Revisiting Kyle Palmer's Gun v. Taser Incident

Sgt. Kyle Palmer

The recent fatal shooting of a suspect in Oklahoma by a 73 year-old reserve deputy who mistook his gun for a Taser reminded us of the June 2013 Red Bay incident in which Sgt. Kyle Palmer mistakenly drew his gun on a Hurricane Creek Baptist Church deacon (those Baptist deacons being so slick--especially those recovering from surgery). If you missed the details of this melee, here are the basics:

A Gun to the Head

The Taser incident? From another June 2013 blog: A guest editorial in Pen N Sword concerning the incident at Hurricane Creek Baptist Church is extremely interesting. It does portray Red Bay Sgt. Kyle Palmer in a better light than he has previously been presented, but one statement is extremely odd. We're told that Palmer pulled his gun, waved it around, then holstered it before pulling his taser and making a statement.

The editorial relates that Palmer drew his gun thinking it was the taser and then returned it when he realized his mistake--at least that seems to be the official story. Okay...

We recently saw a photo of a police officer in a large northern city who had the scope on his assault rifle mounted backwards. Anything is possible, but even in a stressful situation, pulling a gun instead of a taser seems a stretch.

Red Bay sergeant Kyle Palmer is neither 73 (not that we think that signifies incompetence in any way) nor is he a reserve deputy. As far as we know, the investigation into his actions at the rural church produced not even an official reprimand.

Little has been reported about the incident until now. From the Franklin Free Press:

Update on Palmer/Scott Case

*****

The website for Hibbett Patient Care has been down for some time; however, it appears the beleaguered company has issued a statement: Hibbett Takes Leave of Absence.

*****

A friend has reported to us that the railroad bridge in Spring Park has been repaired; however, she has concerns about some other park features. We'll be publishing some of Mary Carton's photos this week. Mary is one of many concerned about the condition of the park, but all citizens need to make their voices heard.



Shoalanda