The New York Police Department is investigating why one of their sergeants ignored protocol for engaging with people who are mentally ill, instead fatally shooting a 66-year-old black woman on Oct. 19, reports the Washington Post.
Deborah Danner was armed with a baseball bat when officers entered her home. The officers were responding to a call made by one of Deborah’s neighbors who said that she was acting “in an irrational manner.” Armed with a Taser, Sgt. Hugh Barry fired his gun instead.
“We failed,” said NYPD commissioner James O’Neill.
He continued,
“Every life to me is precious. I think that we’ve been in this business a very long time, we’ve established procedures and protocols for handling emotionally disturbed people. That’s to keep everybody safe, that’s to keep the cops safe, the community safe, and the person that we’re dealing with safe.”
Sgt. Barry has been with the NYPD for eight years. Following Danner’s death, he was placed on modified duty. His service weapon was also seized from him.
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