Reference no: EM133683183

Question 

Leavitt's police car with the seatbelt fastened, the door closed, and the window rolled up.

The officers were talking by the passenger side of the car when Leavitt noticed a movement and looked to find Elliott with his finger on the trigger of a small handgun pointed at Leavitt and Cheney. Cheney also saw the gun. Elliott was very thin; he had released the seat belt and twisted his arms to the right side of his body to position the weapon. Leavitt yelled, "Gun!," and ordered Elliott to drop it. After Elliott did not respond, Leavitt and Cheney commenced firing, killing Elliott. The officers did not discharge all of their bullets; 22 were fired while 10 were found still in their weapons. Cheney then retrieved the gun, which had remained clasped in Elliott's hand.

The law at the time stipulated that "a police officer may use deadly force when the officer has sound reason to believe that a suspect poses a threat of serious physical harm to the officer or others."

1. Explain what you think goes through an officer's mind during an incident like the one described above.

2. Discuss whether this account of the events seem factual, and if not, highlight areas of concern.