Deadly Mistakes
By: Whitney Ray
Updated: June 30, 2007
The video is hard to watch. Dash camera video released after the sentencing of former trooper Larry Norman shows the officer killing a unarmed handicapped man. Norman admitted in court his actions werent justified. His former managers highlighted his errors in a news conference.
Normans first mistake on the fateful morning of March 7th, 2006, was when the officer turned down his police radio and turning up his stereo. He ignored an order to block traffic on Highway 412. He plowed through the median and within less than a minute fired a shot that would later kill Erin Hamley.
Troop L captain Les Braun says Hamleys death could have been avoided. Braun says Norman forced the use of deadly force. "The mistake is made when Norman stepped around the fender of the car." Said Braun.
When Norman drew his shotgun and began approaching Hamley, it forced the other officers to leave their covered positions. Norman didnt have to move toward the handicapped man who was lying on the ground 30 feet away said Braun.
"He should have remained behind cover and let the situation develop more fully." Braun said.
