In the wake of a deputy involved shooting during an attempted traffic stop in Jefferson Parish, there has been debate on the deputy's decision to shoot at the vehicle seeing as children were in the car at the time.
The Sheriff says the driver rammed JPSO vehicles, refusing to stop. When the car finally came to a halt, officers discovered the four children. The children were unharmed.
So, were there any legal or ethical lines crossed by the officer?
Loyola University Law professor Dane Ciolino offered a breakdown of what information is known about the Sunday evening incident and where the law says culpability starts and stops.
“It is justifiable and reasonable under the Fourth Amendment to use that force against a fleeing motorist.”
Professor Ciolino also says there is a burden of responsibility on the officer to be able to quickly asses if the use of force is justified.
“Lots of eyes are going to look at your use of deadly force and you better get it right. You’re making split-second decisions that are going to be combed over."
The woman driving the vehicle could certainly face several significant charges says the professor.
“The driver is going to face possible charges child endangerment, aggravated flight, and attempted murder charges could be brought.”
Professor Ciolino says it's also important to note that since it was the driver’s actions that prompted the deputy to fire at the vehicle, it negates any question of the officer’s use of force.
“Absolutely that kind of force is justifiable under state law.”