In 2013 a young kid was walking to a local field that kids played in. He was carrying a BB gun that bore some resemblance to an AK-47, but had attracted no attention and was not pointing the damned thing at anyone or acting in any way threatening
Sonoma County Deputy, Eric Gelhaus and another Deputy pulled up behind young Andy Lopez and Deputy Gelhaus yelled at The kid When the boy turned, Deputy Lopez opened fire and shot him numerous times killing the boy. The other Deputy did not fire a shot. The District Attorney, Jill Ravitch, waited until after the election then declined to file charges
There was a storm of protest, both in the general community and extensively in the Latino community which is a major component of the local populace. But, it came to naught and Deputy Gelhaus spent some time on paid leave then returned to active duty of the force
today, the local paper, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat is reporting that Deputy Gelhaus has been promoted to Sergeant and will be an overseeing Supervisor.
Providing opportunities to be promoted is a moral duty and a legal and human right, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
the Human Rights Commission had recommended that Deputy Gelhaus be confined to desk duty. I guess that would interfere with his human rights