Reason First: Update-Delaware man shot by police, shifts focus away from COVID-19

New developments into the story about the Wilmington, Delaware police officer who shot a suspect have surfaced. Like snow falling and collecting on the ground in a city, the tiny details have collected to form a more solid story. To begin with, the suspect is 22-year-old Jabri Hunter. Police brought him to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $80,200 cash-only bail. Charges of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; carrying a concealed deadly weapon; possession of a firearm by a person prohibited; and possession of a controlled substance, which cops suspect to be heroin, have been applied to Hunter according to Delawaronline.com.

Now, the firearm is one thing, but the alleged heroin is what Hunter should be cleared of concerning charges. While it is not known yet where the police shot him, it is clear that he should not be punished for moving weight. Because of the vicious War on Drugs, this case will be seen as another way for the cops to keep drugs off of the streets.

This strange tale involving a shooting by an officer that didn’t have to happen will be seen as a way to view young men as willing to be gunned by an officer of the law. While an investigation is still ongoing, the truth ought to be explained without speculation. All drugs ought to be legalized so that cops can do their work in protecting individual rights as opposed to trampling over them. Hunter did wrong, no doubt. But that was related to the weapon found in his vehicle. The drugs represent something totally different. If someone wants to bang heroin between their fingers and they don’t ever violate others’ rights, what business is it of the police to stop this?

Hunter shouldn’t be held up as some near-martyr. Allegedly selling poison to people isn’t exactly the most honorable profession. But he should be able to sell as many kilos as he wants. In a completely free market, he would be emboldened to sell whatever substance that would yield the most reward.

Since he was shot and not killed by the police, that just adds injury to insult. The police officer who discharged his or her pistol into this young male ought to be commended, as already stated in the original post. Hunter could have grabbed his piece and started blasting at the cops without reason, without regard.

This whole situation is an example of irrationality. Hunter should have never been allegedly dealing drugs while not under a capitalist system. The police, although in the right for shooting him, could’ve killed the guy with a burst from a pistol. He’s still fortunate for this. As he sits in Delaware Department of Correction, Hunter should consider how his health could have vanished. He should consider a trade that is legal and that is financially rewarding. He should take the time to analyze the reality of it all.

The entirety of the situation ought to serve as an example to be taught in police academies. The potential for this case to have gone even further left is a testament to sound police work. Hunter’s unreason could have resulted in his death. It is apparent that Hunter could have shot at the cops and possibly put other people in jeopardy. For his alleged actions, he should be considered someone who needs correction.

Once the clouds part and the murk of whatever happened that Easter Sunday morning is fully revealed, may the facts be at the forefront. With so much riding on this investigation, there ought to be enough room for the truth to be brought to bear. That is the only way to make this a teachable moment.