SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. -- A suicidal man shot by Spokane Valley Police had a very real looking air pistol when police started shooting. 27-year-old David Glidden was shot twice last Friday outside his house. He's in serious condition at Sacred Heart Medical Center.
Police say it's hard to tell the difference between what's real and what's fake if you can't get a close-up inspection.
Bob Murphy has been selling air soft pistols at the General Store for three years including one modelled after a Colt 1911. Authorities say this is the same kind of air gun Glidden had when he was shot. A friend called 911 worried Glidden was suicidal and armed. He said he even heard a gun cock in the background.
Based on that information, Spokane Police Officer Jennifer DeRuwe expects officers to respond defensively. The only clear difference between her service weapon and a toy gun is the bright orange tip.
"Telling the difference between a fake gun and a real one would be very hard," said DeRuwe.
Especially if the tip is painted or covered with tape. Officers say the time it takes to tell whether or not a gun is real or fake is a luxury they don't have.
pappaross said on November 5, 2009 at 8:31 AM
The officers was less then 20 ft away from Glidden when they shot. It's hard to believe that they couldn't see the bright orange tip and know it wasn't a real gun. I think they even took it into consideration. Why did they need a warrant to locate the gun. Why wasn't it outside right near Glidden? I witnessed the officers just after they shoot Glidden and continue watch until they took him to hospital. I never saw the officers clear or remove any gun.
dickcheneyrocks said on November 5, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Spokane police don't need to be bothered with assessing a situation before shooting someone, as has been shown time after time recently. I'm sure all of you cop-lovers will agree with their actions all the way until they shoot someone YOU know. A different tune you'll sing, me thinks. Numbskulls!!!!
deuleuxieesxi said on November 5, 2009 at 9:44 AM
I have nothing good to ever say about the SPD. They do what they want. And thats that. They are not governed by ANYTHING!
canyouthink said on November 5, 2009 at 10:12 AM
At least we know where the bullets came from in the neighbors house.Ive been shot with these toys(air pistols) and I am sure they wont go threw a wall.Anybody know how many shots were fired.It says only 2 hit him but dosnt say how many times they shot(They may need to go practice shooting if they missed to much from 20 feet)One is to many to go flying by my head.
valleyman said on November 5, 2009 at 10:49 AM
You folks are the ones lacking the intellectual rocks to be arguing on here in the first place.. 1) This was a shooting involving the Spokane Valley Police not the SPD... the SVPD is a division of the Spokane Sheriff's Office and is in no way affiliated with the SPD... You might try and get your facts straight so as not to appear to be cop haters... 2) How hard do you think it is to paint orange paint on the end of a real gun, or cover up the orange paint on the end of a fake gun... I'll give you a hint... model paint or even some Rustoleum from your local store does the trick quite nicely... 3) How many of you are willing to go to a call of a man with a gun and put your life on the line to save his? This guy wanted to die and can you imagine facing someone intent on dying? Kind of a frightening thought isn't it? So before cutting down every police officer for doing his/her job, take a shift in their shoes...
nailedit said on November 5, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Hey pappaross, yer an idiot. I don't care if the gun was painted bright pink with yer wifes poka dots underwear colors on it. You point anything at the police or a citizen you bet yer arzzzzz yer gonna get shot. Another good job by the police the good guys went home safe to their families. Pappaross go watch Monday night football with all the other idiots on here.