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Woman assisting deer arrested
Published Thursday, September 24, 2009
NATCHEZ — When county resident Erika Felter called the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with an injured animal she found on Liberty Road, she never dreamed the incident would end with her in handcuffs.
Felter and her husband were traveling on Liberty Road Saturday evening when they came across a large buck they believed had been struck by a car and left injured on the side of the road.
“It looked like its back was broken and it was trying to crawl off the side of the road into the woods, but it couldn’t walk,” Felter said. “It just looked terrible.”
Felter called the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
A short time later Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy Darryl Longino arrived at the scene.
Felter said she asked Longino to shoot the animal to end its suffering.
Felter said Longino first shot the animal once in the throat and then once in the jaw approximately one minute later.
Neither shot killed the animal and seemed to only increase its pain, Felter said.
“I just kept asking (Longino) to shoot the animal in the head, and he kept saying that it would eventually die,” she said.
During the incident Felter’s brother arrived and provided Felter’s husband, Jonathan, a rifle with which to shoot the deer.
“At first the deputy said it was OK for me to shoot it in the head, then as I was about to, he changed his mind,” Felter’s husband said.
Jonathan Felter said as he turned to put the rifle back in his vehicle, his wife continued to plead with Longino to shoot the deer.
“She asked him to kill it, and then she was in handcuffs,” Jonathan Felter said.
Erika Felter said just before her arrest the deer’s loud cries brought her to tears.
“It was awful, and you could tell it was in pain,” she said. “Then (Longino) arrested me. He didn’t say what I was charged with or read me my rights, he just put the handcuffs on me and took me to jail.”
Felter later learned she was charged with failure to comply with a law enforcement official, which she felt was odd since she maintains Longino never asked or told her to do anything during the incident.
Adams County Sheriff Angie Brown said once Felter turns in the official paperwork to file a complaint the sheriff’s office will open an investigation.
“We’ll do an internal investigation to determine if there was any wrongdoing,” Brown said. “And if we find that any state laws or policies were violated, there will be disciplinary action.”
While Brown said she did not want Longino to discuss the incident with the press, she did say he would be working in his normal capacity as a deputy during the course of the investigation.
Felter said while she was glad to see the sheriff’s office taking action, the incident left her shaken.
“When you call a deputy for assistance, this is the last thing you think is going to happen,” Felter said. “People should not have to be afraid to call on them.”
Comments
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wrong call by everyone involved. If the deer was injured and posed no immediate threat to the public safety, an agent of Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries should have been called to handle the situation. If the deer posed no threat to public safety, the wildlife officer holds soul authority of humanely dispatching the injured animal. Any one else doing so is subject to arrest and fine. Including Deputy Longino! Sorry my good Deputy, but "crackbaby" deals in facts. LOL
I admire your concern Mrs. Felter. When someone is called upon to handle a problem that involves life or death, the problem can sometimes be overwhelming. Its those times, some of us would benefit to be on our way. The last thing we should do, is allow ourselves to be perceived as an addition to the problem at hand. LOL
Posted by honeybee74 (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i am glad mr.Longino is not running for sherriff. that is animal cruelty why is he even still allowed to work. because he made an inicent animal suffer. hope he doesn't hunt he sounds like he tortures animals. good Lord what is adams county coming to it was a lil bit better when ronnie was here.....Randy Freeman u have gotten my 100% vote. this is totally unbelievable.....so the deputy gets away with masacarring a helpless deer......u must be new or have no reguard to God's creatures.....shame on u.....
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Really sad that incompetance by law enforcement - would lead to an arrest.
Really sad that the deer had to suffer
Really sad that the sheriff did not just admit they screwed up - say sorry - end of matter.
People get upset when they see suffering - a deputy should be able to handle a situation like that - it is part of the job. They also should be able to shoot straight.
Sadly some officers/deputies get power happy and "if you don't comply" let's throw you in jail - even if it is the officer who is being unreasonable.
I know law enforcement is a difficult job - and poorly paid but sometimes they don't use common sense.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 6:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
crackbaby, I'm sure that's how it is on paper. But that ain't how it is out in the real Adams County.
Poor deputy can't shoot straight. But you would think there would have to be something more to this arrest. But then maybe not. Perhaps he (deputy) reasons like he shoots?
Posted by flylo (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why the Miss Lou has to put up with a crappy officer like that!!
I hope he's fired and never gets to work law enforcement again.
Posted by adamscores (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 6:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This guy is a Qualified Officer? He can't even hit what he is shooting at, at real close range and he doesn't know that you can't just put the cuffs on someone and take them to jail. Gee this is a pitiful excuse for someone that is sworn to protect us.
Posted by Pluto (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If what's reported is correct,the officer should loose his job -period. Perhaps in addition to all of his bad judgement in this case, he can't shoot. He probably thought those were fatal shots and as a law officer who carries a weapon and is trained, he darn well should know how to kill a deer with one shot. Felter should have never been arrested, poor judgement adn incompetence. The guy should be fired. I don't want my tax money paying someone like him.
Posted by Torch (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am going to give the officer the benefit of the doubt. There is always two sides to each story, but according to this story if sounds iffy. I am a big advocate of common sense. In my past experience in dealing with law enforcement officers over the past several years, common sense is a thing of the past, and I am as law abiding citizen as they come. Mrs. Felter did better than I would have done. I would have shot the animal first and then called authorities. We have so many laws that were put into place with good intentions, but the laws or the officers don't take into consideration what your intentions were. My intentions on shooting a deer that is hurt on the side of the road is to stop its suffering (good intention, I think). Law says that I have shot a deer out of season or didn't follow correct procedure in handling the situation. Now I am considered a criminal. These laws were put in place to keep people from illegal hunting and other reasons, but law enforcement officers have gotten where they do not use common sense and they almost always show up with and attitude as if you have just murdered someone. I know that they have a difficult job, but the need the skills to evaluate the situation and handle it appropriately.
Posted by Curtis (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One thing not mentioned in the article is the fact that the deer was later beheaded by someone. This falls in the category of "Things that make you go hmmm....". It makes you wonder why the deputy couldn't hit the deer in the head to put it out of its misery. I spoke to Erika Felter at the scene on Sunday as they looked at the beheaded deer in the ditch. She told me the whole story. It's very disappointing to say the least.
Posted by rayford (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The first mistake the officer made was to allow the Felters to remain on the scene while the deer was being put down.How about "thanks for the call. I'll see that this is taken care of " The woman was already upset and didn't need to see what was about to occur. Secondly is the safety factor. Discharging a firearm into the ground where gravel or other hard objects can be could cause a dangerous ricochet injuring himself or innocent bystanders (then where would we be).The solution in my opinion would be to have the officer attend a sensitivity class and also further firearms training. The acting Sherriff should also give an apology to the parties involved.
Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG! If, and it's a big "if", this report is valid; the deputy should be fired right now. But, no matter what the circumstances are, the animal SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO SUFFER!!! This is heartbreaking. It really sounds like it may have been a "trophy" deer and someone wanted it mounted? DISGUSTING. Natchez Democrat, please follow this story. It could lead to a deputy being fired and the public would like to know. I have always felt very comfortable calling the sheriff's dept. I'm not so sure now.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rayford, I agree with you, "thanks for calling us ma'am, you all can leave now." Also, I agree that an officer from the WildLife department should have been contacted by the sheriff on the scene, ACCORDING TO THE ARTICLE and his behavior in handling the situation, he was not the professional to handle this situation.
Posted by snowgarden (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with rayford completely. I think sensitivity and firearms training would be a major plus in this guy's career. It's got to be embarassing to have the entire city read that you can't shoot straight. Must not be a local....we're taught to shoot straight when we're ten around here. Poor guy.
It's also a terrible shame that the Felters had to deal with all of this. I agree with the comment earlier that they should have just shot the deer themselves, as that would have been more humane (legal or not).
Since the officer originally stated that they could shoot themselves (after both his shots did nothing but add more suffering), is it possible that he'd simply become embarassed at his own incompetence at that point and didn't like being questioned on it (by Mrs. Felter begging him to just shoot the deer in the head)?
Posted by SIOUXLADY (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON.
LADY END UP IN CUFFS AND ARRESTED..
CONFUSED. INTERNAL AFFAIRS WILL GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS AND GUESS WHO WILL BE DISCIPLINED.
S-T-R-A-N-G-E
Posted by cpninc (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Unbelieveable...How can does this deputy pass at the firing range. Are they not required to do this periodically. I am angry at the situation. Ms Felter did the right thing. She made a call. It back fired on her. The deputy's pride was probably hurt and he took it out on her. He is the idiot. Randy Freeman you have my vote.. Get rid of the idiots.
Posted by Curtis (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Over the years, I've dealt with the Adams County Sheriff's Office on a number of occasions and for different reasons. Whether reporting a stolen 4-wheeler, dealing with stray animals, weekend road blocks, or helping with community events, they've always been very helpful and the deputies actions have always been very courteous and professional. We've got a good group of deputies working for us at the ACSO; I hope we find out that this is a new deputy that still has a lot of training to do. I'm sure his fellow officers want to protect their good reputation.
Posted by fraidoclowns (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, Curtis. The fact that the deer was later beheaded does make one stop and wonder why he suddenly didn't want that deer shot in the head. Good grief. I hope they fire him. Period.
Posted by lowdowndog (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT COLOR ALL THESE PEOPLE BEESSSSS
MUSSSS BE THE SAME CAUSE NOBODY BEEESSSS
HOLLERING RACISM.
Posted by faithblessings (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
These people beesss
green with small purple dots
and red horns.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Where the heck are the Animal Rights Activists and Fox News? All kinds of violations have been committed here to both the deer AND the lady! That officer only added to an already sad situation, and made some really poor judgement calls, causing the people involved to get even more upset. And THEY were the ones to get arrested (probably because they were upset with HIM and he lost his temper and decided to use his authority to teach them a lesson). I don't blame the lady for getting upset after seeing and hearing that animal suffer so badly when it could have ALL BEEN AVOIDED WITH ONE SIMPLE SHOT!
Posted by NAMVET (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Where do they find these guys ?????
Posted by humorme (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Never call the cops, they're idiots. They arrest you anytime, any where they please. This guy was trying to cover up his own mistakes in the situation by arresting a woman trying to help a wounded animal. What a Jerk! Firing him should only be the start of his punishment.
Posted by fatherof4 (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You mean "Barney" had two bullets in his shirt pocket!
Posted by belle_south (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
she was arrested for failure to comply because it is a judgement call and hard to prove or dispove. "Failure to comply" is a cops way of saying, i messed up and you are right, so i am taking your azz to jail...... LEO need more detailed training. SHAME on LEO.
Posted by beachgirl (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL fatherof4! I am usually law enforcement friendly but this is an idiot!
Posted by Pluto (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks, Curtis, for telling us that part of the story " spoke to Erika Felter at the scene on Sunday as they looked at the beheaded deer in the ditch." who else knew the deer was there? Perhaps the officer wasn't a bad shot afterall and just wanted to come back and get his "trophy."
Democrat, Please follow up on this story.
Posted by JKF (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been reading these post, first Yes, there are two sides to every story, this one happens to be the one that was percieved by us. Yes as an avid outdoorsman it upsets me when any animal is suffering, I grew up near Crosby and was taught from an early age that you never make anything suffer, if that means that you don't shoot that big buck because you don't have a clear shot then you don't, in this case it was more a question of where it needs to be shot for a quick and humane death and the failure (no matter the reason) to do so. Neither of us are against hunting, fishing, or any outdoor sport as long as the basic rules of common sense are followed. I do not know this officer personally, I do know a few officers both in the S.O. and the NPD, please everyone do not judge either organization as a whole by what one member has done, these people have a very stressful job, as well as an important and sometimes dangerous one. As far as what should be done that shouldn't be a decission made in heat, it should be reviewed with the good of the community in mind, not with the intent of revenge or "payback". I guess the bottom line is that we believe in right and wrong and like most we try to do the right thing and hope everyone involved, either first hand or second (including all who have read this and\or posted about it) will try to do the same. As a lesson learned everyone should contact the MDWFP and research what steps can and should be taken if you ever come across a situation like this (as we have done) and learn a few things about the legality of officers putting wounded animals down, and if it is legal for a non-officer to do so. Last lowdowndog it doesn't matter what the color of someones skin is, at the end of the day it is character that should be upheld any race can be right, any race can be wrong. Think back to when you were young, Red and Yellow, Black and White....
Posted by hossfly (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where is Michael Vick when you need him?
Posted by fatherof4 (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On the race comments, I pretty sure the deer was brown.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He (the officer) could cart the lady off to jail without reading her rights or telling her what she was being arrested for but he couldn't sidestep the law and put ONE bullet into an already dying animal? Two wrongs don't make a right. The officer needs to get his priorites straight and see the big picture.
Posted by belle_south (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He's in the NFL making millions..... AGAIN. Right where many never imagined he would be.
Posted by StuWhoMoved (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LMAO at fatherof4!
Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is hilarious!
We have Deputies that don't want to mess up the head of a deer dying from a car accident so he can have the head mounted?
What's he gonna tell people about his big deer hunt?
"Bambi Syndrome" rotflmao.........
The Felters should have called the brother, shot the deer, loaded it up in the trunk and be serving venison chili next month........
--mojo
Posted by oldguy (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is an embarrassment to the citizens of Adams county to know that this has happened. If it did go down mostly the way alleged in the article, I would have to wonder how this deputy could ever hold his head up in the squad room or in public again. My son, with no academy training, could and can shoot a pistol better than that so I can see where it would make one wonder about the refusal to properly dispatch the animal when you return and find the head missing. That said, I also know that it would not take but a couple of minutes for many to stop and salvage the head if they saw it.
I also hope that if the "rules" mentioned by crackbaby in the first post are correct that our local legislator, Sen Dearing, who serves on the Fish and Game committee, will introduce a bill this coming legislative session that will fix that shortcoming in the law. Any LEO should be able to dispatch a downed animal without having to contact and wait for what could easily be an hour or more for the closest game warden to get "on scene". Give me a break, talk about a Barney Fife approach, sometimes I wonder about the common sense of our entire state, I wonder if there is any.
Posted by showbiz (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 4:10 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by happyreader (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dang. I've only fired a gun a few times, but even I could have put that poor deer out of its misery at close range.
Makes you wonder.
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The first comment says it all. It is the proper way for this type situation to be handled. Change the laws or deviate from the laws in place and look at the result. Total confusion in some instances. Just request a Wildlife and Fisheries officer be present. He would have ordered anyone not essential is his efforts to leave, as a matter of public safety. he would then humanely dispose the suffering deer. That's why we have these regulations concerning wildlife. Step outside these guidelines and look at the potential results. Just read some!!!!
incompetance
likes to torture animals
racism
idiots
Bambi syndrome
crappy officer
disgusting
Mrs Felter begging
a bill this coming Legislative session
embarrassment
Fox News
innocent bystanders
animal cruelty
Barney Fife
screwed up
animal rights activist
arrested
Michael Vick
should be fired
and last but not least a Grandeur of eloquence " F_____ up"
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hide your beagle Vick's an Eagle.
Posted by MAB (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am grateful that all the deputies in the ACSO. are not as bad a shot as this one was and don't appear to think that letting an animal suffer makes them somehow cool. As a hunter I take pride in at least striving for a one shot one kill ratio, and failing in that putting everything that I have into tracking and finishing the animal as quickly as I can. If the officer had any doubt that he could quickly and humanely kill the deer then he should have called in another officer or a game warden to kill it. I think he got embarrased and mad that he couldn't kill the deer after two close range shots and decided that if he couldn't show the deer who was boss then he would show somebody he was and arrested Erika since she was the one most set on seeing this deer put down as quickly as possible, and maybe in his eyes? critisizing him for not killing it in one...two shots. Sad and pathetic, I know that there are a lot of great officers on the S.O. and I hope that people don't think all of them are like this guy, but if in the future I come across something like this and this officer shows up I think I'll just tell him everythings ok now then deal with it myself (actually legal if you report it to the game warden and get his ok and only if the animal is in bad shape) All I can say is that in the election we need to vote for the best person for the job, vote like it means something because it does, don't just go and vote for someone because they are your friend or because everyone you know is voteing for them, look at them and how long they have been with the department, what have they done for us, the community, and has everyone you ever talked to said they are fair, if you did wrong did they follow the rules, if you did right did they follow the rules, and do they know how to deal with hard situations and decisions? Can they make a mistake and own up to it? Everyone else vote like you want to, I'll vote for Randy Freeman and hope that with all his experience he will make the S.O. a little better.
Posted by matfieldromeo (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is hilarious. Wait until Larry the Cable Guy and Dave Barry hear about this.
And PETA will come down to Natchez throwing corn syrup dyed red all over the court house walls.
Poor deer. Poor shot. Poor judgement.
Posted by honeybee74 (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
to lowdowndog the people are white and what the hell does that have to do with a deer ....can't u idiots realize God put all of us here black and white....i hate rasicm and i myself am a mixed american of african and white decent.....get a life because your name says it all.......God please help the people in this world to realize we were all put here by you.....Amen..
Posted by FamilyofGod (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Failure to comply?
Was the officer making an arrest? Serving warrants?
Was he doing anything that required the Lady to OBEY his ORDERS in order for him to perform a duty?
What right does this officer have to ORDER anyone around except as is provided for by law in order for him to perform his duty as a police officer? If he was not arresting her, or someone else that she was interfering with, and she was not interfering with public safety or a judicial function, then he has no more authority than my dog to order her to do anything!
Even a Judge cannot issue an Order without specific authority and as provided by law.
Failure to comply with a law enforcement official. Indeed.
Who died and annointed this guy with the authority to handcuff citizens because they annoyed him?
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gottabehappy, your poems are crappy!!!! lol
Posted by consider_reason (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A former Ferriday officer once arrested someone who took the last Snickers bar when he wanted it.
The man replied "You dont need it" and was, sadly, correct in this judgement given the girth of the officer in question.
The man arrested was the son of another police officer in the area.
Inept? A track record of incompetence? Idiocy being accepted as part and parcel of dealing with the police?
Yep. And here is a glaring example of it again, only this time a woman with a soft heart who begged a cop to finish what he started, gets arrested.
ASKING the police to do something, even repeatedly isn't illegal. Just ill advised in the MS LA
Posted by SableSkye (anonymous) on September 24, 2009 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with a post above. There should be higher educational requirements and substantial pay.
I also feel officers should undergo regular counciling to recognize a criminal from a concerned citizen; a psychologicol evaluation as well...
Posted by houstonhustler (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 12:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Sheriffs Dept should have called the Game Wardens to handle this.a Deputy should have never been sent to the scene unles he was needed for traffic control.Dispatchers dropped the ball on this one.The Deputy made a bad decision in the way he handled this situation.Mrs Longino was only trying to be a good citizen and reported the incident.I dont know all the details as to what took place but better judgement could have should have been used,the person with the rifle should have never showed up at the scene because law enforcement was there to take charge.You miranda rights are not usually read until you are arrianged by the judge.But that to is a call that depends on the circumstances.
Posted by stateofnatchez (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Did I read that right. The officer fires on the deer while the lady is in the vicinity? If so, does this officer know how dangerous this could have ended if the bullet ricocheted and hit someone.
Next time call (or wake up) animal control or a game warden.
Posted by thelorax (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 5:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
::::waiting on the next Freeman campaign spokesman::::
Posted by JKF (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 6:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just a few facts learned from MDWFP for those who are posting, any law enforcement officer has the authority to put an injured animal down, it just so happens that for some reason he seemed unable to. If a citizen arrives on the scene and has the means to end an animals suffering they are allowed to legally do so as long as they call the proper authorities and report it, this includes the county S.O. or WFPD as long as it is in the county, there are no provision allowing the discharge of a firearm in city limits, unless someones life is directly in danger. As far as the comment by houstonhustler the rifle was called for after 15-20 minutes had passed and the deputy had not arrived on scene and a second call to the S.O. was made and permission was granted to put the animal down. Also your rights are the second thing to be told you by any officer, first you are to be advised why you are being arrested followed by your rights. Lastly and sadly not mentioned in the story was the fact that when the officer had arrested Erika and left scene the Deer was still alive alert and suffering.
Posted by Southerngirls (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 6:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is why we are all proud to live in Natchez?!
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
crackhead get over yourself!
It ain't always all about you and in need of YOUR approval.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JFK , I agree with that, and actually I don't see the need to call a LEO to finish off a suffering deer, the long wait would be cruel to the animal ...
first mistake was calling ACSO, they should have just shot that deer themselves, and not involved the Law....
but I think the mistake of Longino was trying to shoot the deer in the head, that's not an easy shot, the skull is thick and the brain is very small, better to make a vital organ shot- chest cavity and hit heart or lung.
I see no reason why Erika should have been arrested......
Longino is a young officer , and I'm sure he learned a lot from this, I don't see the need to over-react, no harm was done, while Erika was inconvenienced I'm sure, .......I just imagine Erika got a little emotional and so did Longino.....
Posted by whysoserious (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was driving down Liberty rd and a deer ran into the side of my car. I tried calling the sheriff dept. but I didn't have cell signal (cellular south). As I was waiting the sheriff dept. inmate transport van came by and I waved him down. He called the sheriff"s office for me and they said that I could shoot the deer and put it out of it's misery, both of it's back legs were broken. I didn't get arrested and they told me to keep the deer. I think officer Longino needs to chill and go back to the firing range and practice.
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT I THINK IS BEST KEPT TO MYSELF. DISGUSTING.
Posted by BenCole (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They shoulda called Oxford's mayor and requested that he dispatch his bozenarras posse to drive down to Natchez to put some of their (self-proclaimed) "painless" broadheads into that poor buck. Maybe they coulda taken out some mamas and babies while they were in the vicinity.
Any deputy who can't put one round into a suffering animal's brain needs to turn in his badge and piece and get a job on the county's pot-hole patching crew.
Posted by DonMond (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Officer Longino should have put the handcuffs on himself. Thats poor judgement on his part. He needs to arrest the drug dealers and people committing these robberies, instead of people that's trying to be of assistance.
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok my friend JFK, that means all the night hunters have to do is ride the roads till they see a deer. Shoot the deer, then run over a back hock, that means lower back leg for city folks. Then call it in, "if seen doing so" and load up the meat like a good citizen should. WOW!
"gottabehappy", its not about me. Its about informing people of the proper, lawful and most safe way to assist in a situation such as this one. I will say it again, listen close "JFK". A State Wildlife and Fisheries Agent has the only mandated State authority to dispatch inured wildlife, that poses no immediate threat to public safety. Period! He may extend that courtesy to a Deputy or other Officer if such would be to facilitate the such action in a more timely manner, or means of convenience. Please once the proper authorities are present. Vacate the scene as a matter of public safety and courtesy to those having to apply closer to the situation. LOL
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While evidently being ridiculed by some, while trying to share legal and safety advise. Ridiculed by some I might add who's most brilliant comment concerning this article was, " Hide your Beagle, Michael Vicks an Eagle"! Lets remind ourselves. The headline to this article could have read, "Onlooker fatally injured by Deputy, during mishap involving wildlife"! LOL
Posted by hitchcock (anonymous) on September 25, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What on earth was this officer trying to do? Even an inexpienced shooter could have killed the poor deer after three shots. Seems like he was enjoying watching it suffer.
I'm sure Mrs. Felter will have a long time getting over the painful cries of the poor deer.
Why she was handcuffed it a mystery.
Kroger
You said he was a young officer and he has learned a alot. It's really sad a deer had to go through such a horrible death at the expense of the young inexperienced officer & Mrs. Felter was treated like a criminal.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on September 26, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
crackhead, go to rehab already....and take your "Better than everybody" attitude with you.
k bye!
Posted by vidalia1 (anonymous) on September 26, 2009 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
crackbaby and rayford, your posts were very well stated
Thank you for your intelligence in the matter.
Posted by matfieldromeo (anonymous) on September 26, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In my opinion, the Felters made two mistakes.
They weren't armed and they called the law. What can we learn from this, kiddies?
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on September 27, 2009 at 3:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The worst part of this whole affair is that a good sized deer was left to rot on the side of the road. A wildlife and fisheries official would have known where to take the deer for it to be processed to feed the hungry.
Posted by JKF (anonymous) on September 27, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One LAST time Crackbaby as I stated in my first post, CALL in for yourself, if you have a single ounce of common sense and a mindset of following the law to the best of your ability and not looking for legal loopholes it IS legal for a non officer to dispatch a wounded animal according to the information that I recieved from the Mississippi Department Of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks. If you take issue with this statement then please feel free to pick up a Ms. rules and regs book for free at any local store that has them in stock and call the toll free number and do the research for yourself. I do agree with frogprinceessntz it was a sad waste of meat that could have been used by many people in the area, but under the circumstances who knows what would have come to pass if that issue had been broached in the middle of the already confusing situation.
Posted by 2feathers (anonymous) on September 28, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
.......WHY WOULD THE DEPUTY SHOOT IT IN THE ..NECK....????..IF HE DID....................IS HE POST CERTIFIED..???
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on September 28, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey my friend JFK, I based my information, as that obtained through actual conversation concerning the matter, with a senior officer of Miss Wildlife and Fisheries. Also the case last year in Greenville Ms. Where as, a deer was struck on the highway. A Deputy was called to the scene. The Deputy granted permission for an onlooker with a pistol to dispatch the injured deer. Upon doing so, a Wildlife and Fisheries Officer arrived and the onlooker was issued a fine. As stated in my earlier comments, this pertains to injured deer, not posing an immediate threat to public safety. With this in mind. My ounce of common sense "as you put it" tells me to leave these matters to the Wildlife and Fisheries Officers. lol
Posted by crossdattrack2010 (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THIS IS A DIRTY DIRTY WORLD THAT WE LIVE IN..
Posted by reerod (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am confused. Why was Mrs. Felter arrested? It was not stated in the article or did I miss it. What's up with the deputy. Either I have misread this article or it is just above my head. Can someone please explain this story to me in layman's terms.
Posted by ProNatchez (anonymous) on October 1, 2009 at 5:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is there an update to this story yet?
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