New Years Eve Through a Cops Eyes

by Jack

Statistically speaking January 1st is the most deadly day of the year. 

“I can almost guarantee you that somebody who is alive right now will be murdered before this night is over.” That is what my son said to me on his way to work.  He’s a cop and works some pretty mean streets and has for almost 16 years. As you might imagine, he’s seen it all. The rapes, robberies, murder, drive-by shootings, stabbings, you name it, he’s seen the worst of everything that one human can do to another.

He knows that statistically someone is going to be murdered on his shift tonight.  That’s a very personal observation base on witnessing the aftermath of violence for many years.  He hopes it won’t happen, but chances are it will or at least  there will be a serious injury that need never have happened.

It almost happened last night (on his shift) and the fact that it didn’t was not for a lack of trying by someone.   He counted 8 large caliber bullet holes in the victim’s passenger car door, all aimed at the driver who amazingly was not hit!  The victim escaped from his shot up car and ran into a local parking lot where more shots were fired  from various directions.  3 different types of shell casings and various directions of fire indicated this was a running gun battle.

Upstairs in the apartment complex a shotgun blast raked the wall leading to the victims apartment.   Of course he was a gang-banger and not talking.   But, regardless of his personal status in life, when those bullets start flying, anyone could be hit, a women asleep on her couch, a baby in its crib…anyone, and we’ve seen just those homicides to prove it.

This time the target of the gang assassination escaped to live another day.   But, he could be dead in a few more hours because this rival gang is still out here, still trying to kill him and given their reputation, they probably will.    But, whether its this punk getting whacked or somebody else, the odds are good it’s going to happen tonight.  (FYI its not Chico).

Yes, somebody will surely die for some stupid, pointless reason.  It could be a vehicular homicide/drunk driving, a domestic fight where things get out of control, a gun shot, who knows? However, cops like my son know new years is a prime time for a homicide.

Of course it could happen any place where there are people and booze.   There’s so many places across American where people will die tonight… for no good reason.

Did you know that homicides are bound to happen on these special event days more so than other random days?  Yeah, you probably did.  But did you know that Christmas is one of the worst for violence?

You might think it would be just the opposite, but when you have mix of strong emotions, booze/drugs and stupid, all coming together at the same time, anything can happen and it usually does.  So you see, New Years is traditionally a bad night for cops.

My son will be at work in another hour and he goes prepared for the worst, as I just hope for the best.   He has his bullet resistant vest, an AR-15, a Sig 45 auto, one Taser, one can of mace, two cuffs and one 12 gage shotgun.  This is just his normal load, like another day at the office.

He’s a warrior, and thankfully he’s highly skilled and experienced. But one never knows how the day will end, luck plays a big role in how things go.

Ironically, this evening should be a day for celebrating, watching fireworks on TV, being with friends and family, but its not.  Ah, if it were only a kinder, gentler world.  So, be careful and stay safe friends.    Good luck and good fortune in 2016!