ST. PAUL, MN - In the heart of the city, a recent incident involving a Ramsey County sheriff's deputy has sparked renewed concerns about the increasing frequency of assaults on law enforcement officers. The deputy, whose identity remains undisclosed, sustained injuries during a pursuit on a Friday night that could have taken a more tragic turn.
The episode has ignited a broader conversation about the challenges faced by law enforcement and the pressing need to address the rising trend of attacks against officers. Sheriff Bob Fletcher, the head of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, minced no words as he spoke about the incident during a weekly livestream on "Live on Patrol."
Detailing the event, Fletcher revealed that the deputy had been shot at by a passenger in a suspect vehicle, with the bullet fortunately hitting the deputy's bulletproof vest. "Six inches higher and he would have been dead," Fletcher grimly noted. The sheriff expressed his deep concern about the escalating assaults on law enforcement, highlighting the adverse impact on both recruitment and retention within the profession.
Data from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension further underscores the severity of the issue, indicating that assaults on police more than doubled from 2019 to 2022. While Sheriff Fletcher acknowledged contributing factors such as mental health challenges and the accessibility of firearms, he pointedly placed significant blame on what he perceived as damaging anti-police rhetoric from certain elected officials.
According to Fletcher, labeling an entire profession in such a manner is not only inaccurate but also has tangible consequences. Fletcher argued that this rhetoric has emboldened individuals, particularly younger generations, contributing to a concerning climate for law enforcement.
The incident unfolded when officers observed a dark-colored Honda Accord driving recklessly on Payne Avenue and Jessamine Street. The vehicle, exhibiting both speed and a blatant disregard for stop signs, evaded officers' attempts to pull it over. A Ramsey County deputy in the vicinity joined the pursuit, during which at least two shots were fired from the suspect's vehicle.
The shots, fired by a suspect armed with a rifle and hanging out of the passenger window, struck the squad car's dashboard. Shrapnel from the gunfire hit the deputy's vest, resulting in minor injuries. The suspect vehicle was later recovered on the 1000 block of Pacific Street, where it is undergoing processing for evidence.
Despite the undeniable risks faced by law enforcement officers, Sheriff Fletcher highlighted the essential role that community support plays in mitigating these challenges. However, he expressed a poignant concern: the timing of this support. Fletcher urged for proactive care and consideration for law enforcement personnel, emphasizing that positive statements and community support often surge in the aftermath of a tragedy.
He asked a poignant question: "Can you care about us before we're dead?"
"Can you care about us before we’re dead?" said Fletcher. "Everyone rushes to make a positive statement when someone is killed but before that the support is waning."
The episode has ignited a broader conversation about the challenges faced by law enforcement and the pressing need to address the rising trend of attacks against officers. Sheriff Bob Fletcher, the head of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, minced no words as he spoke about the incident during a weekly livestream on "Live on Patrol."
Detailing the event, Fletcher revealed that the deputy had been shot at by a passenger in a suspect vehicle, with the bullet fortunately hitting the deputy's bulletproof vest. "Six inches higher and he would have been dead," Fletcher grimly noted. The sheriff expressed his deep concern about the escalating assaults on law enforcement, highlighting the adverse impact on both recruitment and retention within the profession.
Data from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension further underscores the severity of the issue, indicating that assaults on police more than doubled from 2019 to 2022. While Sheriff Fletcher acknowledged contributing factors such as mental health challenges and the accessibility of firearms, he pointedly placed significant blame on what he perceived as damaging anti-police rhetoric from certain elected officials.
According to Fletcher, labeling an entire profession in such a manner is not only inaccurate but also has tangible consequences. Fletcher argued that this rhetoric has emboldened individuals, particularly younger generations, contributing to a concerning climate for law enforcement.
The incident unfolded when officers observed a dark-colored Honda Accord driving recklessly on Payne Avenue and Jessamine Street. The vehicle, exhibiting both speed and a blatant disregard for stop signs, evaded officers' attempts to pull it over. A Ramsey County deputy in the vicinity joined the pursuit, during which at least two shots were fired from the suspect's vehicle.
The shots, fired by a suspect armed with a rifle and hanging out of the passenger window, struck the squad car's dashboard. Shrapnel from the gunfire hit the deputy's vest, resulting in minor injuries. The suspect vehicle was later recovered on the 1000 block of Pacific Street, where it is undergoing processing for evidence.
Despite the undeniable risks faced by law enforcement officers, Sheriff Fletcher highlighted the essential role that community support plays in mitigating these challenges. However, he expressed a poignant concern: the timing of this support. Fletcher urged for proactive care and consideration for law enforcement personnel, emphasizing that positive statements and community support often surge in the aftermath of a tragedy.
He asked a poignant question: "Can you care about us before we're dead?"
"Can you care about us before we’re dead?" said Fletcher. "Everyone rushes to make a positive statement when someone is killed but before that the support is waning."
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Comments
2024-03-08T19:18-0600 | Comment by: Bill
People have no respect for law officers anymore. I respect all law officers, I grew up in Arizona and I rode with a Maricopa County Deputy Sherriff, weekends, when I was to high School, that was back in the late fifties. I respect all law officers.
2024-03-09T04:08-0600 | Comment by: Karen
This is a direct result of the BLM George Floyd summer of love. Police were told to stand down and criminals took that as a weakness. Add liberal Soros DA's and prosecutors and you have this disaster. These same BLM criminals have destroyed businesses and entire communities. Hopefully Trump will help take back the country from the criminals.
2024-03-09T09:04-0600 | Comment by: James
So called law enforcement has been getting what they deserve .... I TRULY HOPE to see MORE of it ..........
2024-03-09T09:32-0600 | Comment by: W
I would care more or even at all,if LEO's would quit abusing the badge,watching cops bully,beat the snot iut if citizens does not deserve liking,quit abusing citizens,and maybe Ill
2024-03-09T09:33-0600 | Comment by: W
I would care more or even at all,if LEO's would quit abusing the badge,watching cops bully,beat the snot out of citizens does not deserve liking,quit abusing citizens,and maybe you'll get some love,but you got miles to go before you earn it!
2024-03-09T09:34-0600 | Comment by: W
I would care more or even at all,if LEO's would quit abusing the badge,watching cops bully,beat the snot out of citizens does not deserve liking,quit abusing citizens,and maybe you'll get some love,but you got miles to go before you earn it!
2024-03-09T09:34-0600 | Comment by: W
I would care more or even at all,if LEO's would quit abusing the badge,watching cops bully,beat the snot out of citizens does not deserve liking,quit abusing citizens,and maybe you'll get some love,but you got miles to go before you earn it!
2024-03-09T09:34-0600 | Comment by: W
I would care more or even at all,if LEO's would quit abusing the badge,watching cops bully,beat the snot out of citizens does not deserve liking,quit abusing citizens,and maybe you'll get some love,but you got miles to go before you earn it!
2024-03-09T09:34-0600 | Comment by: W
I would care more or even at all,if LEO's would quit abusing the badge,watching cops bully,beat the snot out of citizens does not deserve liking,quit abusing citizens,and maybe you'll get some love,but you got miles to go before you earn it!