GSW HEAD, Neck, Chest

[Bjorn, Pret]

-----Original Message-----
From: trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org
[mailto:trauma-list-bounces at trauma.org] On Behalf Of KMATTOX at aol.com
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2006 9:06 AM
To: trauma-list at trauma.org
Subject: GSW HEAD, Neck, Chest

"...NOW, the question.   How can a man with handcuffs on, behind his
back, get out a hidden gun, and fire it, accurately, striking a police
officer  in the head, creating fatal wounds?..."

Ken,
 
The answer, of course, is with uncommon dexterity and no small amount of
luck.  If the gun was tucked in the rear waistband of the assailant's
trousers, then the trick becomes all the easier (and more pitiable: such
is an exceedingly common place to holster a handgun, which the arresting
officer -- presumably the victim -- should have searched more
carefully).

It's instructive too that multiple shots were fired.  The head shot
would have been one of many.  Just need to make sure the first round
finds center mass, then fire for effect.

I assume that the suspect never got himself out of the cruiser.  The
prosecutor should have an easy time of it.  Plea bargain or terminal
anesthesia, but insufficient comfort or justice either way.  

What a tragedy.

Pret Bjorn, RN
Bangor, ME USA