TORONTO POLICE SHOOTING OF SAMMY YATIM

In what universe does police training justify the murder of a distraught teenager? Today's Waterloo Region Record carrys the story of the death of Sammy Yatim namely "Family of shooting victim doesn't blame all police". Some quotes from today's Record: "Yatim can be seen on video pacing the empty streetcar as shouts of "drop the knife" are heard.". Further "Yatim ... can be seen in security camera footage -obtained by Global News- dropping to the ground after the initial volley of shots.". "The security video ...appears to show that Yatim is still on the ground, his leg moving slightly, as six more shots are fired. Police are then seen boarding the streetcar and the sound of a Taser can be heard. The SIU confirmed that a conducted energy weapon was used.".

The streetcar was EMPTY of other passengers when police arrived. The teenager, obviously upset, was pacing INSIDE the bus with a knife in hand. Perhaps the suspended police officer who did the shooting was worried that Sammy Yatim was going to harm himself with the knife. Perhaps he was worried that Sammy Yatim was going to leave the bus and engage with twenty plus highly armed police officers. Perhaps the police officer was trained to shoot a suspect with a knife first, and then ask questions later.

Obviously the officer did not use any discretion whatsoever. Did he make any attempt to deescalate the problem? Obviously he made the decision to kill an eighteen year old boy. Nine shots followed by a Taser??? Maybe the officer had just come from a zombie or other horror film where bullets are not lethal to the bad guys.

This is not the first incidence where individuals desperately in need of help receive it at the end of a gun from police. Sometimes the police legitimately feel their lives are in immediate jeopardy. I can't possibly see how even the most biased, pro police spokespersons can make this case fit that scenario. But they will probably try.