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(NSFW) Suspect Attacks Virginia Cop With His Own Baton, Gets Shot
Published 5 months ago
This footage, provided by the Police Department in Strasburg, Virginia, was released in defense of Officer George Rathore, who was recently cleared in his actions for self-defense, after a two-year investigation. In this footage, a suspect steals his baton and strikes him in the head, at which point Rathore shoots and kills her. Viewer discretion is advised.
The video begins with security footage, overlaid with the 911 call that dispatched Officer Rathore to a hotel in Strasburg. Therein, the suspect, Melissa Tompkins, 40, had ransacked and looted the employee area and stockroom. She can be seen in the video pilfering and breaking random things, and throwing them at guests and employees. At 01:40, she flees down the hotel’s hallway and loots a fire extinguisher. All of this establishes a pattern of erratic behavior and mental health concern.
At 02:38, the perspective shifts to Officer Rathore as he arrives, making contact with Tompkins. She immediately gets combative with Rathore and flees. Rathore chases and tries to utilize his TASER, but it fails. In the fight that follows, it is difficult to discern what happens from the camera’s perspective alone, but Tompkins both tries to wrap the officer’s mic cord around his throat and steals his baton. At 04:34, she raises the baton and strikes Rathore in the head. At this point, he shoots her four times in the chest. His distress, both physical and emotional, is obvious.
At 05:34, the last approximate minute documents medical aid rendered to Tompkins. Despite 6.5 minutes of CPR and rapid transport to an area hospital, Tompkins died from injuries sustained.
This incident is a tragedy the whole way around. Because Rathore depended on his TASER and didn’t use enough force at the right time, not only did the issue reach a level of lethal force, but he also had to endure a two-year use-of-force investigation, prompting him to live it over and over again.
About the Author
Cole Simms
Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.
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