You commit the crime, you do the time... right?

The year 2020 was a crazy experience for most of us. There was an ongoing "Blue Lives Matter" and "Black Lives Matter" movement. Justice is demanded although this case there is perspective from both sides.

It is hard not to be biased considering I know the police officer who murdered a man. Taking "sides" is not an option when it comes to the ethical decision.

“I didn't want to do it man, I had no choice."

Officer Background

This one hits close to home so I thought I would share my thoughts and views on this tragic situation. Contreras happens to be a family friend of mine since I was in diapers growing up. To tell the truth I even had a crush on him back then, although he was way older than me I didn't know any better. I just knew our moms were great friends and he was a respectable charming man. He dedicated 16 years his life to the military fighting for his country. There is over 20 awards, honors, metals and certificates that he has received from the Army after finishing his final term of service to our country. I can tell you right now, that is not easy to accomplish. After he got out, he was able to graduate top of his class from the police academy in his home town of Killeen Texas which included 40 hours of mental health training as well as an additional 40 hours according to K.P.D protocol. He is a loving father who would take the shirt off his back for someone in need. After 5 years with the K.P.D, little did Contreras know January 10th, 2021 was going to be the day that changed his life.

Incident at Hand

Officer Contreras responded to a home visit due to family needing assistance after failure of being able to control victim Patrick Warren. Warren had previously been released from the mental institution just days before the incident. They called for someone that is mental illness certified but no one was available at the time to respond. After Contreras opened the door and saw the huge angry man growling and making demonic noises saying "C'mon in, C'mon in." repeatedly in a aggressive fashion. "I don't work like this" is what the officer said, as he exited himself from the house. This lead to the man approaching and charging toward the officer whom was standing outside in the front yard. After being shot with his taser to the floor twice, Warren pulled out the prongs and continued forward. This left officer Reynaldo Contreras but to reach for his gun and shoot after much verbal warning of what would happen if Warren had not complied with instructions.

View

Immediately when I heard word of the incident from Contreras mother my heart dropped. That would be the last thing I would expect to hear about from this man. I was so worried and scared because its a messy situation all around. Before authorities could investigate what happened along with releasing body-cam footage, the family hired the same attorney that represented George Floyd during "Black Lives Matter" movement, being that the victim is a black male this did not help the situation for Contreras. People hear that a cop killed a black man and immediately demand justice and prison time. This did not look good for officer Reynaldo.The family released a edited and cut video to the public that clearly did not tell the whole story which made matters worse and caused a lot of backlash from the community.

I was anxiously following up on released statements from the family, attorneys, and Contreras' Lieutenant. I was praying so hard that the ethical decision was made here because I feel as if the officer is not at fault. He followed protocol and did what he felt the need to do in order to protect his life, not to mention after wards towards the end of the video, Contreras remorsefully prayed over the mans body as he was getting taken to the hospital where Warren later died. Watching both videos is highly recommended.

Released Body Cam Footage

Family Released Ring Footage

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