Posted February 22, 2017 10:48 am by Comments

By Beth Baumann

Source: Michael Owen Baker/The Los Angeles Times
Source: Michael Owen Baker/The Los Angeles Times

On Monday, two police officers in Whittier, CA were involved in a shooting with a known gang member who was released from prison on parole last week. At approximately 8 a.m., Officers Keith Boyer and Patrick Hazell responded to a traffic collision when they were ambushed by the parolee, who had been involved in the accident.

When officers did arrive, they turned the corner to talk to the suspect who immediately opened fire, striking both officers. They returned fire, striking the suspect.

Officer Boyer, a 28-year-veteran, died as a result of his gunshot wounds. Officer Hazell, who has been with the department the last three years, is in stable condition at University of California Irvine Medical Center.

Whittier Police Chief Jeff Piper attributes the death of Officer Boyer to Assembly Bill 109, a state law mandating early release, and Proposition 47, which reduces drug possession charges from felonies to misdemeanors and makes petty theft charges (anything under $950) a misdemeanor.

“We need to wake up. Enough is enough. You’re passing these propositions, you’re creating these laws. … It’s not good for our community (and) it’s not good for our officers,” Piper said. “You …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms

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