Crime

Angry Crowd of Hundreds Swarms Dallas Crime Scene to Confront Cops After Officer-Involved Shooting

Hundreds Swarm Dallas Crime Scene After Police Officer Fatally Shoots Suspect

James Harper (Photo: CBS)

Hundreds of Dallas-area residents swarmed a crime scene Tuesday night after a police officer fatally shot a suspect, according to reports.  Over the weekend, a similar situation unfolded in Anaheim, California, but in Dallas the police were able to give a detailed account of why the suspect was shot.

In an evening news conference, Chief David Brown explained that police responded to an emergency call that a victim had been kidnapped, tied up, and was being dragged into what is described as a well-known “drug house” by five to six males.

Three officers responded to the call, and when they knocked on the door they heard “scurrying” inside, and windows being broken.  At this point, according to reports, four suspects fled the house using different exits, and police saw a gun on the table and crack-cocaine.

My Fox DFW/KDFW has more information on the officer who shot the suspect:

According to Brown, eight-year DPD veteran Officer Brian Rowden chased James Harper, fighting the suspect three times. Rowden was losing fight and was exhausted when, according to Brown, Harper said, “You’re going to have to kill me.”

Rowden feared for his life and fatally shot Harper, Brown said.

Here is the police chief’s entire explanation:

The Fox affiliate continues, describing the subsequent protest:

Word of the shooting quickly spread through the neighborhood as family members and the curious rushed to the scene, eventually amassing in the hundreds and prompting police to call for additional crowd control, including SWAT. In fact, officers armed with pepper ball guns and shields forced the crowd back amid reports of people trying to cut through fences to gain access to the shooting scene.

The slain man’s inconsolable mother and enraged father confronted police and media at the scene. Both said their 31-year-old son was unarmed and fleeing police when he was shot in the back.

“No reason for him to be shot like a dog. If he’s running away from them, ain’t no reason,” James White said.

However, Brown downplayed that possibility. “We don’t believe any of the family members witnessed anything,” Brown said, adding that family members make similar claims “on almost every shooting.”

During the news conference, Brown read a report of Harper’s extensive criminal background, which includes numerous counts of manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance and subsequent related probation violations, assault on a security officer, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, assault on a public servant; evading arrest, failure to identify as a fugitive from justice, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle [stealing a car].

Here is video of the protests, and an interview with the suspect’s parents, via WFAA:

However, police say there is a possibility the men were not responsible for kidnapping– the reason the original call was placed.  In all likelihood, according to reports, the call was placed by a rival drug gang.

The officer who shot the suspect is being placed on administrative leave while the situation is investigated, and the Chief Brown detailed the extensive procedure, which includes multiple third-parties.

Harper’s father told CBS: “Even if he had a confrontation with the police, he didn’t have anything. You could have Tased my son…But for you to just sit up there and kill him? No. I’m through with it.”

He added: “We’ll let justice take care of this stuff, that’s all I [have to] say.  [We'll] put it in the law’s hands.”

Comments (142)

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  • marybethelizabeth
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:29am

    Mr. Barber 2.

    I looked back into my fifth grade history book and you are right.

    In the old days everyone loved the police and thought whatever they did was right.

    All community organizations ever did was remind people to know their place in society and respect their betters.

    Everyone was equal; only some people were more equal than others.

    Yep. That’s what i learned in 5th grade.

    Then I grew up.

    Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:41am

      One person’s idea “ growing up” is just another person’s ” was brainwashed by haters.”

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 5:57pm

      Mary – There is no corresponding proof or facts to support the final line of your comment – however there is quite a volume of evidence to the contrary in the comment archives…

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • rickc34
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:23am

    There are children all over this country that are falling into this kind of trap, white, black, hispanic and asian . Drugs our ruining our country, kids are falling into the gangs and not falling into church. Jails are over crowded. We need to get back to the Bible and pray for our Country and children. There are to many stories like this one, morgues are full of their remains and Hell is full of their souls.

    Report Post »  
    • chris72sax
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 12:37pm

      Drugs are not ruining our country. The “war on drugs” is definitely contributing to it. Why are these kids selling drugs? They make lots of money doing it. These people are providing a product that many Americans desire and will always desire. If we get rid of these FAILED drug laws and focus law enforcement on protecting people and their property, we will have safer streets. If people by drugs from legit businesses, gangbangers and drug cartels will have no money. Yes some people will ruin their lives with drugs, but they already are now. We are not subjects of the government. The individual is sovereign and we should be able to do whatever we want UNTIL we interfere with somebody else’s freedom or property. Your way has failed and you are too stupid to admit it. You’ve just created millions of cons and excons who cannot get jobs because of their records and will keep turning to crime. Allow people freedom, but make them responsible for their actions.

      Report Post »  
    • blazer809
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 4:45am

      agreed

      Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:11am

    TY: think you need to work on your word choice and your delivery. Comments like yours only make the speaker, rather than the one spoken about , look bad. But, then, maybe you are a Jason Levin Troll and that is the entire purpose of your post .

    Report Post »  
  • KeithOlberdink
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:08am

    Amen brother, Amen.

    Report Post » KeithOlberdink  
  • Nevermind
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:57am

    teddrunk
    Yes, terrible Texas. Not like Washington D.C. where our black man with cocaine lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Av.

    ******

    You are really going to make fun of cocaine use on a Glen Beck website? Your leader Beck is the poster boy for cocaine, those in glass houses shouldnt throw stones.

    Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:01am

      Children: either behave or go back to your rooms.

      Report Post »  
    • USPATRIOT101
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:14am

      Beck isn’t denying me liberty like the socialistic memeber of the choom gang barack.

      Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
    • Perspective
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 5:28pm

      How sad that your argument was,“Glenn Beck does cocaine”. Doesn’t seem to bother you our president thought it was okay to do. Typical of the left.

      Report Post » Perspective  
  • lel2007
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:54am

    Was Harper shot in the back or not?

    Report Post » lel2007  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:49am

    Criminals “Swatting” criminals, who’d a thunk it?

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • ADNIL
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:47am

    Am I to understand that the neighborhood was standing up for and defending the rights of the men running a drug house? It would seem there is nothing to be done for this type of mind-set. It also appears that Mr. Harper has quite the resume; a fine upstanding member of the community. I also noticed in his photo that he has “dead” eyes.
    May he rest in peace and be granted God’s loving forgiveness for the precious gift of life wasted. Condolences to his family. No parents should have to go through this.

    Report Post »  
  • Tigress1
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:46am

    The call might have been placed by a RIVAL GANG. Hmm. If these two gangs shot each other it would have been no big deal; but the fact that a COP shot one of them causes all hell to break loose. Am I missing something here?

    Report Post » Tigress1  
  • lawyergeorge
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:46am

    No one just “hangs out” in a drug house. He fought the officer twice. This is not mud wrestling, with the winner being the best two out of three falls.

    Report Post »  
  • USPATRIOT101
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:42am

    Innocent men don’t run from the Police. This is reaction by the community is a direct result of the “victim” mentality taught in the black community. Nothing is ever their fault and they should be allowed to commit whatever crime they want without question.
    You have a black man in office, you get special consideration on loans, student loans based on skin color, and affirmitive action. Hell, barack was the most blatant affirmitive appointee in history.
    How much more could one community be coddled???? It’s time you meet the same expectaions put on me.

    Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
  • lel2007
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:40am

    So was Harper shot in the back or not? It shouldn‘t take any major investigation to determine the bullet’s point of entry.

    Report Post » lel2007  
    • azcowboy1
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:51am

      Doesn’t matter… If the police say STOP It’s best to STOP. Any questions?

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:00am

      So ? If a policeman tells you to stop, you don’t have to follow his orders ? Does that mean that running away is acceptable ? What if the runner had shot someone ? This is so ridiculous and such a sign of the times : there is no respect for the law or for authority. The Law of the jungle ? Gee, wonder you caused that ?

      Report Post »  
    • lel2007
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:07am

      Yes, it does matter if the perp was shot in the back or not. Police yelling STOP at a fleeing criminal is not exactly a police officer in fear for his life.
      Until obam, I’ve lived 65 years having no fear of government or police. Now I fear both.

      Report Post » lel2007  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:13am

      I would suggest you stay out of crack houses then LEL2007.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 1:46pm

      The crack house wasn’t just established by one person. He had help along the way. Probably help from LEL2007.

      Report Post »  
    • mostly ignored
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 5:34pm

      well there is this 5th ammendment thing that says a person can’t be deprived of life without due process of law..

      Report Post »  
    • mostly ignored
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 5:44pm

      well.. there is this silly little 5th ammendment thing that says a person can’t be deprived of life without due process of law..

      Report Post »  
  • sndrman
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:32am

    it’s sad really sad,but wait a minute he was FIGHTING with and policeman……FIGHTING,what if he got hold of the gun?why was he running from police?perhaps if the father had taught his son,always yes sir yes ma’am to an office of the law…if it’s a crooked cop,you can stand before a judge and say your peace and if the cop is crooked the judge will know……come-on b HUSSAIN o. tell us the cops acted stupidly. come on holder go after the Dallas Police Dept……come on holder tie the hands of the cops so they can’t do their job…..come on holder stand with the side of the criminals

    Report Post »  
  • ilovetheusa1
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:32am

    Brother Al, Brother Jessie, get to the batcave quick, we have another young law abiding African American child needlessly murdered by a racist cop.

    Report Post »  
  • marybethelizabeth
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:30am

    Texas, the armpit of America.

    Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:37am

      Yes, terrible Texas. Not like Washington D.C. where our black man with cocaine lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Av.

      Report Post »  
    • USPATRIOT101
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:51am

      I love the Dallas / Ft Worth area!!!

      Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
    • Conservative for Political Dignity
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:03am

      Actually I just came back from visiting San Antonio and surrounding area for a week and I was more than impressed. I come from Pittsburgh, which is a town known for nice people and politeness.
      Texas took it to a whole other level 8-16 year old kids ending every sentence with, “Yes ma’am“ or ”Yes sir.” Everyone for the most part minding their ‘Ps and Qs,‘ I didn’t see or hear anyone telling loud stories filled with obsenities. I honestly felt like people cared about what others thought of them and there was something in the air that I could actually feel – Dignity and Character.
      I have heard Texas is different, but you have to experience it for yourself.
      I am proud to have visited Texas. I would be even more proud if I ever have the opportunity to live there.
      On a separate note, liberals don’t know anything. “Texas, an armpit.” How dare you. 250,000 square miles. These people will never know the traits I listed above or the importance of them in a modern society. All they want to do is erode what is actually important: Honesty, Dignity, Character, Self-Reliance, Pride, etc.

      Report Post »  
    • tommyg524
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:05am

      I take exception to that, I vote Northern Virginia for this distinction. Particularly Alexandria Va. with their quickdraw mcgraw training.

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:05am

      Mary: the ” Texas: the arm pit of America.” Always interesting to get your in- depth analysis of our national events. What’s your take on North Dakota ?

      Report Post »  
    • KeithOlberdink
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:11am

      Conservative, I just moved from San Antonio to Tampa two years. I know exactly what you’re talking about. My girlfriend and I are in the process of trying to figure how we get back. Texans are the nicest people I have ever met.

      Report Post » KeithOlberdink  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:18am

      North Dakota. Too cold in the Winter. Too hot in the Summer. Not a fit place for human habitation.

      Only the exceptional can survive.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • Blazebanned
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:31am

      @marybeth elizabeth aka encinom.
      Would you be willing to come to Texas and say that to my face, if i paid for your oneway ticket? No se3nse buying a round trip ticket, you wont need it.

      Report Post »  
    • yiska8
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 1:47pm

      Ahh, and I respect the Dakotans very much. Strange though how many people are moving here to my Texas and I’m sure many made jokes about us too. Oh, but now they need work and now Texas looks real good. A lot of desperate Obama voting hypocrites moving here. I bet the people involved in this case moved here from Cleveland or New Orleans. Maybe I’ll recommend they move to the Dakotas, but they’re probably Obamanites, so I guess they’re not all that EXCEPTIONAL. You think North Dakota gets hot in the summer? Ha!!
      Remember the ALAMO!!
      The Cradle of Texas Liberty. God Bless her. God Bless Texas.

      Report Post » yiska8  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 3:36pm

      Mr. Blazebanned, and I was banned for a time as well: Thanks for helping me prove my point.

      I’m sure you can find someone else to harass and injure nearer to you, without ponying up any travel expenses, or doctor bills for yourself.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
  • TROLLMONGER
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:27am

    Just another race baiting story by Beck’s blaze to stir up his already uber racist base of old white male “christians”.

    Report Post » TROLLMONGER  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:40am

      @TROLLMONGER
      Yeah, we’re all racists, we don’t want poor people to have health insurance, we certainly want dirty air and water and it’s just ever so clever of you to be able to parrot unfounded leftist accusations.

      Now, do you have anything to add to that?

      Report Post » qpwillie  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:55am

      Yea, it probably didn’t even happen.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:55am

      QP: Well, Troll didn’t mention anything nasty about Glenn Beck….

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:57am

      QP: Ooops, Troll already did slam Beck and everyone here…never mind ! LOL.

      Report Post »  
    • USPATRIOT101
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:05am

      If by racist you mean I expect everyone to fallow the same rules that apply to me then so be it. I find the accusation of racism to be intellectually lazy. You have no more means to defend antisocial behavior so you try the easy way out. You need to do better than that.

      Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
    • Individualism
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:26am

      that is basically their only reason for voting Romney lol.

      Report Post » Individualism  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:44am

      So you agree with Mike Moore who says black crime is nonexistent ,Foolmonger.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Central washington
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 12:28pm

      There are more Christians in the world that are non white. China, Africa and other parts of the world are growing fast! You are mistaken to think that Christians are only white males. South Korea is the main exporter of missionaries where in the old days it used to be the UK and the USA. So quit your sterotyping of Christians.

      Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:27am

    an ” extensive criminal background ?” Oh, just Blame the Police for arresting him ! It’s all their fault. They just discriminate on poor minorities . Play the Race Card. Call Van Jones. Call Al. Sue the city. Stick it to the tax payers. Stick it to ” the man.” Let’s have another Trial By Media like Zimmerman ! ( isn’t it strange that there is such a gag order on the theater shooter but there was not any on the Zimmerman case ? )

    Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:24am

    Yet another family and their sleazy lawyer with their eye on a jackpot settlement.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:24am

    “No reason for him to be shot like a dog.” Sorry dad, I can think of a few. When you fight with police, bad things happen. Then there is kidnapping and crack and a gun to consider. Actually, there is less reason to shoot a dog than your son.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 1:58pm

      Now that you told it like it is, don’t let the liberals force you to appologize. It would make me think you were a RINO. HeHeHe!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:24am

    nothing wrong with a community looking out for each other and watching their grounds.

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:30am

      If they were looking out for the community, why were they allowing crack houses to exist?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Individualism
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:48am

      they didn’t do a good enough job clearly or they were fine with it.

      Report Post » Individualism  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:53am

      They were fine with it.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • usedCZARsalesman
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:13am

      IND…

      I know when you’re as ignorant as you are, it’s sometimes difficult to stay consistent in your views…

      Can the cops just kick the doors in anytime they want to? Or do they have to have warrants/911 calls before they can go in? You scream about injustice and then ignorantly ask why the cops hadn’t done their jobs with this crack house…can’t have it both ways, either the cops follow the rules in EVERY situation or they choose to whenever they feel like it.

      Next time you get pulled over or talked to by a police officer, you better hope it’s the former and not the latter…

      Report Post » usedCZARsalesman  
    • tcseacliff
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:17am

      Individualism,
      looking out for the community? where were they “looking out for the community”, when they let that drug house open for business where they raise their children? that is a real cop-out statement to justify a thug mentality of a neighborhood. Mr. Harper has shown a disregard for the laws and being a good American, he got what he deserved. the neighborhood should thank the police for making them ,now a little safer in the r community!

      Report Post »  
    • Blazebanned
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:36am

      Guy individualism is encinom, and as we all no, crap flows out ever oriface of his body, when not being plugged up by someone elses manhood.Come on encinom, i await your reply you pos.

      Report Post »  
  • HKS
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:23am

    It’s a liberal thing, people today think their owed something. If ya don’t have it, take it, I’m due. They really can’t help the way they think, their taught that from Kindergarten up. Liberal government schools ya know and they own nothing to no body.

    Report Post » HKS  
  • Jake Wilde
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:22am

    If you play dodge ball, you’re going to get hit. Maybe if he wasn’t fighting police and knew better than to strike at an officer, he wouldn’t have been shot. It couldn’t be his fault for his irresponsible actions, has to be the law’s fault. Good grief this is disturbing for a criminal to ignite a community against police. Were it some innocent child being molested and beaten by the officer I can see this type of reaction.

    Report Post »  
  • kaydeebeau
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:21am

    another “poor, misunderstood, little angel, pillar of society” arbitrarily gunned down in the prime of his life….(sarc)

    Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:18am

    I’m sure he was a fine young Democrat, the good news is he can still vote !!!

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:18am

    Sounds like the efforts of Obama to get the race wars and class wars going are coming along quite fine; soon enough he will have the event(s) he needs to declare martial law across the nation.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:33am

      So you think the President of the United States directed a local police force to gun down the citizenry it is sworn to protect and defend?

      All based on…..

      Beckian logic at it’s finest.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:39am

      Wait, aren’t the maggot infested druggies like the Occupy people, Obama the cocaine snorter, and the thug union police all on the same side?

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:52am

      MARY: No, dear. The President’s fellow Far Lefties , like Van Jones of the Communist Party background, have just stirred up the community organization groups to view police as the racist “ pigs” and the people with criminal backgrounds as their innocent victims. The president, of the “police acting stupidly ” quote, does not have to dirty his hands with these tasks. They are done by his organized associates.

      Report Post »  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:03am

      marybethelizabeth
      I wouldn’t put anything past what obama and holder will do to stay in power. The two Great Dividers and most dishonest people to hold either office. Both are the best example of what racist act like.

      Report Post »  
    • USPATRIOT101
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:09am

      Marybeth is a simpleton.

      Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
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