El Dorado County deputy shoots man in hand
An El Dorado County sheriff’s deputy shot a gun out of a man’s hand just before midnight Wednesday.
Deputies were called out July 3 to investigate a report of a man brandishing a small handgun and threatening people who had refused to give him a ride to the Raley’s Market in El Dorado Hills. Deputies located the man walking on Silva Valley Road near the El Dorado Hills Town Center. As the deputy attempted to contact the man he allegedly brandished a handgun.
The deputy, whose name has not been released, fired one round, striking the man in his hand. The deputy was not injured.
Joshua Whitecotton, 21, was taken to the hospital. He has since been booked into jail on assault with a deadly weapon charges.
— Lake Tahoe News staff report
Unlike many other jurisdiction where blandishing a firearm will get you immediately killed, this deputy showed real courage and heroism by doing what he did. I feel better about the EDSO, knowing that fine officers like this on duty.
If this officer truly tried to shoot the gun out of the suspect’s hand, he should be sent back to training on the use of a firearm. He put himself and others in danger.
A gun is used rather than a tazer or other means when deadly force is called for. This isn’t a Wild Bill Hickok show.
I hope the investigation shows that due to lighting conditions he missed his target.
guns are for one purpose only, to hurt, maim, kill. Guns are a real problem and if you dont think guns are a problem than you have your head in the sand