August 2024. Blues Vol 40 No.8

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64 The Blues - August ‘24 The legal question before the Maryland Supreme Court did not concern whether Corporal Ruby’s actions violated Korryn Gaines’ rights. The case before the justices focused on whether he violated Kodi’s Fourteenth Amendment right to substantive due process. Kodi was injured by the bullet that struck Korryn Gaines. The state’s highest court ruled, in a 40-plus page opinion, that Ruby is entitled to qualified immunity in this matter, protecting him from civil or criminal penalties for Kodi’s injuries. The NPA’s involvement stems from its vested interest in the legal frameworks and protections available to law enforcement officers. By submitting this brief, the NPA aimed to ensure that the legal standards applied in this case did not undermine the operational efficacy and legal protections crucial to law enforcement officers. The NPA defended the doctrine of qualified immunity, arguing that it is essential for enabling police officers to perform their duties without the constant fear of litigation. The NPA argued that without such protections, law enforcement officers would be hesitant to make split-second decisions in critical situations, which could compromise public safety. The brief highlighted the potential negative consequences of eroding qualified immunity. It argued that weakening this doctrine could lead to increased litigation against officers, diverting resources away from policing efforts and toward legal defense. This would undermine the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and compromise public safety. The brief underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between holding law enforcement accountable and ensuring that officers can perform their duties without undue hindrance. The NPA contended that qualified immunity strikes this balance by providing protection to officers acting in good faith while still allowing for accountability in cases of clear constitutional violations. SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFF BUYS 17 MUSTANG GTS FOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS TEAM The deputies in the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s Community Action Team (a.k.a. CAT) will now be driving new muscle cars. Sheriff Leon Lott pulled the cover off of 17 new Ford Mustang GTs with agency markings July 1. The department said it hopes the flashy vehicles will help start conversations and build relationships with the community at large. “We’re not picking a car just because it’s a cool car to drive, but cool cars attract people to come and build a relationship with us,” Lott told The State. “These are hot cars. Kids and adults see them and like them, and then come up to the car and start talking to the deputy.” While the cars have law enforcement markings, they don’t feature the standard light bar of a patrol car, Road and Track reports. The department has a total of 15 officers working in the CAT unit, each with their own respective neighborhood in Richland County — which encompasses Columbia, S.C. and much of its surrounding areas. BWC: FLEEING SUSPECT HITS FLA. OFFICER WITH STOLEN VEHICLE, STRIKES SEVERAL CRUISERS DURING PURSUIT By Joanna Putman Police1 PORT ORANGE, Fla. — Port Orange police released bodyworn camera footage showing a pursuit and arrest of a suspect accused of using a stolen car to knock over an officer and ram police vehicles, ClickOrlando. com reported. The July 5 incident began when officers located the stolen car, according to the report. As an officer approached the vehi-

cle and attempted to detain the suspect, the suspect threw the car into reverse, knocking the officer over, body-camera video released on July 8 shows. The suspect then drove off, leading multiple officers on a pursuit. Throughout the pursuit, the suspect struck several police cruisers, video shows. At one point, an officer is heard reporting a successful stop stick deployment. After losing control of the vehicle, the suspect can be seen fleeing on foot toward a wooded area. An officer caught up with the suspect, tackling him to the ground. The suspect was arrested without further incident. The suspect faces multiple charges, including grand theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony and three counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. FLORIDA SHERIFF SAYS HE’S INCENSED OVER VEHICLE AT- TACK ON DEPUTY Days after a Hillsborough County, Florida, Sheriff’s deputy was released from the hospital after being run over by a suspect during a traffic stop, the Sheriff Chad Chronister says the suspect has been arrested. “I’m incensed that any human being would inflict this type of violence against another human being in our wonderful, special Tampa Bay community. I’m absolutely incensed that this bad guy had zero regard for human life,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said during a press conference Tuesday. According to Chronister, Deputy Kalin Hall was working overtime to take part in HCSO’s impaired driver operation during the Fourth of July holiday when he was run over during a traffic stop Friday, ABC 13 reports. Chronister said Hall got out of his car and the suspect driving a BMW put the vehicle in gear and hit the gas, intentionally striking Hall, and running him over. After he fled the traffic stop, the suspect—identified by authorities as identified as 24-yearold William Todd Lewis, Jr.—reportedly called his girlfriend who called his mother. Lewis ditched the BMW, and his mother reportedly picked him up and drove him home. Lewis was charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of cannabis more than 20 grams, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, reckless driving with serious bodily injury, aggravated fleeing to elude serious bodily injury or death, fleeing to elude a police officer. Lewis’ girlfriend, Keilise Garrison, 23, was also arrested. She was charged with accessory The Blues - August ‘24 65