'Cop Shot Cop' In Lubbock SWAT Snafu

Drizzt · July 27, 2001, 04:23 PM

F.B.I. Sources Say
'Cop Shot Cop' In Lubbock SWAT Snafu
Grand Jury To Look At Police Actions In Friendly Fire Killing
City Knew There Was A Problem With Training And Aggression Of SWAT Team Last Year
SAL Staff
Copyright 2001 San Antonio Lightning

F.B.I. investigators have determined that it was indeed a situation of one cop shooting another in the botched and fatal SWAT operation in Lubbock, Tx. July 13th. A grand jury will review the case shortly, and city officials had worried about lack of training and 'aggressiveness' at SWAT last year, the Lightning has learned.

A copy of suspended Police Chief Ken Walker's 2000 job review, released Tuesday, cited "1. Safety and education. 2. Aggressiveness of the SWAT team" as areas of concern.

City officials remained silent on the issue Tuesday, because of the continuing investigation.

Meanwhile, sources tell the Lightning that F.B.I. investigators have determined friendly fire was indeed the cause of SWAT Sgt. Kevin Cox's death.

Though not officially released the final report will fault a deadly crossfire set up by SWAT. The officer who killed Cox has not been named. The official report could be released as early as Friday, the Lightning has learned.

Lubbock City Manager Bob Cass put Police Chief Ken Walker on paid administrative leave Monday, pending the investigation into the death of Sgt. Kevin Cox.

Lubbock police were forced to release a man they jailed as the killer of a SWAT officer July 13th, because it is now known that he did not fire the fatal shot.

Critics of the police had labeled the incident an "attempted cover-up."

Walker is restricted from wearing a department uniform and cannot enter the Lubbock Police Department while on leave, the letter commanded.

"During this administrative leave, do not interfere in any way in the pending investigation into this matter," the letter warned.

"You will immediately surrender your police badge, police identification, city issued firearm, and any other indicia of office to me."

Richard Robinson was released from jail Friday evening after it was determined that he did not fire the shot that killed LPD Sgt. Kevin Cox.

Robinson, 47, had been charged with capital murder in the July 13 shooting death of Cox during a standoff between Robinson and the Lubbock Police Department.

Robinson, an unemployed automobile mechanic, barricaded himself inside his home at 3229 87th St. after setting furniture and household goods on fire in his front yard.

In a confrontation with police, the details of which have been confused and contradictory, both the officer and homeowner were wounded. More than 100 rounds were fired into the house by police.

Robinson never fired a shot.

Official statements early on downplayed the friendly fire possibility.

"That is so baseless and contrary to the evidence that it's an absolute insult to Kevin Cox's memory," police spokesman Bill Morgan told local reporters early this week.

"That's an absolute affront to the guys that have to live with the memory of having Kevin slain in front of them."

Now, however, police have been forced to abandon that tactic, and disturbing questions have arisen about what really happened, and the police actions that followed.

On Tuesday, 17th Robinson's wife was arrested for "interfering with police," as she tried to enter the family home. An intense search of the premises for more than a week failed to find evidence which would incriminate the suspect.

http://sanantoniolightning.com/lubb1.html

Long Path · July 27, 2001, 04:56 PM

W-O-W!

Man, it sounds a wholllle lot like the City Manager is trying to distance the City of Lubbock from the police Chief in anticipation of a civil suit and possible Federal charges. I surely would like to see what kinda info the AIC has on this. Wonder if the Rangers are looking into this one yet?

Anybody read 'zactly what kinda obstruction the Chief put up?

--L.P.

C.R.Sam · July 27, 2001, 05:20 PM

Kinda interestin that the FBI gets to critique another agency's tactics. Shame, whatever comes out of any litigation will be born by the residents.....as taxpayors.

July 27, 2001, 04:23 PM	#1
Drizzt Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: Moscow on the Colorado, TX Posts: 2,560	'Cop Shot Cop' In Lubbock SWAT Snafu F.B.I. Sources Say 'Cop Shot Cop' In Lubbock SWAT Snafu Grand Jury To Look At Police Actions In Friendly Fire Killing City Knew There Was A Problem With Training And Aggression Of SWAT Team Last Year SAL Staff Copyright 2001 San Antonio Lightning F.B.I. investigators have determined that it was indeed a situation of one cop shooting another in the botched and fatal SWAT operation in Lubbock, Tx. July 13th. A grand jury will review the case shortly, and city officials had worried about lack of training and 'aggressiveness' at SWAT last year, the Lightning has learned. A copy of suspended Police Chief Ken Walker's 2000 job review, released Tuesday, cited "1. Safety and education. 2. Aggressiveness of the SWAT team" as areas of concern. City officials remained silent on the issue Tuesday, because of the continuing investigation. Meanwhile, sources tell the Lightning that F.B.I. investigators have determined friendly fire was indeed the cause of SWAT Sgt. Kevin Cox's death. Though not officially released the final report will fault a deadly crossfire set up by SWAT. The officer who killed Cox has not been named. The official report could be released as early as Friday, the Lightning has learned. Lubbock City Manager Bob Cass put Police Chief Ken Walker on paid administrative leave Monday, pending the investigation into the death of Sgt. Kevin Cox. Lubbock police were forced to release a man they jailed as the killer of a SWAT officer July 13th, because it is now known that he did not fire the fatal shot. Critics of the police had labeled the incident an "attempted cover-up." Walker is restricted from wearing a department uniform and cannot enter the Lubbock Police Department while on leave, the letter commanded. "During this administrative leave, do not interfere in any way in the pending investigation into this matter," the letter warned. "You will immediately surrender your police badge, police identification, city issued firearm, and any other indicia of office to me." Richard Robinson was released from jail Friday evening after it was determined that he did not fire the shot that killed LPD Sgt. Kevin Cox. Robinson, 47, had been charged with capital murder in the July 13 shooting death of Cox during a standoff between Robinson and the Lubbock Police Department. Robinson, an unemployed automobile mechanic, barricaded himself inside his home at 3229 87th St. after setting furniture and household goods on fire in his front yard. In a confrontation with police, the details of which have been confused and contradictory, both the officer and homeowner were wounded. More than 100 rounds were fired into the house by police. Robinson never fired a shot. Official statements early on downplayed the friendly fire possibility. "That is so baseless and contrary to the evidence that it's an absolute insult to Kevin Cox's memory," police spokesman Bill Morgan told local reporters early this week. "That's an absolute affront to the guys that have to live with the memory of having Kevin slain in front of them." Now, however, police have been forced to abandon that tactic, and disturbing questions have arisen about what really happened, and the police actions that followed. On Tuesday, 17th Robinson's wife was arrested for "interfering with police," as she tried to enter the family home. An intense search of the premises for more than a week failed to find evidence which would incriminate the suspect. http://sanantoniolightning.com/lubb1.html __________________ "That a free citizen should have to go before a committee, hat in hand, and pray for permission to bear arms - fantastic! Arm your daughter, sir, and pay no attention to petty bureaucrats." Robert Heinlein - Red Planet

July 27, 2001, 04:56 PM	#2
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	W-O-W! Man, it sounds a wholllle lot like the City Manager is trying to distance the City of Lubbock from the police Chief in anticipation of a civil suit and possible Federal charges. I surely would like to see what kinda info the AIC has on this. Wonder if the Rangers are looking into this one yet? Anybody read 'zactly what kinda obstruction the Chief put up? --L.P. __________________ "Welcome to The Firing Line, a virtual community dedicated to the discussion and advancement of responsible firearms ownership."T.F.L. Policy Page Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap? ____________

July 27, 2001, 05:20 PM	#3
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Kinda interestin that the FBI gets to critique another agency's tactics. Shame, whatever comes out of any litigation will be born by the residents.....as taxpayors.