The Meridian Police Department has refused to publicly identify the officers who were involved in shooting at a suspect drunk driver. The Meridian DUI arrest shooting occurred when the driver attempted to flee the patrol vehicles and injured an officer in the process.
The suspect was previously identified by the police as Michele Green, 43. Green led the MPD officers on a four mile chase which began near Locust Grove Road and Chinden Boulevard. After repeated attempts to make her stop, the police were finally able to box her vehicle in.
This was when Green attempted to flee once again. As she did so, she pinned an MPD officer between her vehicle and the patrol vehicle. Upon this, at least two other officers present on the scene discharged their weapons and shot at Green. One of the bullets fired by the officers hit Green in the arm.
MPD publicly identified the officer injured in the Meridian DUI arrest shooting. The department has stated that it doesn’t identify officers involved in Officer Involved Shootings as a rule. However, the injured officer’s name was included in the probable cause affidavit for Green’s arrest. He was identified as Cpl. Michael Netherton.
Netherton sustained injuries to his hand and left knee during the incident. He has since been off-duty and is recovering from his injuries. A spokeswoman for the department confirmed that Netherton’s leg and hand are in braces for now.
The other two officers who discharged their weapons remain unidentified. According to the spokeswoman, this policy is followed for the well-being of the officers and their families. This is in contrast to the Boise Police Department that has identified its officers involved in recent shootings. Other law enforcement agencies as well, such as the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, have identified their officers involved in shooting incidents.
Contact our Boise DUI attorneys today.
Source: https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/meridian-police-department-wont-identify-officers-who-fired/article_0ab1ba2c-e03e-5597-b08e-f5de91c254b2.html