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A window is two sided. One can look through a window and see the other side. Of course, there is another side of the window to look through, also. Some windows are covered preventing a clear view from either side. While some windows are wide open allowing all to see in without an obstructed view. For an individual to focus on the whole picture, they must view both sides. The same holds true for human conflict (i.e., debates, arguments, voting issues, and family violence cases handled by law enforcement).
My previous articles entitled, "Storm Brewing" and "Storm's Aftermath" referenced the Odessa (Texas) Police Department's officers shooting that occurred on September 8th, 2007. During this incident, Odessa Police responded to a call of family violence in the 2900 block of Ventura in West Odessa. Upon the officers arrival, they interviewed the victim of the assault, Mrs. Larry White. She advised that her husband had hit her and was locked inside their house. As officers approached the house, Larry White shot and killed three of Odessa's finest; Cpl. Arlie Jones, Officer Abel Marquez, and Officer Scott Gardner.
Last month, I erroneously wrote that Abel Marquez was the last officer shot by Larry White. I continued with my error in reporting that Cpl Arlie Jones and Officer Scott Gardner were gunned down first . My endeavor is to correct my "misreported" article and to offer another view to this tragic event.
The steel and metal bullets that were loaded into Larry White's shotgun shells that day could not come close to the "steel resolve" that all the officers demonstrated in negotiating with Larry White on September 8th. I am sure there were many arguments amongst the officers stationed within the command post (or C.P.). I am positive that they debated on if S.W.A.T. should storm their way into Larry White's house amongst a hail of bullets. Also, I am sure that there were several officers that begged to go into White's residence to take him out by them self, even if it meant sacrificing their own lives. It was a miracle of Our Father that guided our commanding officer's resolve and decision making processes during those four dreadful hours.
Texas Ranger Barry Caver cleared up the timeline on the officers shooting. Officer Marquez was the first officer on the scene and he interviewed the victim after obtaining permission to approach the backdoor of the residence. Apparently, Larry White would not answer the front door. About this time, Cpl. Arlie Jones accompanied Officer Marquez to the back door where a conversation was conducted between Larry White and Officer Marquez. Marquez was shot from behind the cracked open back door and Cpl. Jones was shot twice from a window adjacent to the back door.
Officer Gardner responded with many other Odessa Police officers to Officer Marquez' call for help. Upon their arrival, they hugged the South portion of the residence. As they approached the backyard, Officer Gardner was shot through a window adjacent to the same backdoor that Officer Marquez was shot through earlier.
They say hindsight is 20/20. I would not dare venture into this world of what ifs, especially with my brothers in blue. But... it would have been a great blessing if God allowed Officer Marquez and Cpl. Jones a view on the other side of the window just prior to conversing with Larry White. Quite possibly, they would have seen a man wide-eyed, sweating, while loading a shotgun. I cannot say what their police actions would have been, but they would have seen the entity or thing they were dealing with and could have used this information to make a judgement call.
If only God would issue law enforcement a button that can only be used in the gravest of situations like a family violence call where the offender is hidden in a residence.. The button would be controlled by procedures that dictates its use, so the buttons' use could not be used for illicit activity (i.e. the women's locker room..ha) That way, officers would be able to view both sides of a situation before it turns into a crisis.
I am sure that Mrs. Larry White wished she could have had a "Miracle God Button" so to speak before she married the demonic entity that calls himself Larry White. She possibly would have seen the abusive nature he secreted prior to marrying her and this would have saved her from having to experience this horrible tragedy.
God has equipped all Christians with a "Miracle God Button." It is kind of like a sensing radar. It can detect lies, deceit, and protect its user. All the user has to do is have complete faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. When we draw close to Christ, He equips us with all of the protection we need. When we deviate from His path, we open ourselves up to danger and despair. I am sure that Christ was holding Officer Marquez, Cpl. Jones, Officer Gardner, and Mrs. Larry White in his nail-scarred hands the evening of September 8th, 2007.
George "Chris" Cole experienced life as a law enforcement officer with a tour of duty lasting over ten years in law enforcement. He is the survivor of two marriages, and continues to meet new people that provide inspiration for many of his articles and short stories. Chris Cole has been honing his writing craft the last few years due to being bitten by the (screenplay) writing bug. Many of his articles have appeared in national and local publications.
In 2008, Chris abandoned the "lush" environment of West Texas and a failed marriage to move to the green pastures and hills of Fredericksburg, Texas. Chris is working and living in Fredericksburg alongside his new founded life companion. Life could not be better!
» left by Jo Walker(92) (1 year 89 days ago.)
Oh Chris! What a beautiful article, I could not have said it as well as you have. God Bless you! Respond to this comment
» left by Doyle from odessa (249 days 9 hours ago.)
Chris I live a few houses away from this life altering event.That day I was working in my back yard my wife and I hered the shots it was like the whole world stopped.We will never forget that day God wept.
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