https://thefreethoughtproject.com/man-sentenced-shooting-cop-no-knock-raid-over-weed/
All of that for this
This is a disappointing verdict and I hope he is able to appeal. I was pleased with other similar cases where a victim of a no-knock raid was acquitted for defending themselves from unknown attackers; defense of property should be taken seriously here in Texas. Due to their nature, no-knock raids should be reserved for the most serious of offenses like active hostage situations, not to raid someone merely for drugs.
When a SWAT team initiated a no-knock raid in search of cannabis, they were met with gunfire, and while the resident surrendered as soon as he realized his home was being raided by police, the fact that he opened fire on the intruders and shot one of them in the leg has resulted in a 13-year prison sentence.
When a SWAT team broke down the door and charged into the Harrell family’s house in the early morning hours of April 14, 2016, they claimed that the intrusive operation was justified, because they believed 18-year-old Tyler Harrell was running a drug ring out of his parents’ home.
When Tyler Harrell was woken up by what he believed were burglars breaking into his home, he did what many gun owners would do, and he grabbed his firearm and confronted the intruders. He used his legally-owned AK-47, and while he did not kill any of the officers, he did wound one officer by shooting him in the knee.
it was the testimony from Officer James Pittman that apparently pulled at the heartstrings of jury members. He was the only person injured by Harrell’s gunfire, and he said the bullet wound in his leg kept him from playing with his kids now and would force him to get knee replacement surgery one day.
Pittman also criticized the “Not Guilty” verdict from another Texas case in which a homeowner shot and wounded three police officers when they initiated a no-knock raid on his house. Ray Rosas spent nearly two years in jail awaiting his trial, and his actions were ruled justified based on the fact that he was acting in self-defense and did not know the intruders he was shooting were police officers.
Rosas was acquitted, despite the fact that 11 police officers testified against him. However, in the case of Tyler Harrell, his lawyer argued that the 18 SWAT team members who attended court in tactical gear to show their support for Officer Pittman, further demonized Harrell in the eyes of the jury.
The pressure worked, and while the jury determined that Tyler Harrell was not guilty of attempted capital murder or aggravated assault on a public servant, he was found guilty of aggravated assault and sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison, and a fine of $7,000.
All of that for this
When officers searched the home, they found one ounce of cannabis, which would justify a misdemeanor charge against Harrell.
This is a disappointing verdict and I hope he is able to appeal. I was pleased with other similar cases where a victim of a no-knock raid was acquitted for defending themselves from unknown attackers; defense of property should be taken seriously here in Texas. Due to their nature, no-knock raids should be reserved for the most serious of offenses like active hostage situations, not to raid someone merely for drugs.