Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

June 26, 2009

Off-duty Pittsburgh police officer Paul Abel was headed home from a bar last June 28 when someone reached through his car window and slugged him. Abel, who was drunk at the time, drove off in pursuit of his attacker.

Spotting 21-year-old Kaleb Miller, Abel leaped from his car, pulled his gun, and ordered him to the ground. As Abel severely pistol-whipped the young man, the handgun discharged, wounding one of Miller?s hands.

According to eyewitnesses, Miller didn?t even resemble Abels?s assailant. Abel was put on suspension and charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and Driving under the influence.

Judge Jeffrey Manning , who presided over Abel?s bench trial, acquitted him of all charges. ?It is not the obligation of this court to police the police department,? Manning insisted, adding that Abel?s drunken rampage, while ?ill-advised,? was within his discretionary power as a police officer.

Again we confront the question: Who watches our supposed protectors?

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.