OffDuty

Jury Begins Deliberations in High-Stakes Trial of Man Accused of Killing Off-Duty Deputy Amid Controversial Self-Defense Claims

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ATLANTA — Closing arguments unfolded Thursday in the trial of Alton Oliver, charged with fatally shooting a Fulton County sheriff’s deputy. The proceedings concluded just a day after Oliver took the stand to share his version of events. Oliver testified that he shot Deputy James Thomas out of fear, claiming the deputy made several unwanted sexual advances while driving past him. He recounted that after a second encounter, Thomas allegedly accelerated toward him, prompting his reaction. Deputy Thomas was discovered deceased in the driver’s seat of a crashed vehicle early on December 2022, around 4:30 … Read more

Texas Supreme Court Upholds Legal Protections for Off-Duty Officers in Controversial Shooting Case

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DALLAS – The Texas Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a lawsuit questioning whether the actions of an off-duty Dallas police officer fell within the scope of his job responsibilities. This ruling enhances legal safeguards for law enforcement officers, allowing them to engage in official duties even when not on duty, while also shielding businesses from civil liabilities linked to police-related incidents. The case centers on Chad Seward, an off-duty officer serving as a security guard at Home Depot. On April 24, 2018, Seward contacted police after suspecting Armando Luis Juarez of theft. Following a confirmation … Read more

Suspect Indicted in Tragic Ambush Killing of Off-Duty Palm Beach Deputy and Attempt on His Daughter

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PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities announced a significant development in the case of the February 10th shooting death of Deputy Sheriff Basil Powell, who was off-duty at the time of the attack outside his home in Belle Glade. Kevin Benette, aged 32, has been indicted by a grand jury, facing charges of first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted second-degree murder. State Attorney Alexcia Cox shared that the indictment represents an essential move toward justice for Powell’s mourning family and colleagues, emphasizing the commitment of the State Attorney’s Office to rigorously pursue the case. … Read more

Off-Duty Officer in Illinois Faces Lawsuit After Tragic Holiday Party Incident Leaves Pedestrian Dead

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Chicago, IL – A tragic incident has unfolded involving a police officer accused of causing the death of a woman while driving under the influence. The officer, who had attended a holiday work party, reportedly struck the woman as she walked on a sidewalk. According to authorities, the event occurred late Friday night when the officer, allegedly intoxicated, lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle veered off the road and onto the sidewalk, fatally injuring the pedestrian, identified as a 47-year-old local resident. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was later pronounced … Read more