Got this one on camera at least.

[The Dharma Bum]

[Spider]

We can see why he screwed up, in contrast with characterizing it as though he just randomly started shooting for no reason whatsoever. Its a rational consideration, as opposed to simply drawing a twisty mustache and forked tongue onto the guy. Despite the why of it, it was a gigantic screw up still.

That said, he deserves to serve time. But he won't.

[Homer]

[Spider]

He in fact DID suddenly reach into his car. His motions were fast and abrupt. Was it a justification for shooting? Absolutely not. But its plain as day why that sort of sudden movement, where both hands are hidden, and the guy then spins counterclockwise against the car door, further concealing the hands, could make the cop extremely nervous. Your opinions on the US constitution are irrelevancies.

Again, this does not justify the act, which is why the cop was fired and then charged with a felony. But it does create a causal context. Bottom line is the cop panicked and fired without just cause. But its not as though he was just randomly shooting people for shits and giggles, which is the vibe I get from a lot of comments here.

[jimmyz]

The cop should have relied on his open driver's side door and the body of the squad car for concealment from an exited driver in a pull-over. When the guy made his abrupt move for his wallet/licence the cop could have been more secure behind his door and/or squad car until he realized the driver had no weapon or threat to him. The cop was jumpy and rash in his judgement to shoot and didn't use good felony stop procedure for an exited driver. If the driver would have remained seated in his car the cop would have been calmer and able to use the stopped driver's car for his concealment in approaching the drivers window from behind as per usual procedure.

Bad execution and judgement by the cop. Nervous actions by the driver. If I were the cop I would have used my PA from inside the squad car to tel the driver to "get back into your vehicle". Called for back-up and saved my career and freedom.

Jumpy guys like that are not for police service IMO.