Rookie Officer Who Shot Christian Taylor Fired for ‘Poor Judgment’

Christian Taylor Brad Miller

The Texas police officer who shot and killed unarmed teenager Christian Taylor was fired from the Arlington Police Department.

Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson announced the officer's termination during a press conference on Tuesday. Chief Johnson said there was no physical contact between Taylor, 19, and rookie officer Brad Miller, 49, at an Arlington car dealership.

Johnson's statement contradicted earlier reports that Taylor struggled with Miller and another officer when they responded to a silent alarm triggered after Taylor crashed his Jeep through the car dealership's glass doors.

While outlining the events leading up to the fatal shooting of Christian Taylor, Johnson said rookie officer Brad Miller “exercised poor judgment” that led to “cascading consequences.” Miller’s “unilateral decision to enter the building alone and to pursue [Christian Taylor] helped create an unrecoverable outcome,” Johnson said, adding that the decision put other officers on the scene at risk. Source

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    • Neicey

      So Sandra your theory about the rookie officer being justified in pulling his weapon was a little off track to say the least. And u just kept justifying why he was correct to use deadly force. I'm not going to say u were wrong. Many other people already said as much..

    • 1shy112

      Mmhmmm ???

    • BRING THE PAYNE

      A 49 year old ROOKIE...and this doesn't bother me as much as the fact that he forewent training where he wood not have had to approach this young man alone.

    • http://Copblock.org aDingoDrankMyBabies

      Not going to comment on this story on this site, but yeah...49 year old rookie...Don't bother you as much, does bother me as much...Says a lot? Couldn't pass the test a few times maybe? At 49 you finally found a way to take out your locker room envy/frustrations maybe? But yeah, no comment.

    • http://sandrarose.com SandraRose

      The media disseminated false information that he was fighting with the officers. As it turns out there was no contact. I still say he died as a result of his own actions that put him in the position to get shot.

    • Lorenzo Chaps

      I will agree with that. I think once you're out of sight, it's your word against the police. Like I said before though, CCTV cameras are at these dealerships, interior and exterior. Clearly something was caught on tape that showed the cop was probably too eager and could've taken other measures to get control of the situation. Lawsuit.

    • imright

      dont get the #BlackLivesMatter movement involved w ppl doin dumb ish ??

    • 1/8

      The police department fired the officer to mitigate their damages. We all know a wrongful death lawsuit is coming down the pike.

      Pretty soon, police are going to stop responding to our 911 calls and I can't say that I'd blame them.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      You're a piece of work.
      Actually you're a piece of sh!t!!
      So because they rightfully got rid of a very stupid incompetent cop you think they should protest by not doing their jobs?

      GFY!!

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      Just got to find a way to blame the victim,huh?

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      (White) Massachusetts man assaulted 7 officers after traffic stop, ranted about Ferguson, saluted in mug shot: cops

      A Massachusetts man, who gave a salute in his shirtless mug shot, assaulted seven Revere police officers after what was supposed to be a simple traffic stop, police said in a statement.

      Joseph Parker, 34, of Wakefield, was driving through a construction zone when police asked him to slow down at about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday morning, police said.

      Instead, Parker allegedly jumped out of his car and punched one officer, Lt. Jeremiah Goodwin, in the head. He then headed towards a second officer. Goodwin fell on concrete after Parker punched him, and suffered a concussion.

      That started a violent spree that included attacking three officers who tried to arrest him, and three more cops once he was booked at the police station, authorities said.

      Police said Parker appeared to be on drugs during the alleged attack, screaming “F--- you cops with your guns” and ranting about Ferguson, Mo.

      http://www.nydailynews.com/new...

    • 1/8

      Let's take your job for example: How would you feel if every time you screwed up an order or accidentally dropped a Big Mac on the floor, protests and violence erupted?

      *In my Florence from The Jeffersons voice: Don't come for me, chile!

    • 1/8

      In all seriousness, we have not been presented with all the facts. We have not heard the officer's side of the story.

      Okay, let's say the officer failed to follow the proper protocol for following a suspect into a building... does that infraction warrant disciplinary action or a firing?

      Furthermore, once inside, what were the conditions? Was it dark? Was the suspect hiding? Was the suspect combative and refusing to obey police orders? Did the suspect indicate verbally or by guestures that he was possibly armed?

      I realize your emotions are clouding your judgement, but this case isn't black and white... pun intended.

      If he hasn't already done so, I hope the officer seeks legal counsel.

    • Neicey

      I remember you saying him driving his vehicle through the window was enough for the officer to use deadly force. Did the media present inaccurate information like blogs sometimes do? Or did Mr. Rookie lie trying to cover his azz? Most people know actions create reactions. In this case you were wrong and the officer was wrong. Mr. Rookie is no longer a cop and you have never been. Let's just thank God for small miracles.

    • Yes, I’m That Leah

      I mean, really.

    • Sexy CJ

      rookie officer Brad Miller “exercised poor judgment” that led to “cascading consequences.” Miller’s “unilateral decision to enter the building alone and to pursue [Christian Taylor] helped create an unrecoverable outcome,”

    • MsEducated

      Yea...this is sad...he did seem as if he was on something either way...he was unarmed. ..smh do better police..

    • Buttercup

      The proactive approach would be not to give an officer a gun until he has successfully completed field training. Too bad the police chief chose to be reactive in this case.

    • jeniefrumdabloc™
    • Buttercup

      You are correct. It's been reported that Miller left his partner and charged ahead (mistake 1). When his partner noticed he was missing, he went to find him . Miller didn't discuss an arrest plan with his partner before proceeding (mistake 2). He drew his firearm and his partner didn't feel that threatened and drew his taser (he's out).

    • Buttercup

      It's okay. The man who knows everything knows that he knows nothing at all. *San Smile*

    • jeniefrumdabloc™

      Chile ..... some of these comments .... lawd

    • SameoleJ

      "In all seriousness, we have not been presented with all the facts. We have not heard the officer's side of the story."

      And we will never get to hear the young man's side of the story, which could also paint a complete picture of the events, as they transpired.

      "Furthermore, once inside, what were the conditions? Was it dark? Was the suspect hiding? Was the suspect combative and refusing to obey police orders? Did the suspect indicate verbally or by guestures that he was possibly armed?"

      Police are trained to deal with these kinds of conditions......correction- properly trained officers are able to deal with all the conditions listed above. Furthermore, they have stated that there was no physical contact, so NO, according to the department, he was not combative. Disregarding police orders (as I am not fond of the term "obeying orders") does not warrant him being shot, as ignoring someone has never ever caused them physical harm nor should it cause fear of physical harm. And unless they have a recording of the events, we will never know if the suspect indicated anything, unless we go by the officer's version.......which, of late, we have found are not always "reliable" and tend to not be fact-based.

      "Okay, let's say the officer failed to follow the proper protocol for following a suspect into a building... does that infraction warrant disciplinary action or a firing?"

      His failure to follow proper protocol resulted in what his superior is calling "cascading consequences" and further stated that it was his (Miller's) "unilateral decision to enter the building alone and to pursue [Christian Taylor] helped create an unrecoverable outcome,”. If you do not follow protocol at work, you run the risk of being fired.......except your actions will, more than likely, NOT cause a death.

      All emotions aside, and with clear judgment (remove the extra E), I can say this is black or white. Clearly the officer was not and perhaps may have never been police material, but the lack of proper training (for those who are equip to handle this profession) and the lack of proper screening (for those who are not equip for this line of work) is an epidemic and has resulted in these tragic outcomes. I am all for #BLACKLIVESMATTER, but I can also see the bigger issue and unless there is some serious overhauling of the law enforcement, things are just going to keep going to hell in a hand basket.

    • Danielle Mac

      So why have a Tazer if its not used when needed.

    • Just Keya

      New Post

    • Unita Lucinda “Lucy” Freebush

      Welcome

    • Unita Lucinda “Lucy” Freebush

      Welcome

    • Unita Lucinda “Lucy” Freebush

      I'm either confused, crying, or laughing to keep from crying.

    • JerseyMom

      It's a start, but I need a murder conviction.

    • 88

      Of course the media per the police provided false information. Sure he had no business being were he was but it did not warrant the death penalty.

    • http://sandrarose.com SandraRose

      Wrong. I said the officer was right to draw his weapon. If you're a homeowner, and some crazy vandalizes your car then drives his car through your front door and walks around inside your house, are you going to offer him coffee? I think any prudent gun owner would draw his weapon under those circumstances. But cops, whose lives are threatened every day, are supposed to be miracle workers and calm these crazys down?

    • http://sandrarose.com SandraRose

      The victim placed himself in harm's way. Stop blaming others.

    • Queen Negus

      Gm Sandra and Rose Garden!! That is great news which indicates HE WAS IN THE WRONG!! yAHHHH

    • Queen Negus

      WELL SAID!!

    • Queen Negus

      You said the correct thing ..I dont come here for news I come for Gossip and all the stuff that goes with it!! I love this blog and been coming since Day 1!

    • Queen Negus

      I saw that too. I have a family member who was on police force 20 years and retired before 49!!

    • Queen Negus

      Well Said!!

    • Queen Negus

      WELL SAID!!!

      l

    • ABbaby

      Correct

    • Cricket404

      So if I blackout in Walmart and knock over the $2.99 Campbell's soup display because they selling it at the Murda Kroger on Ponce for 10 for $10. It's OK for the po po to shoot me because why?

    • E Love

      Lol...

    • surprise2012

      HMM, A 49 YEAR OLD ROOKIE... blank STARE.

    • VV

      standing ovation @sameolej:disqus you said that!!!! clap.clap!

    • SoChlo

      It's so sad that we've become a society that places material value over that of a human life. Those cars could easily be replaced and the property damage could easily be fixed. People are easy to shoot and kill someone over their made in China goods. I can't wait for the day guns are seen as barbaric. Do better planet Earth.

    • KayDot

      I got to the part about them 'asking him to slow down' & knew he was white. Talk about Complexion for the protection. They say we (black ppl) make everything about race, but its evident in situations like this that everything IS about race..

    • KayDot

      I believe in another post you mentioned that you are white... Am I right or am I confusing you with someone else?....

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      Bad analogy.
      The dealership was unoccupied so no one's life was in danger--just inanimate objects.
      You keep reaching to justify the cold blooded murder of another unarmed black youth.
      You just hate being wrong or maybe you just hate.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      A cop's job isn't even in the top ten most dangerous.
      Comparing a cop to a burger flipper is odd since usually both of them have the same IQ.
      Cops have the power of life and death in their hands and they should be very judicious when they use it.
      I guess you don't see the problem that this idiot fired FOUR rounds when his partner fired his taser.
      Go ahead and excuse bad cops and the corrupt system that does favors and hires a 48 y/o who wakes up one morning and decides he wants to become a cop.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      The cop lied about there having been an altercation.
      The cop and the victim were never closer than ten feet to each other and yes the cop failed to follow proper procedure.
      What kind of stupid cop goes into a dark building without proper backup or at all.
      This cop sounds like George Zimmerman---looking for trouble and another black kid pays the price.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      The idiot cop had options.

      Why is it that his partner only fired a taser while he fired not one, not two, not three, but four rounds?

      And yes cops are supposed to be able to de-escalate situations-at least they are supposed to be trained to do so.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      People place themselves in all sorts of situations everyday but that doesn't justify the death penalty.

    • http://sandrarose.com SandraRose

      He should not have been there, period. Anything that happened to him after he crashed his Jeep through the glass doors was on him. You need to learn that there are consequences for your actions. Stop blaming others. You sound like a typical sociopath. I'm done debating with you. Have a nice day.

    • Enoughsaid2020

      SMH! May this young man rest in peace.

    • 1/8

      No. Biracial.

    • Queen Negus

      And used to be an Cosmetologist!! haha

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      So why was the cop fired?

      Oh I will tell you--because he didn't follow procedure or common sense.

      Then he lied about the physical altercation.

      Maybe you will come into contact with a crazy cop and see how it feels.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      I'm an engineer and probably earn more than twice what you do.

      Keep your petty insults to yourself since the facts are that the cop didn't follow procedure then he lied about the altercation.

      But according to you cops can do whatever they want and are justified.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      I find it truly disturbing that you were once a phychiactic nurse although you lack empathy.

      No , you sound like a sociapath. At least l care about other humans.

      All you keep saying is he shouldn't have been there. Well we all know that but cops are trained to handle situations with non-lethal means.

      They were able to handle that white guy who assaulted seven cops and he was so uninjured that he was saluting during his mugshot.

      You want to blame the victim in an attempt to make yourself believe that it can't happen to you, but it can.

      Deal with racism because you will be a victim one day.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      When you're a cop you have the power of life and death in your hands.

      You can ruin someone's life by falsely accusing someone of a crime.

      Your rant just proves how shallow and racist you are.

      If you're black you must be a Republican.

    • 1/8

      I am multi-racial (white father/African American and Lebanese mother), an independent, and the son of a retired police detective.

      However, none of these factors has anything to do with my ability to use critical thinking, as opposed to drawing conclusions based on emotions.

      Police officers have a very tough job and it's being made even harder, because of people like you, who refuse to hold lawbreakers accountable for their actions.

    • http://batman-news.com Roderick2011

      Holding lawbreakers responsible?

      Cops are supposed to arrest suspects if possible not be judge, juror and executioner.

      No cops' jobs are being made more difficult because they refuse to get rid of the bad cops and then they recruit people who aren't a good fit like the 49 y/o rookie who murdered Christian Taylor and lied about it.

      It's funny that you can't see through your own bias.

      I only wish I had as much power as you falsely claim I do.

    • Neicey

      Funny thing in my home if someone knocks on my door I going to pull my gun out. Hell if I hear a noise in my house I'm going to pull my gun out. I am not trained to encounter criminals and I'm not trained to decide when to use deadly force. I am a civilian and have less responsibility than an officer of the law. My house is not a business. I can draw down in my house anytime I feel like it. But if I run outside and kill someone running off from stealing my car radio. I'm going to jail. That's the breaks.

    • Neicey

      And I have been reading as long as u. Couldn't never get the registration thing together. So very happy to have disquis. ???

    • Queen Negus

      Welcome!!!!