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Monterey Police Officer Who Killed Man Posted "Cops First" Themed Memes on Facebook
Donald Thomas Miller II, age 39, was shot and killed on October 6 by Zach Reed, an officer with the Monterey Police Department. According to police reports, Miller was acting irrationally in downtown Monterey, police were called, and Reed killed him because Miller was in possession of a weapon. A look at Monterey police officer Zach Reed's Facebook page reveals some disturbing posts in the context of the killing, including memes that state: "Be A Warrior, Not A Worrier" and "The Brave Do Not Live Forever, but the Cautious Do Not Live at All". Another Facebook post from Reed is a gif of a blue and black ribbon, which is recognized internationally as a symbol of mourning for police who have been killed while on the job. The memes clearly represent a militaristic or "cops first" attitude of law enforcement when encountering dangerous situations.
Monterey police say they received reports on October 6 of a man who was acting irrationally and who possibly had weapon in a public walkway located between the Memory Garden and the Indian Summer Hookahs Bar and Grill by Monterey’s Custom House Plaza.
Reed was the first officer to arrive, and he shot Miller six times, killing him.
Police say Miller had a weapon, which turned out to be a "non-functional antique revolver,” Monterey District Attorney Dean Flippo said in a press conference.
Miller was a Salinas resident and may have been living in his vehicle, Flippo said. Media reports also state Miller had mental health issues.
The DA's office said Miller had been arrested earlier in the day for trespassing at a McDonalds restaurant and that he was later released.
Reed has been an officer with the Monterey police for a year and a half, and previously worked as a deputy with the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office for six years. He has also worked as a paramedic and and EMT.
Zach Reed has changed his name to "James" Reed on his Facebook page.
Reed was the first officer to arrive, and he shot Miller six times, killing him.
Police say Miller had a weapon, which turned out to be a "non-functional antique revolver,” Monterey District Attorney Dean Flippo said in a press conference.
Miller was a Salinas resident and may have been living in his vehicle, Flippo said. Media reports also state Miller had mental health issues.
The DA's office said Miller had been arrested earlier in the day for trespassing at a McDonalds restaurant and that he was later released.
Reed has been an officer with the Monterey police for a year and a half, and previously worked as a deputy with the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office for six years. He has also worked as a paramedic and and EMT.
Zach Reed has changed his name to "James" Reed on his Facebook page.
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Needless Death
Mon, Oct 12, 2015 6:24PM
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