Mom: Student didn't touch officer who shot him
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WETUMPKA, Ala. (AP) - The mother of a University of South Alabama freshman killed by a campus police officer said Monday she's been told he never touched the officer who shot him.
Gil Collar of Wetumpka was naked when he was shot at 1:30 a.m. Saturday outside the campus police station. University officials said Collar, a star wrestler at Wetumpka High School before enrolling in South Alabama, assumed a "fighting stance" and chased the officer before being shot. The university said security video captured the events.
"I have been told by someone involved in the investigation that the videotape shows my son never touched the police officer," Bonnie Smith Collar said in a phone interview. She did not elaborate on how the person was involved in the investigation.
The university said the officer heard a bang on a window at campus police headquarters and went outside to investigate. The officer tried to retreat numerous times to defuse the situation before opening fire, the university said in a news release.
Collar's mother said she has received conflicting information about what might have happened before the shooting and declined to discuss it. But, she said, "Whatever caused the incident was something that made him act not in his normal personality."
Collar's friends and officials at Wetumpka High School have described him as a popular student who excelled at sports but had a humble personality.
"I ask that everyone withhold their judgment about what did or did not happen until the evidence comes out," his mother said.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Wetumpka High School. His mother said funeral arrangements have not yet been made yet.
Gil Collar of Wetumpka was naked when he was shot at 1:30 a.m. Saturday outside the campus police station. University officials said Collar, a star wrestler at Wetumpka High School before enrolling in South Alabama, assumed a "fighting stance" and chased the officer before being shot. The university said security video captured the events.
"I have been told by someone involved in the investigation that the videotape shows my son never touched the police officer," Bonnie Smith Collar said in a phone interview. She did not elaborate on how the person was involved in the investigation.
The university said the officer heard a bang on a window at campus police headquarters and went outside to investigate. The officer tried to retreat numerous times to defuse the situation before opening fire, the university said in a news release.
Collar's mother said she has received conflicting information about what might have happened before the shooting and declined to discuss it. But, she said, "Whatever caused the incident was something that made him act not in his normal personality."
Collar's friends and officials at Wetumpka High School have described him as a popular student who excelled at sports but had a humble personality.
"I ask that everyone withhold their judgment about what did or did not happen until the evidence comes out," his mother said.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Wetumpka High School. His mother said funeral arrangements have not yet been made yet.
I feel terrible for that poor officer. I mean, a studly, well-trained officer of the law to be approached by a naked, 5'7" 135# college freshman...seriously, how dangerous can you get??? Why that's almost as dangerous as being pounced on by a dozen puppies at once! Or a gang of teddy bears after their picnic! Or Rainbow Brite and her Unicorn! Why, he must have been terrified! Probably left a trail of donut holes on the ground behind him!
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Or like Agent Sydney Bristow says, this officer was threatened by this young man's genitalia, and in his fear he just "snapped" for fear of being turned into one of the Walking Homosexuals!
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But then we must remember...this happened in...(shhhh, they'll hear you)...Alabama!
Let me guess, the campus 'police officer' was threatened by the young man's exposed genitals?
Give me a break. You shot and killed a naked man on a college campus. Do you feel proud of yourself? Going to put that on your resume / list of credentials?
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Many universities, and not just here in the US, see naked drunk dudes on campus, it happens, its a part of college life. I guess there is a reason why you're a 'campus police officer'
Mom will be identified as an "expert witness" at the judicial hearings.
When will people wake up and realize that the USSA is a police state... Everyday there is ANOTHER act of terrorism against an innocent citizen.... just wait till it's your turn.
Too many questions raised and unanswered to know what really happened. There has to be much more to this story. I hope the authorities can sort it out. My heart goes out to the family who lost a son.
 @DeaconBuggÂ
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Don't you find it ironic that the "authorities" should sort it a homicide for which they are responsible?
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It seems that society generally is too dependent and too willing to let the "authorities" sort it out.
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The Nation is in a huge economic morass and the "authorities" are proven to be responsible for that morass and unable to do anything to resolve it.
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 @Icarus  @DeaconBuggÂ
The authorities are in control because they are...the authorities.
 @Icarus I appreciate the comment you are making, however, I think it's too early to pass judgement. We don't know what was going on with the young man and we don't know if the police officer was justified or not. There just aren't enough details to warrant any conclusion.
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As far the economic mess and authorities, I see that as a separate topic and issue. The authorities investigating this shooting have no bearing on the status of the economy or those responsible for the financial challenges this country is facing.
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As far as being too dependent on letting the authorities sort it out, what is the alternative? If there is a loss of confidence in any established authority then reform or replacement needs to be sought after, but I believe in the order and sanctity of the law even when imperfect many times.
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Just my opinion, but I understand the point you are making and appreciate it.
The article from yesterday did not say,that the man that was shot touched the security guard. it said they he went toward the guard in a fighting stance and not just once. The guard according to the article did back away more than once,but the guy kept coming toward him.
 @Jennifer HamletÂ
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And if the public safety officer felt threatened, he/she can use force, even deadly force, to get compliance.
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My only question would be why the officer chose deadly force tool instead of a less-lethal initial option being that this person was unarmed. An ECD (Like a TASER) would have worked very well on a nude assailant. At the apparent close proximity it would have been my first choice (depending on training).
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So that would be my only reason to question the young manâs death.
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Some people will use any excuse to kill someone else.