Police knew 'madman' had illegal guns before killing rampage

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Don Thompson and Jocelyn Gecker, Associated Press
 Updated 7:31 pm, Wednesday, November 15, 2017

RANCHO TEHAMA RESERVE, Calif. (AP) — A day after a California gunman killed five people in the country's latest shooting rampage, police faced accusations of having previously turned a blind eye to the troubled shooter who was known for firing off guns despite a court order that barred him from owning firearms.

At a tense news conference Wednesday, police conceded that neighbors had repeatedly complained about Kevin Janson Neal firing hundreds of rounds from his house.
 
Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston said authorities responded to calls several times, but the 44-year-old Neal wouldn't open the door, so they left.

"He was not law enforcement friendly. He would not come to the door," Johnston said. "You have to understand we can't anticipate what people are going to do. We don't have a crystal ball."

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Northern-California-gunman-kills-4-wounds-10-in-12358361.php

[JDC]

1. We dont have a Crystal Ball

A grossly incompetent statement given the history and outcome.

[Fred Sanders]

2. Crystal ball not required. Law ENFORCEMENT is. Feeling rather guilty, as he should.

Once more America's sacred cow, the Gun, is untouchable until used as designed.

Are the RW thoughts and prayers for the victims of Gun violence...or the misunderstood assault weapons?

Madman with illegal guns terrifying the town. What could go wrong. Bets on whether he was white or not?

[Wellstone ruled]

3. How come 25 minutes or more for

Police to be on scene? Something is very very wrong . Mr. Sheriff,time to go. You blew it big time.

[KT2000]

4. I don't understand -

this is crazy. They could have prevented this.

[Fred Sanders]

5. Well, the madman was white and not Muslim, so....no point pissing off the NRA.

[KT2000]

10. society is falling apart n/t

[flotsam]

6. It seems this could have been prevented.

And I imagine it would have been if he was black.

[mercuryblues]

7. violent white guy with a gun

police are too afraid to uphold the law.


Non-violent unarmed black man, police are so afraid of him they have to shoot him.

[BigmanPigman]

8. I am glad the school staff DID their jobs

and went into lock down immediately saving numerous lives at the school site. I taught first grade in CA for over 15 years and had to have these drills all the time. Teachers aren't police but we protect our citizens. The police officers who allowed this to happen should be thoroughly reprimanded or fired.

[LisaL]

9. Oh jeez. If he doesn't open the door, get a warrant.

This is just nuts.

[Not Ruth]

11. Sue the cops

[marble falls]

12. Each of his multiple personalities had 2nd amendment rights, dammit. The cops' hands were tied....

just like some of victims' hands were.