Recent SLPD Shooting Was Against Innocent Man

(Artist unknown)

Today we learned that the recent SLPD shooting on October 24, 2020, was against an innocent man, 43 year-old John Berry. This is SLPD's 3rd case of unnecessary use of gun violence this year, and the 4th in the last 18 months. If Mr. Berry ultimately succumbs to his critical injuries, he will be the 4th person murdered by SLPD in those 18 months as well.

You can find the public posting of the videos, press release, and associated information at https://www.sanleandro.org/depts/pd/information_portal/officer_involved_shooting.asp. My previous post about the shooting is available at https://eunoiainsomnia.blogspot.com/2020/10/yet-another-shooting-by-slpd.html.

Some important details to be aware of when reviewing these materials:

1. Mr. Berry was not associated with the alleged criminal activity earlier that evening regarding a high speed car chase over an also alleged minor traffic violation.

2. There is no evidence provided to show Mr. Berry was pointing his gun at the officers prior to being fired upon.

3. The SLPD offices on scene shot first and Mr. Berry does not appear to have fired his weapon at all.

4. There is evidence showing SLPD officers failed to utilize deescalation tactics, give a warning before shooting, or even properly identify themselves.

5. This incident took place at night, in the dark, while the officers were sitting in an unmarked car, suspiciously idling in a quiet residential area, wearing dark clothing that made it difficult to determine if they were law enforcement.

6. The headlights from Mr. Berry's car pointing directly at them would have impeded the police officers' vision.

7. Mr. Berry was driving around concerned about a car that had been stalking his fiance earlier was still in the area.

8. It is not illegal to own a gun in San Leandro.

9. Unlike the Black and Brown victims of police brutality earlier this year and late last year, Mr. Berry is White and received a significantly different level of service and deference once officers became aware of this fact, such as immediate first-aid and a lack of dehumanizing profanity. (Not to mention the effect of 911 call from his fiance.)

That said, it's concerning how many in our community have responded to this incident with jokes, indifference, and a conspicuous lack of concern about the facts. I want to believe that we can do better, that we can discard apathy in favor of empathy, that we value compassion more than ignorance.

To that end, I encourage my neighbors to read two key books about the issues we are currently experiencing between law enforcement and the people of our city: Alex Vitale's The End of Policing from 2018; and Who Do You Serve, Who Do You Protect? from 2016 by the Truthout Collective.
You can find them available at most bookstores or online at https://www.versobooks.com/books/2426-the-end-of-policing and https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/952-who-do-you-serve-who-do-you-protect.

Take note and take care.