Redwood Curtain CopWatch, based in the north coast of California, is part of a larger movement of self organized CopWatch groups throughout the US. Our local efforts seek to intervene in the drastic rise of the presence, militarization, and violence of the police, and build support networks based on self-determination, caring, and concrete needs.
Blue Lake California
Sheriff Philp Investigates And Sends His Own Officers Back On The Streets -after they killed Robert Garth-- Business As Usual!
Submitted by copwatch on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 2:50pmHumboldt County Sheriff's deputies going back on duty after shooting death
The Times-Standard Posted: 08/13/2010 01:15:16 AM PDT
The two Humboldt County Sheriff's deputies involved in the shooting death of Robert Garth near Blue Lake on Saturday are returning to duty today.
After reviewing physical evidence, officer statements and witness statements, Sheriff Gary Philp decided to return seven-year veteran Deputy Dave Lundie and Deputy John Fomasi to regular duty, according to a Sheriff's Office press release. Philp determined that neither deputy violated Sheriff's Office policy or procedure during the incident.
An investigation was opened after Garth's death. He was shot multiple times after allegedly approaching officers aggressively with the metal handle of a garden rake and refusing to comply with officers' orders on State Route 299 west of Blue Lake.
The case will be forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office for review, including autopsy and toxicology reports.
Sheriff's Officers Opened Fire On Robert Garth: "The cops didn't even give him a chance," says witness neighbor.
Humboldt County Sheriff Officers shot and killed Robert Garth in the morning of Saturday August 7, 2010. CopWatchers and friends of the Garth family went to Blue Lake, after learning of the shooting. We took lots of video and photos. We want here to share what we learned, in brief.
First this: As we write this post (Saturday night, August 7, 2010), we anticipate two things. The first is that the media (i.e. Thadues Greenson of the Times-Standard who was in Blue Lake) will parrot, stating as fact, the police story. That's what the media ALWAYS does.
