Michigan Father Killed In Marijuana Child Removal Incident

[+Malamute]

If you have high blood pressure problems and such, maybe you shouldn't read this.

 

 

http://www.thedailychronic.net/2012/10051/michigan-is-father-killed-in-marijuana-child-removal-incident/

 

Michigan Father Killed in Marijuana Child Removal Incident

 

 

GRAYLING, MI — A prosecutor in northern Michigan has cleared the police officer who shot and killed William Reddie, 32, as police and Child Protective Services (CPS) employees attempted to seize his three-year-old. The attempted removal of the minor child came after a police officer who came to the scene on a call earlier that same day reported that he smelled marijuana and reported the incident to CPS authorities, who decided the child needed to be removed.

 

Reddie’s killing took place on February 3, but we only became aware of it when news broke this week that prosecutors had decided that the police officer’s use of deadly force in the incident was justified.

According to the Crawford County Avalanche, Grayling police Officer Alan Somero was called to Reddie’s apartment for an alleged domestic disturbance. Somero made no arrests, but believed he smelled marijuana and reported it to CPS. Two CPS employees went to Reddie’s apartment to check on the situation. They then got a court order to remove Reddie’s 3-year-old son, Cameron, and asked police to escort them to the apartment to serve the court order.

 

The Gaylord Herald-Times, which obtained the CPS removal order, added more detail. It reported that Reddie had been accused of smoking marijuana in front of his son, and that Reddie had become “agitated” and threatened police when confronted by that accusation earlier in the day.

 

The court order gave the following reason for removing the child: “There are reasonable grounds for this court to remove the child(ren) from the parent … because conditions or surroundings of the child(ren), and is contrary to the welfare of the child(ren) to remain in the home because: It is alleged that the father used marijuana in the home in the presence of the child. In addition, there is concern for the safety of the child due to a domestic disturbance and threats made toward law enforcement by the father.”

 

Returning to the Avalanche’s narrative, when police and CPS workers arrived to seize the child, Reddie then reportedly displayed a pcoketknife and lunged at them. Crawford County Deputy John Klepadlo shot and killed him. Police had been deploying Tasers, but holstered them and grabbed their guns when Reddie displayed the knife.

 

Crawford County Sheriff Kirk Wakefield then asked the Michigan State Police to investigate his deputy’s use of deadly force. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office referred the case to the neighboring Roscommon County Prosecutor’s Office. After receiving a report from the State Police, Roscommon County DA Mark Jernigan determined that the use of deadly force was justified and that Klepadlo would not be charged with any crime.

 

“The deceased was in possession of an edged weapon,” Jernigan said. “The deceased pulled a knife and hid it behind his back. At the point where he pulls his hand forward and lunges at the officer, he is in such close proximity, and presents a clear danger of deadly force, the officer is left with no option other than to use deadly force to protect himself, the other officer and the three civilians that were present. The use of deadly force is completely justified and therefore, the homicide was justified.”

 

Toxicology reports, which were included in the final investigation, showed there was no marijuana or alcohol in Reddie’s system when he was killed.

 

Reddie had been seeking permanent custody of his son and was due in court for a hearing on that matter three days after he was killed.

 

“They took the only thing he ever loved,” Reddie’s mother, Michelle VanBuren, told the Avalanche after the prosecutor’s announcement.

 

VanBuren said she was baffled by the conduct of authorities, especially since no evidence or alcohol or marijuana use was found. She said she had been in contact with her son throughout that day.

“I was on the phone with my son all day, and that cop was bullying him and harassing him so badly,” she said. “Where was protect and serve?” VanBuren asked. “The officers always have to stick together and for them to do this is just totally uncalled for.”

 

VanBuren said the family would continue to fight to ensure that CPS and law enforcement are held accountable for their actions. “They need to be held accountable and they will be held accountable believe you me,” she said.

 

Reddie’s family is not alone in questioning police and CPS actions. “I can’t believe they (police) could not subdue Will without killing him, and over what, marijuana,” said Joanne Michal, who knew Reddie for half of his life. “Why didn’t police just arrest him or cite him for marijuana instead of removing his child?” she told the Herald-Times.

 

“It is particularly sad that Will was shot to death right in front of his son,” Michal continued. “Why not use a Taser? Even if he (Will) had a knife and lunged at police, they didn’t have to kill him. Instead of using a Taser, you shoot him in front of his child. It is just totally unjustified. They didn’t have to kill him. I think it’s very sad that his life was taken during the removal of his son. And the smell of marijuana shouldn’t have been a reason for an emergency order. Just a few days before he was killed, Will was visiting, and he was so excited because a hearing was coming up for custody. And it seemed to give him hope of getting permanent custody. His son was everything to him.”

 

Crawford County Clerk Sandra Moore said she also knew Reddie. “It’s truly a shame,”Moore said. “He was a good guy and very fond of his son. He had been very excited just days before” about gaining permanent custody.

 

Cameron Reddie is now in foster care. His father’s family is seeking visitation rights.

 

Meanwhile, Deputy Klepadlo, who had been on administrative leave after the shooting, is back on the job.

[Greg Rx]

Can you change the title, please?

[Dr. Bob]

This happened a couple of years ago.  I remember there were protests and I purposefully held a clinic in Grayling to express my displeasure.  CPS has demonized medical marijuana- and regularly uses it as justification for intervention.  Had he been smoking cannabis WITH a 3 year old, I could see concern- though I seriously doubt any harm would occur.  I think a claim, probably by his ex, that he was smoking in front of a 3 year old does not require the use of force to remove the child from the home.  But in typical fashion they nuke the ant hill with a show of force, he apparently dared to resist (as I recall he picked up a knife) and the police elected to use deadly force rather than back down.

 

People need help when dealing with CPS to protect their rights.  They need legal representation and access to experts.  Police need to temper their response to these emotional situations- it is not a hostage situation or a bank robbery.  There is room to back off and let the situation cool down.

 

Dr. Bob

[imiubu]

...

[phaquetoo]

I cant beleive it says they had their taser's employed but grabbed their guns when he lunged for them with a knife!

 

How did they have time to put away their tasers and get their guns out?

 

I would think the taser would have stopped him imediatly!

 

Only in america can you be paid by gov, local gov to get paid a salary to unjustly kill people!

 

F u c k Cops, cps and the court systems when it comes to mj and killer cops!

 

I hope his family owns grayling when its over!

 

Peace

 

p.s not a feel good story mal!  more like a feel like s hit story of the day!  kind of a strange name for a title with this kind of content, but to each his own!

[+Malamute]

The title is not nearly as absurd as the article and what happened.

 

I also put in a warning header to the story.

 

But to complain about the title I put on and not the story? *shrug*

[imiubu]

I remember when this happened.  Such an atrocity that will never be vindicated.

 

It blows my mind each time I read "justifiable homicide" when a knife or other easily

defensible weapon is present when leo has guns.

[Greg Rx]

The title is not nearly as absurd as the article and what happened.

 

I also put in a warning header to the story.

 

But to complain about the title I put on and not the story? *shrug*

Not complaining about the story but I wasn't in the mood for such a downer. Kept reading hoping for the happy ending,

[Greg Rx]

I remember when this happened.  Such an atrocity that will never be vindicated.

 

It blows my mind each time I read "justifiable homicide" when a knife or other easily

defensible weapon is present when leo has guns.

Something very "fishy" about a rational person facing an armed PO with a kitchen knife. My guess is, it didn't happen.

[phaquetoo]

We will never know!

 

Its Kewl mal, Who the phaq am I to judge!

 

Peace

[+Malamute]

Not complaining about the story but I wasn't in the mood for such a downer. Kept reading hoping for the happy ending,

 

It ruined my morning too.

 

Just wanted to drag ya'll down with me....!

 

;-p

 

And yea,... the whole thing smells fishy indeed.

[trichcycler]

Never invite a leo into your home.

I'm surprised  the MI crime lab didn't find all kinds of drugs in the dead mans' system.

[Dr. Bob]

Just got a post on the campaign Facebook page.  One guy came on and said to really push my treatment vs incarceration approach to addiction, but then made it a point to tell me he thought I should de-emphasis my approach to strengthen the public defender's office to fund trials rather than pleas, experts, etc.  Looked him up, he is a corrections officer.  Seems a stronger public defender program is getting some folks worried.  Just confirms this story, people facing the cops and CPS need legal representation to protect their rights.  Right now CPS and the Cops hold all the cards, and defendants are forced to take pleas.  Wonder if he had access to a strong attorney, they might have taken a less aggressive approach?  What do folks think?

 

Dr. Bob

[trichcycler]

those "court appointed attorneys " are real strong in court often when they're not court appointed.  no cash to pay plea bargain is the way

[phaquetoo]

Just got a post on the campaign Facebook page.  One guy came on and said to really push my treatment vs incarceration approach to addiction, but then made it a point to tell me he thought I should de-emphasis my approach to strengthen the public defender's office to fund trials rather than pleas, experts, etc.  Looked him up, he is a corrections officer.  Seems a stronger public defender program is getting some folks worried.  Just confirms this story, people facing the cops and CPS need legal representation to protect their rights.  Right now CPS and the Cops hold all the cards, and defendants are forced to take pleas.  Wonder if he had access to a strong attorney, they might have taken a less aggressive approach?  What do folks think?

 

Dr. Bob

 

Way to get that plug in there big guy!

those "court appointed attorneys " are real strong in court often when they're not court appointed.  no cash to pay plea bargain is the way

I once got a court appt attny who was the prosecuting attny for a city in the next county!  He was fricking awsome, talk about a lucky break!

 

Peace

[Dr. Bob]

those "court appointed attorneys " are real strong in court often when they're not court appointed.  no cash to pay plea bargain is the way

 

Exactly  they get the same if they plea or take to trial.  That's the problem.  I am aware of one murder case I was involved with that the PD got 40K and the state spent 480K.  I am personally aware of one in my District where this same for plea or trial was confirmed.  We arranged for another attorney to step in free of charge.

 

We need to provide the PD's with incentive in the form of money to go to trial, get experts and get investigators.  Justice should not be a function of ability to pay, and people deserve a day in court.  To quote our attorney friend Neil R 'court- is it my understanding you are rejecting the plea the prosecutor offered?  neil- yes because that's what innocent people do, see you Thursday!'.

 

 

 

Dr. Bob

[zachw]

Tragic story.

 

But add me to the growing list of folks who did not appreciate how the topic was worded.

[mrdookie]

If medicine is leaving your garden in exchange of cash, I would have the best attorney possible on retainer immediately and I'd grab 10 of their business cards to have in my wallet at all times.

 

If you find your rights violated, sue these jerk departments every time.  If you can also sue the officer personally, do it.

 

Always file a complaint that will sit in the cops personal file for eternity.

 

If they want to play games with our lives, we get to play games with theirs.  Hit them were it hurts.... the wallet.

Edited March 25, 2016 by mrdookie

[trichcycler]

problem is once they violate your rights, which includes stealing your money, locking your bank, and taking your vehicles, then you fight to win those things back, .....theres not much money left to "sue" anyone.

[solabeirtan]

Exactly  they get the same if they plea or take to trial.  That's the problem.  I am aware of one murder case I was involved with that the PD got 40K and the state spent 480K.  I am personally aware of one in my District where this same for plea or trial was confirmed.  We arranged for another attorney to step in free of charge.

 

We need to provide the PD's with incentive in the form of money to go to trial, get experts and get investigators. 

 

How much you think they'll need?  We gave PDs state wide last year something like $3,000,000 out of our MMMP fund.

They had trouble with the rules, filling out the request forms, etc. Surely they will be better this year.  

Nice team work guys Mal pullls it from the foul line, flips it to the Bob who makes an amazing splam of it... 

[imiubu]

  sola

[solabeirtan]

mi placer, dulce corazon... tener un día maravilloso!

[solabeirtan]

Can you change the title, please?

 

 

How did they have time to put away their tasers and get their guns out?

 

I would think the taser would have stopped him imediatly!

 

Only in america can you be paid by gov, local gov to get paid a salary to unjustly kill people!

 

 

Peace

 

p.s not a feel good story mal!  more like a feel like s hit story of the day!  kind of a strange name for a title with this kind of content, but to each his own!

 

But to complain about the title I put on and not the story? That and the *spam*

 

Not complaining about the story but I wasn't in the mood for such a downer. Kept reading hoping for the happy ending,

 

 

Tragic story.

 

But add me to the growing list of folks who did not appreciate how the topic was worded.

 

 

It ruined my morning too. 

 

Just wanted to drag ya'll down with me....!

 

;-p 

 

And yea,... the whole thing smells fishy indeed.

 

pewwwee it does... Thanks for changing the title though...  

 

Agreed that it was another of a long list of senseless, unfair acts perpetuated on the peeps by those already paid to serve and protect... the innocent, loving, caring and taxpaying  public.  CPS should be especially proud of what they were responsible for. *not* How can they explain this to that child and his family. *they can't / won't* 

 

If that cop had any scruples at all he needs to minimally provide  to that child support till the day he joins the kids father ...in his grave!

[phaquetoo]

But to complain about the title I put on and not the story? That and the *spam*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

what does that sentence mean?  Im guessing the I is a typo or did you make the title lol!

 

What happened to this guy and his kid and family is horrible, I did comment on the content and p.s'd a comment about the title in good humor, at least I thought it was in good humor,,,

 

I said I didnt think the title fit the content and added to each his own, heck who am I to judge mal?  and I have no problem with mal, we have shot spit balls at each other, but for the most part I respect his post's and info!

 

Peace

[mrdookie]

problem is once they violate your rights, which includes stealing your money, locking your bank, and taking your vehicles, then you fight to win those things back, .....theres not much money left to "sue" anyone.

 

For sure, been there but plan accordingly.  Expect them to come and rob you but be ready.   They can't steal what they can't find or do not know exists.  Sitting on cash in a house or bank account is asking for trouble.  Silver and gold can be hidden easily, they can be put in the ground, behind baseboards, in a family members safe.  I'd love to talk with an attorney to find out if anyone has used a trust in defense of assets in mmmp issues, there could be potential there for protecting cars.

 

In my bust in '09, my neighbor said they searched my house for 12 hours...lol.  This was a 2 bedroom, 950 sq feet, no basement house.  They were looking for the money - they never found ANY.   They did find a small coin stash but the bulk was at my parents and that paid for my defense.   Funny story, 3 days before my bust I made a youtube video of the coins at my house.  In the raid the cops stole the coins and never listed them on the evidence report.  My attorney at the time said do not report it now, they will pull you over, plant drugs on you and violate your probation = straight to prison.  When I got off probation I immediately filed an Internal Affairs complaint and used the video as proof the coins existed.  The 12 cops in my house that day will have that in their file forever.

 

I was excited to have my card coming, excited to be legal and protected.   Only to find this bs is going on.  It is disgusting.   The war on drugs continues on... be a soldier.