When we think of criminals physically harming law enforcement officers (LEOs), or anyone else, it’s the violent criminals we think of—not the non-violent. Murderers, carjackers, and human traffickers come to mind. But the most unassuming thief can turn violent when desperate to escape apprehension. On January 15, 59-year-old Kimberly Lannigan used a false ID in a failed attempt to cash a fraudulent check in College Station, TX. A non-violent crime. Nothing more than a small theft that a multimillion-dollar bank would be on the hook for, perpetrated by a woman old enough to be the mother of the officers dispatched to arrest her.
Before the officers arrived, the thief fled in a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. College Station officers spotted her, but she refused to stop; the officers gave chase. During the pursuit, Lannigan, who was driving southbound, entered the northbound lanes of State Highway 6, driving against traffic. Understanding the danger of pursuing a non-violent criminal who is driving the wrong way on a highway, the College Station officers terminated the chase, hoping she would abort the dangerous path she was taking. She did not. Navasota PD Sergeant Mark Butler also recognized the danger Lannigan caused by driving against traffic. Sergeant Butler entered the northbound lanes, driving northbound, with lights and siren blaring. He approached the suspect head-on. The sergeant intended to stop Lannigan before she killed an innocent person. Sergeant Butler accomplished that, but at the cost of his own life. Lannigan refused to stop and crashed her Jeep head-on into the marked police Tahoe. Sergeant Butler was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Lannigan was pronounced deceased at the scene.[1]
On January 18, 46-year-old Brandon Scott Poulos was arrested in San Antonio, TX, for DUI and simple assault. Not regarded as a danger to others, he was released on bond. Four days later he was walking around his apartment complex threatening suicide. Concerned for Poulos’ wellbeing, neighbors called the police to intervene and prevent Poulos from self-harm. Again, who would think a person so distraught as to take his own life would be a threat to LEOs? Yet, Poulos shot the first San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officer who responded. The suspect continued to wander around the apartment complex armed with a shotgun and revolver. More officers responded, and Poulos continued to shoot officers as they pulled their downed comrade out of the line-of-fire. A total of seven SAPD officers were shot. Poulos retreated to his apartment. The outside perimeter of his apartment was secured, and SWAT was called to make entry. After using teargas, SWAT entered. Again, Poulos attempted to shoot officers. SWAT officers shot and killed Poulos. By God’s grace no officers received life-threatening injuries.[2]
It’s imperative we keep in mind that “non-violent” criminals are responsible for harming and even killing many LEOs. While on duty, officers must remain vigilant and avoid regarding any call as “routine.” A non-violent subject can turn deadly violent without warning—even those who don’t fit the profile of a “dangerous criminal.”
Bringing Hope to Law Enforcement
The Strong Blue Line Foundation brings hope to LEOs with training seminars that help them navigate the myriad of issues they deal with—at no cost to officers or their agencies. In the “Winning a Gunfight” seminar I teach officers how to win a gunfight tactically, mentally, and ethically—or body, soul, and spirit. As important as it is to survive a gunfight, winning is much more important. Winning means you come out of a gunfight as a victor. Winning is having a holistic victory. It goes beyond a tactical victory. It also means being victorious mentally and ethically. It’s complete victory—body, soul, and spirit. Please partner with us to make strong officers with strong relationships by giving them real hope for complete victory! Click on the “Donate” button.
On the Road
After three seminars in Arkansas, this month, we return to Louisiana for a “Winning a Gunfight” seminar hosted by the Lincoln Parish SO in Ruston, then it’s further south to Slidell and Pearl River for seminars at St. Tammany Parish SO and Generations Church. We end the month, and our winter trip, in Bernalillo, NM with a seminar hosted by the Sandoval County SO. The plan is to be back home in Idaho Falls the first week in April.
Pray for your police.
[1] (montgomerycountypolicereporter.com/female-wrong-way-driver-who-killed-navasota-officer-has-been-identified/)
[2] (news4sanantonio.com/news/local/four-san-antonio-police-officers-shot-in-stone-oak-shooting?sfmc_id=13755889&utm_guid=ca63c74798f3a80e337e842fbc5af6eec11c7bb7958d3bd1ddb170f5c0c2c331)
