…and in this case-maybe the BEST solution is to give THEM the tools??
Approx 2345 on 7 February 2006 Engine 4 was Dispatched to assist Police by Forcing-entry on a residence where “shots were reportedly fired.” Call location was a Condo complex consisting of long buildings. Numerous Police cruisers were parked all the way into the complex, but none met us until we had driven right up to within 40 feet of the rear of the unit they wanted to enter. On arrival we made contact with an officer (not the incident commander) who advised us they had received reports of five shots being fired in the complex and had narrowed the source down to this center unit. They further stated that the Grandmother who lived there left right after the shots were heard with her grandson who was holding his head, and returned shortly after without him. PD had gotten no answer at the door and wished the FD to force-entry so they could make sure everyone was ok in the house. PD had numerous officers surrounding the unit, prepared to make entry. Due to the driveway layout our approach was to the rear of the unit in a common parking area. We used irons to force the door, and as the PD ran in, a young male opened a window above us demanding to know what was going on. We shined a hand light on him and told him the PD were on the way up, notifying the PD as well to his presence. Needless to say, we decided it was time for us to return to the Engine and move back a bit until we were sure there was no EMS required at the scene.
These people were trying to avoid contact with the Police after some type of incident. Had this young male been armed, and wanted to shoot us – we were too close, with no cover or escape route.