A critical incident from 2019 involvolving the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) and an Army Veteran has recently surfaced, following the dismissal of a federal lawsuit in October 2021. According to a GoFundMe page, Crystal Ragland, was a United States Army veteran who suffered from chronic PTSD and schizophrenia.

On May 30th, 2019, HPD officers were dispatched to Stadium Apartments, after the apartment manager contacted 9-1-1 and stated Ragland was outside waving a firearm and threatening her neighbors. As shown in the body worn camera footage, two officers arrived at the apartment complex, where they were immediately confronted by the apartment manager.

As the officers later approached the apartment, they drew their firearms due to the circumstances of Ragland having possession of a firearm. Upon reaching the apartment, officers attempted to communicate with Ragland, however the situation became hostile. During the encounter, Ragland was commanded to show her hands and to stop reaching.

After a short confrontation, Ragland lifted her shirt slightly, where a firearm was observed on her waistband. Officers continued to command Ragland, however she continued to ignore the officers. Ultimately, Ragland made a motion toward the firearm, forcing an officer involved shooting. Ragland sustained multiple gun shot wounds, and later succumbed to her injuries.

In a later statement, HPD said they expect the presentation to provide background information on the events leading up to the incident and more context to the investigation and legal findings that led to the release of the bodycam footage.

Do you think there was an excessive use of force? Were the officers justified in protecting themselves and citizens around? What was the VA doing to support Ragland in her diagnosed PTSD? You let us know what you think in the comments below.