Naked Student Shot by Campus Police at University of South Alabama

Dillon Cheverere12 years ago

A tragic story from the campus of the University of South Alabama is leaving many people with more questions than answers. The deceased has been identified as Gilbert Thomas Collar, an 18-year-old freshman from Wetumpka, Alabama. Collar was found making a raucous outside of the campus police department. He was nude at the time.

The incident began when the officer went outside the police station to investigate the source of a “loud banging noise,” the statement said. He was “confronted by a muscular, nude man who was acting erratically” and who proceeded to chase the police officer and to challenge him. The officer drew his weapon, retreated, and ordered the student to stop, the statement said. When he did not, the officer shot him dead. The local police and district attorney’s office will investigate.

Questions are rolling in about the officer’s decision to use lethal force against someone who was clearly not carrying a weapon. Arguments that a nude man poses little threat are valid despite his aggressive behavior. You’d think a baton or stun gun would do the trick, but people more adept to situations like this than I will ultimately decide if the officer’s use of force is justified or not.

I believe it’s safe to speculate Collar was under the influence of something, be it alcohol or drugs of some sort. Hopefully his family will receive the answers they’re seeking. Very sad story.

[Source]
[H/T to BossMan DubC]