Politech: FC: Photoblog: FBI runs over scientist who photographs Fed SUV

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

[Anyone want to bet that if a civilian had been driving an SUV that struck 
a pedestrian in Georgetown and then took off, the driver would have been 
arrested and charged with a hit and run crime? But federal police 
apparently live by different rules, or, put another way, are above the law. 
Or take a case a few days ago when police screwed up and raided the wrong 
apartment in a no-knock-flash-bang-grenade drug raid, causing its lawful 
occupant to die of a heart attack 
(http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-police-raid-death,0,2640285.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines). 
If a civilian had committed a similar mistake, wouldn't you expect to see a 
manslaughter or some type of murder charge filed? Again, different rules. 
--Declan]
---

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10736-2003May19.html

[...]

   According to Clawson, Hatfill and his girlfriend were driving to the
   Georgetown section of Washington while being followed by several
   vehicles. A green sport utility vehicle was following especially
   closely, Clawson said.

   Shortly before 4:30 p.m., Hatfill's car pulled into a parking spot on
   the street and Hatfill got out with a camera to take photos of those
   trailing him. Hatfill told officers the driver of the green SUV "had
   been recording his movements all day when he decided to take a picture
   back," according to the police report.

   The driver of the green SUV then drove off, striking Hatfill, the
   reports said.

[...]




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