Pubdate: Thu, 20 Sep 2001
Source: Modesto Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2001 The Modesto Bee
Contact:  http://www.modbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/271

SCHOOL PARKING LOT NO PLACE FOR POLICE DRUG WAR

Mercifully, no children were harmed Tuesday when a San Joaquin County drug 
agent shot at a suspected drug dealer in the parking lot of Osborn School 
in Turlock.

It started when another undercover officer saw the suspected dealer, whom 
he had been trying to make a deal with, in the parking lot. The man waved 
the officer in. And in he went, not realizing it was a school parking lot. 
That doesn't say much for the officer's ability to recognize the ubiquitous 
temporary buildings that dot so many school campuses. It's a lesson in 
opening your eyes to your surroundings, in thinking one step beyond the 
immediate.

Had he realized it was a school, he wouldn't have gotten out of his car and 
begun the always dangerous situation of trying to make a buy.

That's when the dealer tried to rob him and when the officer providing 
backup, who had followed in another car, started shooting at the suspected 
dealer. Fortunately, the suspect dropped his gun and ran, along with a 
companion.

One was caught immediately, the other not until more than an hour later. 
School administrators reacted quickly, making sure children were locked in 
their classrooms and told to take shelter under their desks. The 
administrators and teachers are to be commended for acting swiftly and 
effectively to keep the children out of harm's way while the manhunt went 
on around the school.

This time it was a bad scare, but no one was hurt. Let's hope there isn't a 
next time, which law enforcement officers can help prevent by being alert 
to their surroundings even while closing in on their prey.
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MAP posted-by: Rebel