Two Shots - One Kill...

We'll be taking a look behind the title of today's post in a bit, but we have some other business to take care of.

Weather today will be DAMN cold (still), with temps trying to reach the freezing mark. Some sun...maybe (if we're good), some clouds, and perhaps maybe a snow flurry to add to the dusting we got overnight in the Heartland.

And today marks this blog's POST NUMBER 1776...(that's the spirit, Bob).

Talk about something nicely patriotic.

 It only comes around ONCE, too.

THAT never gets old, either.

*** Now, on with the REST...of the story, beginning with our Motto of the Week:

"Education is that which discloses to the wise and disguises from the foolish their lack of understanding."

This was spoken by one Ambrose Bierce, ( 24 June 1842 - 26 December 1913?) and here is his WIKI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose_Bierce
He was a noted American editorialist, journalist, short-story author, fabulist and satirist.
(a man after my OWN heart)
Sadly, he disappeared without a trace while traveling with rebel troops during the Mexican Revolution in 1913.
His is quite a life story, abbreviated as it was.
He fought in the Civil War at Shiloh, suffered a head wound at Kennesaw Mountain, was furloughed for the remainder of the war, and eventually discharged.
He worked with Randolph Hearst during the late 1800s and covered the Railroad Financing Bill, a clandestine attempt in Congress to pass the bill without public knowledge (sound FAMILIAR?) excluding companies from paying back loans from the U.S. government.
His most noted literary work was "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge".
Meanwhile, back at the editorial desk...
*** An update to the W. Rudisill shooting.

Here's the story link:

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130321/LOCAL07/303219969

Apparently Josiah C. Thomas knew something about ammunition...just not how to "police his brass" when he shot and killed Gerelle Borum on a city street at midday. And he used a .32 caliber round...not as "common" as say a 9mm or even a .40S&W.
I prefer using some .45 ACP JHPs myself...
(what I drop STAYS dropped)
A spent shell casing was traced back to the weapon he had on him when police pulled his ass over.
And for God's sake...if you HAVE to off someone from a moving vehicle, a REVOLVER is much better than a semi-auto pistol...you take the shell casings WITH you...(whatta dumbass)!
But, let's take a look at BOTH the shooter AND the victim in this...
=================
JOSIAH C. THOMAS - MALE BLACK
02D04-0808-CM-005234 Thomas, Josiah C 08/04/2008
Allen Superior Court 4 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided NEVER RECEIVE LICENSE
02D04-1007-CM-004124 Thomas, Josiah C 07/09/2010
Allen Superior Court 4 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided CARRYING HANDGUN W/O LICENSE
MINOR CONSUMING ALCOHOL
02D05-1202-IF-001676 671706
671706 THOMAS, JOSIAH C 02/28/2012
Allen Superior Court 5 IF - Infraction
Decided 9-24-19-1/IFA: Driving While Suspended
9-21-5-2/IFC: Speeding
02D06-1302-IF-001154 706053
706053 THOMAS, JOSIAH C 02/14/2013
Allen Superior Court 6 IF - Infraction
Pending 9-24-19-1/IFA: Driving While Suspended
9-18-2-27(a)(1)/IFC: Oper Motor Veh w/ Registration Number to Another Veh
02D05-1303-MC-000667 NA THOMAS, JOSIAH C 03/20/2013
Allen Superior Court 5 MC - Miscellaneous Criminal (Citation)
Pending 35-42-1-1(1): Murder
=====ADDRESSES=====
6210 SALISBURY DR
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
5909 Bitter Sweet Delis Ct
Fort Wayne, IN 46814
1501 Fenwick Pl
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
======================
GERELLE R. BORUM - MALE BLACK -6'1", 205 lbs
02D04-1008-MC-001737 603982
603982
603982 Borum, Gerelle R 08/16/2010
Allen Superior Court 4 MC - Miscellaneous Criminal
Decided P.C. ROBBERY
P.C. AUTO THEFT
NEVER RECEIVE LICENSE
02D04-1008-FD-000815 Borum, Gerelle R 08/19/2010
Allen Superior Court 5 FD - Class D Felony
Decided AUTO THEFT
02D06-1206-MC-001417 NA BORUM, GERELLE R 06/04/2012
Allen Superior Court 6 MC - Miscellaneous Criminal (Citation)
Decided 35-43-4-2(a)/FD: Theft
02D06-1206-FD-000780 BORUM, GERELLE R 06/07/2012
Allen Superior Court 5 FD - Class D Felony
Decided 35-43-4-2(a)/FD: Theft
=====ADDRESSES=====
7915 Decatur RD
APT 306C
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
3311 Cheviot Dr
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
===================
Oops...looks like they BOTH had a "history"...didn't they?
And now we have an auto thief DEAD...and his murderer off the streets...sounds like a win-win to me.
*** Next up, a conclusion to the shooting near a Citilink Bus stop yesterday at Pettit Ave. and Reed St.

Here's THIS story link (with video), and the reason for today's BLOG POST TITLE:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130321/LOCAL07/303219981

Kenneth Knight, 45, and recently released from prison was the shooter, and his victim was Jacqueline Bouvier Hardy, 49 who, after Knight forcibly took her off the bus, in full view of passengers and children, shot her dead near that intersection.
After fleeing N/B, police tracked his scent with a K-9 to the 4700 block of Winter St, where the trail went cold.

The story mentions shotgun shell casings, which means the shooter probably had a sawed-off on him (illegal, btw) ON the bus.

Police massed to the general area, and finally caught up with the suspect at 3018 Holton, where Knight had taken a 3 year old hostage, along with an older woman.

The woman made it outside unharmed, but the toddler remained inside.

FWPD rolled the V-150 Commando armored vehicle and ERT/SWAT to the address and set up a perimeter.

And, as any LEO knows, one of the worst aspects about a scenario like this is all the "lookie-loos" milling about...trying to keep tabs ON THEM and make sure they don't violate that perimeter and go wandering someplace where THEY get shot.

This was a problem at BOTH Holton St, AND Pettit/Reed.

After numerous attempts to talk Knight out with hostage negotiators, police set up 2 snipers.

Literally DOZENS of onlookers were also still at the scene.

Several hours passed and finally, two simultaneous shots rang out...and Knight was dead. Two shots - one kill. Simple as that.

The toddler was recovered unharmed from the residence.

Personally, I'd say this was one of the BEST OPS by the FWPD spec units, and a very good ending, under the circumstances.

One chronic felon catches two .308 rounds in the skull (didn't even know what hit him), toddler rescued safely and ALL the police get to go home.
(and two of them get a couple days off - per protocol)
Yeah...not too bad a day for the GOOD guys.
As to Kenneth Knight...a free ride to the undertaker.
Damn shame he had to take his former girlfriend with him.
But neither was an "angel"...in fact, Hardy recently filed an "RO" (restraining order) with police against Knight, but it didn't quite make it across the right desks quick enough.
Here's their rap sheets
================
Kenneth Knight 45, male black 5'6", 145 lbs
02D04-9103-CM-006576 Knight, Kenneth 03/06/1991
Allen Superior Court 6 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided DISORDERLY CONDUCT
RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
02D04-9304-CM-009878 Knight, Kenneth 04/26/1993
Allen Superior Court 6 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided DISORDERLY CONDUCT
PUBLIC INTOXICATION
RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
02D04-9309-CM-024205 Knight, Kenneth 09/28/1993
Allen Superior Court 4 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided CRIMINAL TRESPASS
02D04-9311-CM-026930 Knight, Kenneth 11/01/1993
Allen Superior Court 5 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
02D04-9512-CM-009535 Knight, Kenneth 12/27/1995
Allen Superior Court 6 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided NO FIN RESPONSIBILITY
NEVER RECEIVE LICENSE
FAILURE WEAR SAFETY BELT
02D04-9602-IF-001970 Knight, Kenneth 02/06/1996
Allen Superior Court 6 IF - Infraction
Decided OPERATE WHILE SUSP (INFR)
02D04-9602-CM-001732 Knight, Kenneth 02/26/1996
Allen Superior Court 6 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
02D04-9603-CM-001933 Knight, Kenneth J 03/04/1996
Allen Superior Court 6 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED
NO FIN RESPONSIBILITY
DISREGARDING AUTOM SIGNAL
02D04-9605-CM-003704 Knight, Kenneth 05/01/1996
Allen Superior Court 6 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided FALSE INFORMING (B)
02D04-9607-CM-005974 Knight, Kenneth 07/17/1996
Allen Superior Court 5 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided NEVER RECEIVE LICENSE
02D04-9904-CM-002288 Knight, Kenneth 04/06/1999
Allen Superior Court 6 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
02D04-9908-CM-005853 Knight, Kenneth 08/23/1999
Allen Superior Court 4 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided FALSE INFORMING (B)
02D04-0001-CM-000829 Knight, Kenneth 01/31/2000
Allen Superior Court 6 CM - Criminal Misdemeanor
Decided NEVER RECEIVE LICENSE
02D04-0002-IF-002671 Knight, Kenneth 02/17/2000
Allen Superior Court 5 IF - Infraction
Decided POSS'N OF PARAPHERNALIA(INF)
02D04-0005-CF-000287 Knight, Kenneth 05/26/2000
Allen Superior Court 6 CF - Criminal Felony
Decided DEALING IN COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
DEALING IN COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
02D04-0603-MC-000434 Knight, Kenneth 03/06/2006
Allen Superior Court 5 MC - Miscellaneous Criminal
Decided P.C. REC STOLEN PROPERTY
CARRYING HANDGUN W/O LICENSE
RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
P.C. VIOLENT FELON/FIREARM
P.C. CARRY HDGUN W/O PRMT
02D04-0603-FB-000040 Knight, Kenneth 03/09/2006
Allen Superior Court 6 FB - Class B Felony
Decided UNLAWFUL POSS OF A FIREARM BY SERIOUS VIOL FELON
RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
=====ADDRESSES=====
3021 Lafayette St
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
=====================
Jacqueline Bouvier Hardy, female black 49 - 5'7" 150lbs
02D04-9805-DF-000342 Hardy, Jacqueline Bouvier 05/01/1998
Allen Superior Court 4 DF - CL D Felony or lesser charge
Decided POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA
02D04-9807-DF-000484 Hardy, Jacqueline B 07/09/1998
Allen Superior Court 5 DF - CL D Felony or lesser charge
Decided POSSESSION OF COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA
02D04-9905-DF-000386 Hardy, Jacqueline B 05/24/1999
Allen Superior Court 6 DF - CL D Felony or lesser charge
Decided POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA
02D04-0010-MC-001673 Hardy, Jacqueline B 10/16/2000
Allen Superior Court 6 MC - Miscellaneous Criminal
Decided P.C. FORGERY
P.C. POSSESSION OF COCAINE
P.C. POSS'N PARAPHERNALIA
02D04-0010-DF-000850 Hardy, Jacqueline Bouvier 10/19/2000
Allen Superior Court 4 DF - CL D Felony or lesser charge
Decided POSSESSION OF COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA
02D04-0106-CF-000269 Hardy, Jacqueline B 06/21/2001
Allen Superior Court 4 CF - Criminal Felony
Decided FORGERY
02D04-0911-MC-002298 Hardy, Jacqueline B 11/02/2009
Allen Superior Court 5 MC - Miscellaneous Criminal
Decided P.C. THEFT
02D04-0911-FD-001033 Hardy, Jacqueline B 11/05/2009
Allen Superior Court 5 FD - Class D Felony
Decided THEFT
===ADDRESSES===
3405 Argyle Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Atterbury C F
Po Box 95
Edinburgh, IN 46124
=================
As I said, neither was an angel, but at least Hardy was TRYING to get things right...last arrest for her was in 2009.
We can now call these HOMICIDES NUMBER ELEVEN AND TWELVE, because, as we all know, you HAVE to add in a POLICE ACTON SHOOTING as a homicide (although it was perfectly JUSTIFIED).
Homicides are not ALWAYS a "bad" thing, right?

*** Lastly today, Mayor (read KING) Henry is supposed to have a prayer get-together regarding the latest shootings, and the Urban League (of FAR less than Extraordinary Gentlemen) is also planning a rally Friday on S. Hanna St (at their HQ).

Yeah, when all ELSE fails..pray your asses off.
(that it doesn't happen to YOU or YOUR family).

Now, I firmly believe that prayer DOES change things...but in many cases, it becomes more of a MOTIVATING factor.

God likes to keep the miracle jar for the REALLY important things (and not the sensational ones), and only HE knows where best an answered prayer can be properly utilized for HIS glory...and NOT ours, right?

Along those lines, Frank Gray had another outstanding article today and here's THAT link:

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130321/LOCAL07/303219971/1002/LOCAL

Frank makes a wonderful DISTINCTION between a crime that occurs in a "nice" area, as opposed to a "bad" area (like mine)...people WILL come forward in those NICE neighborhoods, while in the ghettohood, few if ANY tips, leads or information is ever forthcoming...typical.

It's the apathy two-step down here...not so where the PEOPLE are CONCERNED.

Again, whether it's the SHOOTINGS themselves, OR the witnesses who saw it, it ALWAYS comes down to...(you guessed it)...THE PEOPLE.

Frank talks about people "who run lonely campaigns" (urging young people to strive for higher goals, for example), and I relate to those.
I run my OWN "campaign" of sorts down here...have done so for YEARS...and yes, it is VERY lonely. NO allies to speak of.
I always believe that "ONE person CAN make a difference" (that's a Knight Rider quote from the opening theme ,btw), but at least Michael Knight had the resources of FLAG (Foundation for Law and Government)...I wish to hell I DID.
I can't even find a liaison officer to talk with, and the new quadrant captain (Garry Hamilton) has yet to prove to me that he is worthy of my time AND information...he's an empty uniform (imho).
But, no matter how often we are ignored, or how often we're set upon, there will come that time when someone will listen...someone will pay attention...and then, and ONLY then...will something get done.
Now THAT is a something that's worth a prayer or two.

And it's a "something" I think we all can embrace.

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...

Stay SAFE out there, America.