Some Police Shootings are in Question; This One Is Not

APD’s most recent police shooting is legitimate. The Eye has taken an in-depth look into this case and the facts are undisputable. Our Eyes tell us that APD Officer James Purdue is one of the best; if not the best Officer in APD. Our Eyes tell us that Purdue is a mature, rational and seasoned officer. One senior high ranking retired APD officer stated, “Purdue’s background prior to and his service to APD and the community is impeccable! ‘I would trust Purdue with my life.’” There is not a story here in regard to illegal or inappropriate actions or behaviors on behalf of APD.

The incident occurred when 31 year old Michael Marquez, who was wanted for several violent armed robberies, was located and surrounded by police. Marquez has a long history of violent behavior. Below is a small list of facts concerning this violent felon and this incident:

• Convicted triple felon
• Convicted child rapist (14 year old girl)
• Convicted car thief
• Convicted of drug possession
• Registered sexual offender
• Armed with a stolen loaded military type assault weapon
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• A member of the violent Sureno’s 13 gang

Marquez should have been in a “comfy prison cell” in the Santa-Fe, New Mexico State Penitentiary. Marquez dictated the actions of police contrary to his brothers’ statement to a Journal photographer (read it here); “Bill Marquez, the suspect’s brother, told a Journal photographer that just because someone is a criminal does not mean they ‘should be treated like an animal.’” It is deploring and an insult for Marquez’s brother to compare this violent fleeing felon and child rapist to the innocents of an animal. The only truth to the Bill Marquez statement by proxy is; Michael Marquez was a criminal and chose how he wanted to be treated.

Michael Marquez was a criminal living a life of crime. There are consequences for violent criminal behavior; Marquez finally paid the price. When Marquez chambered a live round in his assault rifle while surrounded by police; what did he think was really going to happen? He knew there would be response and consequences for his actions. The victims that Marquez shoved a gun on and threaten and the 14 year old girl who Marquez raped; may now be able to start the healing process, knowing that Marquez is no longer a threat to them or anyone else.

Sidebar On the Channel 7 News, Schultz was bumbling and did not make any sense. We believe he was trying to say; the officers were familiar with the sound of a live round of ammunition being chambered into a firearm. Sidebar End

The Eye offers condolences’ to the family. No one wants to see another person die. Officer Purdue acted accordingly to stop the actions of an armed violent felon, Michael Marquez. Officer Purdue prevented Michael Marquez from hurting another human being.

The Eye believes this was clearly a legitimate and bona fide use of force. The Eye is positive that Purdue took no joy in having to terminate another person’s life; Purdue was only performing the job he was hired to do, “serve, protect and defend.” Marquez will no longer be a menace to society.