 call” before he shot Creach. At about the same time Imogene Creach tried calling 911.))
Since when and where does it say the gun was unloaded? It says nothing was in the chamber. That is not the same thing. Also, Hirzel hasn’t been interviewed yet so how can he claim he made a “code 6” call before he shot the man? This was never reported by anyone & only imagined by yourself.
~~~~~~~~~~~
The wife hears (a) gunshot(s) & she takes the time to get dressed before going out to see what happened? She states she saw the other officers arrive but still took the time to get dressed? If it was me, I would be outside in my pj’s wanting to know what was happening. (I would throw on a robe if not wearing any pj’s.) So, in the time it takes her to get dressed, the EMT’s could have already done their work & knew there was nothing else they could do for the man.
Again we have a lot of maybe’s flying around.
eagleproducer on September 02 at 9:02 a.m.
Leave the box blank next to Ozzie’s name on the November general election ballot. Enough non-votes and he might get the message.
eagleproducer on September 02 at 9:05 a.m.
ms.J: I noticed the same discomfort from Ozzie. He almost looked like he was ready to cry a few times and often had that look of revulsion usually reserved for reality game show contestants who are asked to eat goat entrails.
horse_feathers on September 02 at 9:07 a.m.
I still think we should start a write in campain for Alan Creach for Sheriff mainly to emphasize the message because I don’t think Ozzie gets it yet.
Sadbuttrue on September 02 at 9:16 a.m.
“What kind of man can go on a vacation the day after shooting and killing another man.”
A psychopath without a conscience?
It just twigged with me about a run in I had with Deputy Disneyland a few years ago. I was driving down Sullivan late at night one night in an old battered pickup that I had just purchased that still had the license plates from the prior owner, who unbeknown to me, had several felony drug convictions and had served lengthy prison sentences on each.
I was pulled over in my battered four wheel drive pickup - which is not lifted or modified in any way - according Deputy Disneyland, for the alleged “crime” of not having a full-width mud flap on a vehicle where the rear differential is visible from behind. This is a “crime” that is committed with impunity by every driver of a four wheel drive pickup sold in America! I knew that the concept of “probable cause” had been watered down to the point of near non-existence, but I had to control myself from busting out laughing at Disneyland’s laughable excuse. He knew that I knew that he was lying, but was nonetheless competent at lying with a straight face.
Most worrisome, he brusquely ordered me to put my hands on the wheel and had his hand on his gun menacingly ready to draw the entire time. (Presumably based on his “training and experience” that if a person is such a brazen lawbreaker as to openly drive a pickup without a full-width mud flap, then likely they are the time of person who would also suddenly erupt into a fit of cop mass murder as well).
After some brilliant on-the-side-of-the-road detective work, and discovering that my suspicious-sounding “cover story” (that I had just purchased the truck) was in fact absolutely true, and that the obvious real reason he had pulled me over, i.e., the prior owner’s long criminal record had turned out to be unfounded, he let me go with “just a warning” about the mudflat.
The whole time I was sitting there, though, I had the creeps that the guy was just itching to draw his gun and use it.
misjustice on September 02 at 9:17 a.m.
@ gramma; if it was YOUR husband that had been killed, and you’d been kept from his side as he lay dying on the pavement, I doubt that you’d be so enamored of the police or their “policies”.
andjusticeforall on September 02 at 9:18 a.m.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spokane-Police-Shoot-now-questions-later/151738314852074
Charlie on September 02 at 9:19 a.m.
Vacations can be cancelled and rescheduled. I’ve had vacations delayed because of production demands, so Ozzie, what’s the big deal?
bszottlinger on September 02 at 9:31 a.m.
Well I guess no one knows what triggers Miranda Warnings. If they did they might have an understanding of why the Sheriff might have allowed the Deputy to go on his pre-scheduled vacation. It could have been a good move, and I emphasize could have been a good move.
Brad
de3 on September 02 at 9:31 a.m.
Until this week, I was a supporter of the police. Now I feel like I was duped.
The callous and disrespect shown to the public by the Sheriff sending his shooter away on vacation is unbelievable and an act that only a corrupt politician disconnected from reality could do.
Last night, I remembered the Peaceful Valley “march” that resulted in an alleged mini-riot on the 4th of July and arrests of numerous people. Only to discover much later that the police had videotaped the affair and the audio recorded officers joking about starting a riot … all charges were dropped.
Then there was the Spokane firefighter who raped a 16 year old inside a fire station and took photos her. No problem, the SPD detectives told him to delete the photos.
Shonto Pete? Shot in the back by an off duty police officer who then calls his union rep, rather than 911.
Otto Zehm. I read the US Attorney’s complaint alleging a cover up all the way to the top.
In 2007, law enforcement lied about arresting 77 people in a major gang sweep. When the media tried to track down who was arrested, the authorities refused to provide any information and tried to cover up their lies. In the end, only about 10 people were charged and many had nothing to do with gangs.
When Philip Paul escaped at the County Fair, the police and the Sheriff were all over the news every day giving us updates. Now they hide and lie to us.
I was duped. I am sorry that I did not catch on to this sooner.
misjustice on September 02 at 9:38 a.m.
Re; what triggers a Miranda warning?
“Miranda warnings are “triggered”, or apply and have to be read, if TWO elements are present: CUSTODY and INTERROGATION. Both are more difficult to define than what might appear at first glance. It is important to note that BOTH elements must be present at the same time, what might be called CUSTODIAL INTERROGATION…”
http://faculty.ncwc.edu/Mstevens/410/410lect19.htm
What is your point, Brad?
ChefGus/ John Olsen on September 02 at 9:39 a.m.
There is no such thing as an “Unloaded” .45 cal unless it is in my hands and I have personally just jacked it open to check it myself… even if a competent person hands me the weapon after I watched them Jack the action to eject any rounds…. rule one on the firing range is make sure the weapon is not “hot”…. yourself….
Still wondering Why Sheriff Ozzie is subjecting himself to this…. he might have done better to just refer all questions to Chief K…? donde’ esta el jefe? j
misjustice on September 02 at 9:44 a.m.
misjustice. Until I have a legitimate reason to believe otherwise, I will defend the officer. I believe he was doing his job & was confronted by a person waiving a gun. I believe he was told (or knew) the person in the car was an officer (definite uniform) & I believe the man didn’t care. If he had stayed in the house & called 911, or dispatch, he would have been told it was an officer on the property, but that was Mr. Creach’s first mistake.
Also, my brother was recently in a car accident & he called me to come get him. I arrived a few minutes after the accident & as I walked toward my brother the officers stopped me from approaching.
They wanted to know who I was & why I was there. I told them & their comments was, “We can not allow you to be on the crime scene until the investigation has been completed. Please wait on the sidewalk across the street.”
So, if I’m not allowed on the scene of a car accident why would they allow anyone on the scene of a death?
lucs on September 02 at 9:47 a.m.
gramma
Once again, you’re not reading the articles.
Technically, a gun having an empty chamber is not the same as being empty…..however, the end result will be the same.
Frankly, had the good pastor confronted Hirzel with a bible in his hand, he would still be just as dead.
Sadbuttrue on September 02 at 10:12 a.m.
Occam’s Razor stands for the proposition that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one. Here, we have a cop who shoots and kills an innocent elderly man on his own property, then the next day swiftly hightails to parts unknown on a “vacation,” and makes himself incommunicado. As I have further stated, the concept of “flight,” while only applying to citizen defendants and according to the police apologists cannot apply to the police due to strict union work rules and the County’s lack of means to reimburse a cop for a Super Saver round trip airline ticket, is nonetheless some evidence of a “guilty conscience.”
Based on my personal experience with Deputy Disneyland, he is obviously a seasoned and experienced police officer given his obvious skill at lying with a straight face. In fact, he has learned to lie so convincingly that he has even convinced himself that he is justified in mistreating the citizenry whenever he can get away with it, which in this permissive day and age …. means every single time.
Seeing a elderly dead man on the pavement that you just killed tends to concentrate the mind wonderfully. It has to have a way of instantaneously cutting through all of the mountains of self-deception and self-justification that have accrued over the years. It would be obvious that this time, his actions won’t be easily fixed with some breezy lies to a gullible court and a supportive department. He is now incommunicado because he is speechless. Furthermore, the preacher was not a habitual offender, which by definition would have justified any action of any kind, no matter how violent and lethal taken by a police officer.
Disneyland found himself caught with his pants down around his ankles, and no simple lies available. The week’s vacation could not have been more fortuitously scheduled.
Ron_the_Cop on September 02 at 10:13 a.m.
ChefGus, Brad and all,
Yes, where is Chief Kirkpartrick? SPD department is the lead agency in this critical incident. Yes Sheriff Knezovich has put himself in a difficult position. I actually understand his rationale too as Brad does. To me this 48 hands off protocol is at the root of the problem. The public doesn’t understand the nuances of a critical incident investigation. With that said the dust must settle first, and the evidence/witness statements weighed in conjunction with the officer’s statements before I will prejudge the officer’s actions.
These incidents are a difficult dance from the beginning but the public interest in knowing that things are being professionally handled trumps everything. Initial information may be incorrect. The police have a duty to correct the misinformation as soon as they become aware e.g., Asst. Chief Nicks and the infamous video in the Zehm case.
I’m sorry but the 48 hour protocol needs to be renegotiated. The Guild should be willing to negotiate. Further the City Attorney’s Office should not muddy these negotiations like they did in the recent revision of the Police Ombudsman ordnance. I’m sure there are many fine men and women serving in SPD. My issues have always been the lack of effective leadership. The Mayor, the City Council, the Police Command Staff, and the City Attorney’s Office must realize there is a loss of trust of the public in SPD and act accordingly. Bottom line is they as serve at the pleasure of WE THE PEOPLE.
The lack of information that should be available to the public creates suspicions/mistrust because of prior incidents in our community where the police have been less than transparent in their investigations.
As I just said in another thread:
I have issues with the hands off for 48 hours protocol I don’t know if this is a WA statute issue or a local protocol adopted by meet/confer agreements with the police unions.
Sorry but in CA generally the involved officers are immediately removed from the scene. Separated and put on ice. They are required to give an initial statement either written or oral of the basic facts. Subsequent interviews by the investigators doing the criminal investigation must be voluntary because of Miranda issues. I believe this is what Sheriff Knezovich was referring to re “tainting” the criminal investigation.
Once the criminal investigation is resolved one way or another the IA investigators who have been birddogging the criminal investigation then will order the officer submit to a compelled interview. The officer can refuse but then could be fired for insubordination. The purpose of the IA investigation is to determine whether this was within policy and procedure based on the training and experience of the officer. The policy and procedure may need to be changed and incorporated into ongoing training or if the officer was outside of policy et al is it such that the officer should be disciplined and or fired.
I think public transparency trumps the officer going on vacation. I would have negotiated to get the first interview before he went on vacation. If he refused to give an initial statement I would have put him off on administrative leave, required him to remain available and canceled his vacation. Of course I would have reimbursed him for his out of pocket expenses.
Brad and I had a lengthy discussion on this in another thread. Read up and down this thread:
http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2010/aug/18/primary-over-lessons-learned/#c182527
bszottlinger on September 02 at 10:20 a.m.
misjustice:
Please understand that I am not saying this is the correct route to take on the investigators part, put it is something they must consider from a tactical standpoint. The element of custody is a very important trigger factor and without getting into a lot of detail the investigators do have the option of not Mirandizing the Deputy if they can adequately demonstrate that the deputy was not in custody, the same is true for any citizen. Custody is primarily determined by factors that would cause an individual to believe that he/she was not free to leave. Had the Sheriff not allowed the Deputy to go on vacation if the investigators chose at a later time not to Mirandize the Deputy and they interrogated him deep in the confines of the police station there is a chance the statement could be thrown out. I don’t feel in this case it would be a good strategy not to Mirandize the Deputy but I sure as hell would not want to eliminate the strategy by not allowing him to go on vacation which could easily be used as an element by the defense to demonstrate the subsequent interrogation was custodial and he was not free to leave.
In my mind one of the big errors made by the Detectives in the Zehm case was that they did not Mirandize Thompson nor did they clearly articulate in the tape recording that he was not in custody and was free to leave at any time. Had the State charged Thompson they may well have not been able to use the statement he gave Detective Ferguson.
If it were me in the Sheriff’s shoes and I wanted to make sure every thing was done properly and all the investigative options were left open I may have done the same thing.
I know I am going to get slapped but for the most part people don’t understand all of the complex issues involved in these matters, which is another reason I don’t understand why the prosecutor is not involved from start to finish like most other jurisdictions.
Brad
misjustice on September 02 at 10:23 a.m.
Brad, thanks for your explanation.
deacon46 on September 02 at 10:24 a.m.
This guy kills somebody and the goes on Vacation. Goodness ! I think we need better screening of our police and maybe hire some human beings. As for the Police Department and their unions where is your respect for the community, who you protect but also who employ you.
Sadbuttrue on September 02 at 10:29 a.m.
Are you telling me that if I was clever enough to arrange a vacation the day after I planned a murder and got caught with the murder weapon over the dead body, that the Police would let me go ahead with my vacation plans to avoid the appearance of coercion before arresting me and getting my statement?
Whatever it is you’re smoking, I want some!
Scoutster on September 02 at 10:41 a.m.
Brad, I certainly admire your perserverance in trying to help these poor cops explain their actions.
Too bad it still smells. Not your fault.
lucs on September 02 at 10:41 a.m.
Two words in the article stand out–stalls and integrity. You plug them in.
I see the end to this controversy coming when the next police killing comes in about 3 months. 42 in 18 years….do the math.
There seems to be no one in authority who has the nerve to take on these police unions and this culture of corruption and violence.
“Those who can, will not. Those who will, cannot.”
Spanish proverb. Never more apt.
Diana on September 02 at 10:48 a.m.
@gramma: Question authority.
bszottlinger on September 02 at 10:59 a.m.
Scoutster:
I’m not trying to explain the cops actions. I am just trying to offer some explanation of the process. I’m not necessarily trying to justify what anyone has done but just trying to offer some balance. I have some real concerns about what happened here and if you go back in my posts you will see I find the handling of the Zehm matter the height of incompetence. I’ll be one of the first to criticize this case if it turns out it was bungled.
Brad
zelda on September 02 at 11:00 a.m.
What about all the other officers that responded to the Code 6? What did Hinzel say to them when they arrived on the scene? Have they been interviewed? Surely Hinzel didn’t just stand there mute and staring into space. He must have told them something.
It’s sad that we have to reach back to Don Brockett, who hasn’t been prosecutor since the mid-90s (I like Brockett, BTW) to find a touchstone and get a reasonsed perspective on this situation.
The infamous “48 hours” protocol was given to the media by some major in the SPD (can’t remember his name). After all this, I feel like it was a clever misdirect. After finding out that Hinzel took a full week’s vacation, the 48-hours issue is moot.
As for Ozzie’s press conference yesterday, do you ever get the feeling that the sheriff isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer?
On this fall’s ballot, when you get to sheriff, vote for nobody. Leave the circle empty.
misjustice on September 02 at 11:05 a.m.
The press conference demonstrated to me that even Ozzie wasn’t buyin’ what he was sellin’ ( or trying to sell ).
bszottlinger on September 02 at 11:07 a.m.
Arturo Fuente Hemingway
misjustice on September 02 at 11:11 a.m.
Brad, a cigar? What?
bszottlinger on September 02 at 11:12 a.m.
The sad fellow wanted to know what I was smoking. :)
misjustice on September 02 at 11:14 a.m.
Oh! Lol! Now, I get it… ; )
Cheezwhiz on September 02 at 11:32 a.m.
Gramma, my point was that Mr. Creach more than likely knew that there wasn’t a round in the chamber, so he wouldn’t have attacked the cop. I’m pretty sure of how the story will go: “Mr. Creach attacked Officer Hinzel, who called in a “Code 6,” with fear of his life. Officer Hinzel was forced to use his weapon to subdue Mr. Creach, which resulted in his demise. The shooting was ruled to be justified.” I do know that Mr. Creach wouldn’t have physically attacked the cop. He was a 74 year old pastor in his slippers. My guess is that he will be made to look like an insane person and Officer Hinzel will look like a victim. Unfortunately, from past cases, we can put two and two together. The cops look like victims too often and lies are exposed too often. No cops ever get convicted. Not even Jay Olson, who chased an unarmed man for several blocks and shot him in the back of the head as he was running for his life. If that neighbor in Peaceful Valley didn’t let Shonto Pete in, things would have turned out much differently. Shonto Pete would be dead, and a gun would have been discovered next to his body. (a throwaway.) Not saying that the gun next to Mr. Creach wasn’t legit. Just saying the truth is changed to meet the needs and no cops are ever convicted. Most are never even charged with a crime. Time and time again, the cops lie, cheat and steal. They are above the law and are the ones we should worry about the most. There are no laws for them. Not even traffic laws. Murder Inc.
tardwhisperer on September 02 at 12:08 p.m.
Do the research about why there is always a delay in the interview after a critical incident………….
http://www.killology.com/article_amnesia2.htm
http://www.killology.com/article_amnesia.htm
lucs on September 02 at 12:14 p.m.
On the ballot–Wayne Scot Creach.. Don’t simply leave it blank. Or, Otto Zehm. Whichever you deem the more egregious murder.
Anyone but Oz.
de3 on September 02 at 12:16 p.m.
Ok - but shouldn’t this apply to non-police participants in a critical incident?
Presently, only the police get the 48/72 hour objective to improve their recall.
Shouldn’t that be important for all witnesses and participants then?
Why is that standard not applied the same to all?
misjustice on September 02 at 12:24 p.m.
How many of you that are slamming the police could actually apply & PASS a background check to be hired by any law enforcement agency?
How many of you (as there are several that constantly put down law enforcement) could pass the psychological exam & the physical exam? Most importantly would be the arrest record of each.
I would probably NOT pass the psych test (as I’m sure most of you would say) but I can and would be able to pass all the other.
At my age I’ve never had a parking ticket, speeding ticket or altercation with the law. I respect their authority & dedication to the public by putting their lives on the line EVERY time they get in their uniform.
Sadbuttrue on September 02 at 12:29 p.m.
“putting their lives on the line EVERY time they get in their uniform.”
Again, that is completely without support, factually or statistically. Being a cop is only the 12th most dangerous job in america. One cop has been killed in the line of duty in Spokane’s history, as opposed to 42 civilians since 1992.
Give these facts, it would be more accurate to say “The citizens of Spokane and environs put their lives on the line EVERY time they get near a local cop in uniform.”
Thoreau on September 02 at 12:40 p.m.
Why the heck would the police department be footed with the bill of cancelled travel costs? I wish my job was like that.
zelda on September 02 at 12:43 p.m.
Lucs — Good point. There are two months until the election; ample time to organize a write-in campaign for a legitimate candidate. Instead of writing in a name sarcastically, flippantly, ironically or whatever, citizens need a qualified person to step up and campaign as a write-in candidate. (Sheesh, never thought the day would come when I’d say this.)
What has happened in Spokane that we get ding-bats and bozos running for most public offices?
Cheezwhiz on September 02 at 1:16 p.m.
Gramma, I could pass any of those tests. Since you can’t argue with our posts and the spelling, you resort to character assassination of people you don’t know anything about? Ran out of arguments? There really aren’t any. A cop was trespassing, killed the owner of the property, and is now on vacation with the permission of the Sheriff. Just another day for them. I just can’t wait to see what the story will be. I hope the lawyers made up a good one. They have only had a week to do it, though.
Scoutster on September 02 at 1:36 p.m.
Mr. Whisperer…It is illogical to say that cop brains operate in a different manner than other homo sapiens. Doesn’t play. Should all suspects be given such leeway? If not, why not?
Cheezwhiz…you are correct about how the SPD will find for the deputy, although they will also come to blame the victim by saying he was diabetic and having a violent reaction. Wait for it.
misjustice on September 02 at 2:33 p.m.
It will be interesting when Disneyland Cop’s attorney is identified. I wonder if he’ll retain Carl Oreskovich?
lewis8457 on September 02 at 2:59 p.m.
Where did the idea that Scott had a gun aimed at the cop come from? Everybody is throwing that out there but since the cop has not talked no one knows if Scott pointed a gun at anyone.
I think Scott got killed for seeing something he shouldn’t have and not for waving a gun around.
If the cop called code 6 before he shot Scott that would explain there was something going on the cop did not want Scott to report. That would explain a confrontation if there was one.
So stop the gun waving theory, maybe that came from one of the cops that post on here as a way to brainwash us into thinking Scott was at fault.
Remember they have a lot of tricks up there sleeves and i would not put it past them to post some made up facts to try and steer us away from the truth.
Before you know it we are all arguing about a made up fact and they are sitting in their offices smiling cheek to cheek.
misjustice on September 02 at 3:04 p.m.
IMO people that don’t have police a record usually don’t bash the police, but those that have had run-ins with them usually do.
So, read what you want into my posting.
misjustice on September 02 at 3:19 p.m.
Your opinion is just that, gramms. You’re entitled to yours, and we are entitled to ours. Just because we disagree with you and your beloved cops doesn’t make us criminals.
misjustice on September 02 at 3:27 p.m.
Didn’t say you were. I said you (or others) probably have had run-ins with them and that has made you just a bit jaded.
Scoutster on September 02 at 3:31 p.m.
Gramma…
Nope, no record. Sorry.
IMHO, people who knee-jerk support police without thought or rational justification do so for emotional, not logical reasons, thus making their perceptions and prejudices irrelevant.
lucs on September 02 at 4:01 p.m.
@lewis
I have no way of knowing if the pastor was waving a gun or not. That WILL be the story told by Hirzel. It will be the only story, he’s the sole witness.
Tomorrow, we’ll see what other beans spill out of Ozzies little bag of tricks.
Cheezwhiz on September 02 at 4:16 p.m.
Gramma, I have close to 60 traffic tickets, so I have had experience with police. Not one told the truth on any police report, so I would never think they could tell the truth on something their lives or wallets depend on. With those tickets, I have been provoked and belittled one too many times. I know that the police are just aching for an excuse to use their pistols. Now is my chance to pay them back with my writing.
zelda on September 02 at 4:23 p.m.
Lucs — Just because Hirzel is being interviewed tomorrow doesn’t mean the public is going to find out what he said. Due process in this case means to drag out the process as long as possible. They’ll probably interview him late in the day Friday, past quitting time for the news media. And don’t forget, it’s Labor Day weekend, so they get an extra day for the public outrage to diminish because no public officials will be available for comment until Tuesday.
misjustice on September 02 at 4:26 p.m.
@ Zelda; you called it! We won’t get any information on the interview until next week, sometime. That is IF Hirzel’s attorney even agrees for him to be interviewed; and that’s a big IF.
GoYankees on September 02 at 4:55 p.m.
@ Cheezwhiz; Why are you allowed to drive on our streets after almost 60 tickets? You’re not even insurable. Almost 60 tickets, and of course none of them are your fault. As an insurance agent I call BS.
Cheezwhiz on September 02 at 4:59 p.m.
Don’t think for a second that Hirzel hasn’t already been interviewed. Maybe not formally, but he has been interviewed. If it was an average Joe, the police report would be done and details would be made public by now. With or without an interview. “Hey Brian, why did you shoot Mr. Creach?” “Well, Ozzy, I need to catch a flight in an hour, so can I tell you about it when I get back?” “Sure Brian. Have fun! See ya when you get back.” If it was your employee, would you let him go anywhere without getting the full story? Make no mistake….. Ozzy didn’t. Make no mistake… The truth will never be told and time only makes it better for everyone involved on the police side. Time to get stories to coincide, time to make up details, time to let the public forgive and forget, like they always do. I won’t forgive nor forget.
bszottlinger on September 02 at 5:00 p.m.
Misjustice:
You got it girl!
Scoutster:
There is a whole body of studies opposite the information supplied by tardwhisperer that is why I personally do not like any time frames attached to a criminal investigation. As you mentioned before the 48 hours is tied to the union contract but it is consistent with the policy in many other jurisdictions. Labor law is not my forte but I would think it would be a negotiable point. If someone wants to attach blame, then the blame should attach to the people who negotiated the contract.
Brad
lucs on September 02 at 5:12 p.m.
@zelda
I’m not under any illusion that this is anything but a totally scripted play. The final act has already been written.
The upcoming long weekend fits right into the plan.
chouligirl on September 02 at 5:25 p.m.
Gramma & others—I am a Gramma too. I have never been arrested and I have no record. So much for your theory of people who are speaking against police are all due to their lawbreaking ways. On the contrary.
I USED to have the utmost respect for police. My Grandfather was a policeman and I loved and respected him very much. Today’s police are a VERY different thing. The examples I’ve heard through this comments site and many others I’ve heard or seen during my life are but a small percentage of the outright abuses that occur all too often.
There needs to be a better standard for hiring law enforcement than previous military or those who can’t get into the State police academy…who many times aren’t thinking of “serve & protect”. It’s an “us vs them” mentality and they hold the power. The ranks seem to be full of bullies with a chip on their shoulder. They intimidate and lie to get their way and create their own law. If you appear poor, driving a beater vehicle, or are young, you are a target. The reasons for pulling you over aren’t even based in reality…but what are you going to do about it?? (a chipped windshield, driving on the skip line, flicking an ash (not the cigarette) out the window…etc.) WHEN POLICE TREAT THE PUBLIC WITH RESPECT, THE PUBLIC WILL TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT.
The more they arrest, the bigger the jail and the more law enforcement personnel needed…it’s a growing cancer that never is satisfied.
chouligirl on September 02 at 5:34 p.m.
it is never wrong to question authority.
it is our rights as citizens.
as a nation and maybe as a world, we are de-volving and not evolving.
we need to stop being sheep and start thinking and asking questions.
the world is not looking out for OUR interests.
we have that responsibility.
when money and power are involved, there cannot be blind trust.
just a thought…have a good evening.
Scoutster on September 02 at 5:55 p.m.
Brad…
Yes, it must be tied to the union contract. I hope this will become a campaign issue for commissioners and, if it is also in the SPD contract, with city council in the future.
It’s just plain wrong. This isn’t a gray area or a shaded line.
It’s just plain wrong to let a suspect or a witness be questioned at their own convenience for no other reason than wearing a badge. A second grader would understand that.
Ron_the_Cop on September 02 at 6:22 p.m.
Scoutster,
You have a point. Read my comments up thread re the 48 hours hands off protocol.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/sep/02/vacation-stalls-interview/?comments#c187075
steveeugster on September 02 at 7:00 p.m.
I have posted my thoughts on this tragic event at this link
http://www.spokanerecord.com/?p=598
bszottlinger on September 02 at 7:10 p.m.
Ron_the_Cop:
Scoutster:
I think what you would find in any contract negotiation that the Sheriff and the Chief would support a 48 hour standard time frame be established because if I recall correctly their national organizations make that recommendation.
Ron I don’t know if you have been on any multi-agency task force operations but based on my experience when you have multi-agencies involved it can be a real cluster if the AUSA who is supposed to be in charge doesn’t get a handle on all the egos, turf protection, different investigative methods, etc right away. With three agencies involved in this case, I just wonder what’s going on behind the scenes. Protocol can be worthless unless there is some real leadership from the law enforcement agency that has responsibility for either taking the case to trial or not taking it to trial. There is your opening…jump on it.
Brad
lewis8457 on September 02 at 9:19 p.m.
Gramma sorry your wrong here too I have never been arrested and got clearance to work as the project manager of all the janitors at the courthouse complex 26 buildings to be exact plus have been a supervisor at the federal courthouse and post office so I have federal clearance too. I had a speeding ticket 6 years ago in construction zone and the cop said I was so cooperative he didn’t write down I was caught in construction zone. So you’re wrong there. I don’t hate cops like you think I just hate the fact they can kill with no consequences. Life is all we have and it means nothing to them they will take it at a blink of an eye and go on vacation the next day with no concerns.
Police lie every chance they get and if my not believing anything they say makes me criminal in your eyes so be it, because quite frankly if I am in the wrong place at the wrong time I can be shot and killed by my local police who have sworn to protect me rather I am a criminal or not, and so can you.
lewis8457 on September 02 at 9:39 p.m.
In traffic stops refuse to roll down your window more then a inch do all transactions through the crack. It is safer that way. lets see em shoot through the window and then cry self defense.
why do so many of our murdering cops live in Idaho? Is it the water?
or maybe they don’t care they are turning our city and valley into a war zone.
One thing you cops got to understand the more of us you kill the more dangerous your job will be because many of us are packin. so if a traffic stop turns deadly I am coming out shooting, no one is killing me with out a couple holes going into them too.
sad state of affairs heck we are living in a third world country.
what goes around comes around
lewis8457 on September 02 at 9:47 p.m.
I heard from a good source Mr. Creach had powder burns. Any body else hear that?
Cheezwhiz on September 02 at 10:57 p.m.
GoYankees, the vast majority of my tickets were before I was 24 years old, and as you know, one stop can give you several charges and a couple tickets, so no bull. I used to keep them, but got married and gave up the collection. As far as none of them being my fault, if a guy is driving out in the country, surrounded by wheat fields, or speeding at night, I think the officer should give you a little leeway. I know you can’t fathom that a person can be responsible, careful, and use common sense while driving too fast, but I think I have proved it. I have only been in one accident and it was somehow my fault when a guy wiped out on an off ramp and ended up sideways in my lane, which was the fast lane of four lanes. I would have to disagree that it was my fault when everything was fine till he ended up in my lane. I had no chance to get out of the way. I have avoided way more accidents by having the experience of driving fast, than you have been in accidents. I always know everything that is around me and constantly plan for disaster. And yes, I have had my license suspended four times and got a few driving suspended tickets. Good thing I have a really good lawyer. This subject has nothing to do with our corrupt police, other than they have the need to protect me from myself, which it would be more accurate to say they want the quota ticket. It’s OK for them to drive the same way I do, but they are “trained to do it.” I have proved many times that I can outdrive them. Most of the time, I thought I was just being nice by stopping. Anyway, that is all behind me. If you want to say that I am a danger on the streets, I will refer to my accident record and say that I live very close to an intersection where only about 5% of the drivers ever look right or left, or even slow down. Even though I am the dangerous one, I do look both ways and slow down. That’s why I am still alive and haven’t had but the one accident. I know it’s way more than you can believe, but it’s true. Been a frequent flyer at Schrader and Murphy, as well as Buck and associates.
oink on September 02 at 11:06 p.m.
must be THEY do not like my handle. all I have to say is just what I have read on this site.
The local law enforcement are not trained or taught to Serve and protect! The local police officer standards and training academy have a motto: Don’t suffer from post trumatic stress
go out there and inflict it.
The local law enforcement is now just a revenue generating unit. That can not or will not be held accountable for any means used to generate $$$$. They will and do say what they were taught to make a buck and cover their worthle$$ but$
The stories related here of officer Disneyland are not a fluke ..they are standard operating procedure of those we pay to up hold the law.
When a local cop gets a shot, they take it…then call the union before they call dispatch.(just ask Jay) And guess who pays to hire the best lawers money can buy to defend their sorry butt. thats right We the People…the tax payers that pay the cops $100,000.00 a year so they can go to Disneyland on vacation.. also has to pay to defend them.
That more than explains the score …in the last 200 years 1 cop is killed in Spokane. In the less than the last 20 years the cops have killed 42.
Bob_Knows on September 03 at 7:09 a.m.
This was not an accident. This was a deliberate, planned, lay in wait, murder. Sheriff Killovitch sent his hired gun thug to kill Pastor Creach. What we don’t know is why. What did Pastor Creach find out that the County machine was willing to kill to cover up? How deep does the rabbit hole go?
Racingmom on September 03 at 9:17 a.m.
I too have a real problem with the 48 hour delay in talking to law enforcement after a major incident. When any other defendant is arrested, they officer speaks to him (or at least tries to - depending on weather the defendant waives his rights or not) immediately. Heck, there are law enforcement officers (usually Detectives) that will go to the jail and “interview” a defendant in the middle of the night - hoping to get the information they need/want prior to the defendant getting an attorney. I know of an 8 year old girl who witnessed a domestic dispute recently between her parents… She was dragged down to the police station at MID-NIGHT to be interviewed by the local police. So my point is - if it’s okay for the goose, why not the gander? How can law enforcement follow the policy of getting “fresh” information about a crime as soon as possible after the incident - this is standard protocal - but THEY get a 48 hour “hands off” pass…. Something really smells here!!!!
Ron_the_Cop on September 03 at 9:18 a.m.
Oink, Brad and others,
While Spokane has been fortunate in only loosing one officer in modern times, in my 35 year career at Riverside PD, CA we lost five officers - killed by guns on duty. These were bad guys who shot them with their own guns (bad guy’s). This doesn’t count those killed by DUIs and other related incidents not involving guns. I’ve attended too many cop funerals in my career. Whether it is a dangerous job or not, the daily stress takes its toll physically, emotionally, addictive behavior - alcoholism etc., and on family relations.
There is a new thread started with Clouse’s article in today’s paper.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/sep/03/pastor-buried-in-oklahoma/
In this article Sheriff Knezovich revealed or at least it is now being reported that the officer gave a “tactical interview” the night of the shooting. The officer’s gun and clothing were collected as evidence. I would have expected no less as I’ve written before up thread.
Why this wasn’t revealed earlier or SCSO PIO Sgt. Dave Reagan or SPD’s PIO hadn’t made that clear is a good question. They both should be stuck to the media reporters like glue. The public needs to hear frequently from their top law enforcement officials during the first few days after these incidents. Seems as though Sheriff Knezovich by default has been put in the position of defending the action of his officer. BTW where is Chief Kirkpratrick? After all her agency is the lead agency in this investigation.
Also see the correction box re the comment reimbursement issue of the plane ticket was attributed to Sheriff Knezovich which in fact it was a comment made by Sgt. Reagan. Sheriff Knezovich said this was not a factor in his decision to allow the officer to leave on vacation.
As I said before there will be misinformation and incorrect information given and or circulating earlier on in these incidents. It’s a fact of life. What is necessary is that this incorrect information be corrected immediately if it won’t jeopardize the criminal investigation. Unlike what Tucker and Asst. Chief Nicks did with the video in the Zehm case. It’s the job of the PIOs to correct this misinformation quickly without compromising the criminal case. Especially in light of the past transparency issues with local law enforcement.
Brad - OK depending on the level of these “tactical interviews”, I’m a little less concerned about the 48 hour protocol for an in depth interview.
Det. Ron Wright (Retired)
fredjames on September 03 at 9:19 a.m.
So in addition to not getting permission to enty private property late at night for nothing other than parking, something the police could have done on a public road and then the owner would have stayed inside his home most likely, to help with the investigation,which will cost big money, we paid for the police shooter to go on vacation.
If I shot a dog and was scheduled to go on vacation, I doubt if I would not be interviewed prior to being allowed to leave Spokane .
This is a good thing, memories and facts can be denyed over time and giving a perp time to think up his story is never a good idea.
As far as constitutional rights , once a perp says he is willing to talk, you do not let the perp walk for a week. You take him to the interview process and put the pressure to him to see what the story is.
A 2500 vacation versus a wrongful death lawsuit, and the taxpayer pays it all both ways, I say if the wife was interviewed as her dead husband lay on the ground then the shooter gets to talk as soon as the police get to the crime scene.
eagleproducer on September 03 at 11:14 a.m.
Grandma bleated: “IMO people that don’t have police a record usually don’t bash the police, but those that have had run-ins with them usually do.”
Duh?
Who’d be trusted more before a jury, a person with first hand experience of something or another who has just heard of that something third, fourth and fifth hand? What exactly does it mean to you that those who’ve interacted first hand with police have poor attitudes towards law enforcement professionals? Could it be because of their experience rather than resorting to the spare generalities that seem to inform your existence?
sadbuttrue related: “Again, that is completely without support, factually or statistically. Being a cop is only the 12th most dangerous job in america. One cop has been killed in the line of duty in Spokane’s history, as opposed to 42 civilians since 1992.”
More line cooks are seriously injured on their jobs in Spokane than cops. Think about it. It’s time cops were put back in their place as people who simply work for us and not the superheroes they morphed into following 9/11.
Lose the Blackwater gear, put on a friendlier uniform, and get out of your squad car to meet the people who provide the food on your table and roof over your head. Until you restore trust in the public, Lewis is correct. Your jobs will be more dangerous.
eagleproducer on September 03 at 11:38 a.m.
zelda asked: “What has happened in Spokane that we get ding-bats and bozos running for most public offices?”
Who in their right minds would subject themselves to that process?
Bob_Knows on September 03 at 12:27 p.m.
Bob has written an article about this murder in his blog, “The World According to Bob”. The article is called “Tyranny, Murder, and Gang Killing.” Check it out. http://bobstruth.blogspot.com/2010/09/tyranny-murder-and-killer-gangs.html
I’m not a Baptist, but it takes a special kind of satanic evil to murder a Baptist Pastor from an unmarked “hide” vehicle.
golding4 on September 03 at 1:40 p.m.
I am reading so much about the gun Pastor Scott had that night,everyone is inclined to think Scott was pointing it at the trespassing officer….why would you think that, even if he wasn’t this lying officer (has in the past) will say the gun was squarely pointed between his eyes and he had to shoot, in reality, no round was in the chamber, officer didn’t know that but Scott did, and with no round in chamber shows that scott had no intention to use gun, it could have been tucked into his belt and gun could have fallen out of belt after scott was shot and in the fall, he only had the gun with him in case it was a real bad man that would have had to shoot first before scott would try to use the 45……This officer is going to try to blame Scott for the shooting, He is in denial of the whole deal, and he should as any other human being would do, brake down, cry like a baby and say, Oh God, what have I done…..but no, he goes on vacation, because the money is more important to him, and a worrysome to the city. shooting Scott dead was not #1 in his head but having fun on vacation was #1……..I believe with all my being….that this officer should be hooked up to a lie detector machine when enterviewed. He has had a lot of time to plan his words well…and… the machine would filter his words.
calvinandhobbes on September 03 at 8:41 p.m.
to all of you who keep harping on the fact that Mr Creach did not have a round chambered, how would the deputy, or anyone for that matter, know if there was a round chambered? you cant see the indicator that a round is chambered (which only some guns have) from 30 ft away in the dark?
golding4 on September 04 at 10:39 a.m.
It is in my opinion that someone should see a lawyer ( I do not know if I am that person yet! ) and start a class action suit against the city, to keep this Brian Hirzel from working in this city ever again, It is also my opinion and that of many others that this Hirzel is a problem officer, We do not need his kind here. If I am wrong, please post and tell me. and if I am right, let me know that too.
fredjames on September 05 at 6:28 p.m.
Spokane, Police! what businessman you kill in Spokane stay’s in Spokane,–— then go to Vegas and celebrate, no worries! Come to Spokane, fellow government workers, show your privates to a girl working in a coffee stand, then beat the crap out of a handicapped citzen, and get an all expense paid trip for you good work, yes you to can party like its 2010 In Vegas, bring all your police friends have a killer of a time !