Man killed in shootout with probation officers had failed drug test
Associated Press
Published: November 25, 2008
Updated: November 25, 2008
The mother of a 32-year-old man shot and killed in a struggle with two state
probation officers in Mobile says her son had failed a drug test.
One officer was wounded in the incident Monday morning.
Christopher Foehl of Eight Mile was killed.
His mother, Bonnie Foehl, said her son had about seven weeks to
go before completing his probation for a burglary and had reported
Monday for his weekly visit with his probation officer.
She told the Press-Register she didn’t know why Foehl was being
arrested, but he had failed a drug test. Authorities have not
commented on who fired the fatal shot, but Foehl said she was told
that her son grabbed an officer’s gun.
Officer Dan Thompson was shot and wounded. Officer Paul Morton
injured his hand in the struggle.
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Reader Reactions
First, I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to Christopher’s mother, Bonnie. I know she is devastated and in shock. Also, I know her heart is completely broken right now. I’m so very sorry for your tragic loss, Bonnie.
Secondly, I pose the following questions to the Alabama State Department of Corrections:
1. Aren’t probation officers trained to expect desparate behavior when they inform a drug user, on probation, that their drug test is positive? The combination of facing return to jail, suffering withdrawal, being abused by other inmates, losing another job, etc. might be expected to cause a fight or flight reaction in a person with a clear mind, it would be even more likely in a person with an altered drug abuse state of mind. So, why accessible guns? Why not have the parolee sit in a locked waiting room while the drug screen is checked and then, tell them the results over an intercom while a professional counseling help is called?
2. Specifically regarding Christopher, did the officers involved in this situation treat Christopher like they would have treated their own son or brother? Did they show compassion and respect? Did they offer any positive help or treatment options? Drug court? Aren’t psychiatric resources available in Alabama? Jail versus drug detox/treatment, so, is the problem money or is it just lack of compassionate care?
J
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