Cobb police shoot, kill man, claim self-defense

[1a2b3c]

A man with a history of mental problems and assaults was shot and killed Tuesday when he charged officers with a 4-by-4, police said.

Surafel Assaminew, 30, of Stone Mountain robbed and beat a Cobb County motel employee Tuesday morning before assaulting two people in a neighborhood off Callaway Road, said Cobb police spokesman Brody Staud. Assaminew's is at least the second fatal shooting this year by Cobb police.

"Officers gave him numerous commands to drop the weapon," Staud said. "They initially sprayed him with pepper spray, which had no effect, then they were forced to shoot him."

the link might help. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/0903/17shooting.html?urac=n&urvf=10639129349170.7103737783120117

[Mairead]

1. Right. He has a piece of wood, and at least 2 cops couldn't subdue him

Any bets on whether he's non-White?

[theshadow]

2. Of course if he was white...

the cops would have just let him attack them with the 4x4. They only mind it if the guy clobbering them is of color. Oh please....

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

3. Do these cops know what an ASP is?

You know, those nasty metal collapsable batons. Many cops carry those for when non-lethal force is desireable. I think this was one of those times.

[theshadow]

4. Since the typical collapsable baton...

...is 26" when extended and the suspect was waving a 4' long plank, how do you suppose the officers would be able to get close enough to use them?