Tuesday, March 16, 1999
Shot rattles police program
Chief says victim still a defender
BY JANICE MORSE and JANET WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MONROE — Participants in the Monroe Citizens Police Academy are voicing support for the program following Thursday's accidental shooting of a citizen, Police Chief Ernest Howard said Monday.
The man who was shot, John Kramer, 57, escaped serious injury. By a series of flukes, the bullet that hit him did not penetrate. He remains one of the program's staunchest supporters, Chief Howard said.
“Mr. Kramer came back from the hospital after the shooting incident and said, "Don't let this program drop. It's too important,'” Chief Howard said Monday. Mr. Kramer, who was treated at Middletown Regional Hospital and released, has not respond ed to reporters' requests for interviews.
Chief Howard on Monday said he hasn't decided what action, if any, to take against Dan Rauh, the reserve officer who accidentally fired at Mr. Kramer.
“I won't allow anyone to pressure me into making a snap decision on discipline,” Chief Howard said. “The only ones who could put pressure on me are the city officials — and none have done that. They've been supportive of me and the program.”
Chief Howard said the accident has been extremely unsettling for everyone concerned, including him and Mr. Rauh, who couldn't be reached for comment.
Immediately after the shooting, after asking about possible discipline, Mr. Rauh remarked, “Whatever anyone did to me, it couldn't be worse than this.”
Around 10:15 p.m. Thursday, Mr. Rauh apparently reloaded his weapon as he was preparing to leave the academy class.
But he was asked to participate in more mock traffic stops, and forgot that his gun was loaded.
By chance, he had used the wrong ammunition. When fired, the bullet lacked its normal velocity — and some plastic pens in Mr. Kramer's pocket also helped block the bullet.
Even though Mr. Kramer was shot from a distance of about 6 feet, he suffered only bruising and scratches, Chief Howard said. Mr. Kramer, he said, wants to make the bullet, which fell out of his shirt, into a tie tack.
In hopes of eliminating any chance for a recurrence, Chief Howard has decided to use fake red plastic guns for the program.
Academy participant Gary Hoff has volunteered to pay for about a half-dozen of the $45 fakes, the chief said.
“You can't imagine how good that made me feel, to get that kind of support,” Chief Howard said. “We are going to keep the program. That was the first and foremost thing with everyone I've talked to.”
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