Almost two weeks ago, unarmed 25-year-old Reggie Doucet was shot and killed by police officers following his alleged attempt to take one of their guns.
The officers claim they were “fighting for their lives” while struggling with Doucet, who repeatedly punched them wearing nothing but boxers. Police Union President Paul M. Weber said that while Doucet was naked and not holding a weapon doesn’t mean he didn’t pose a threat: “In this case, naked or not, when Mr. Doucet tried to take an officer’s gun away from him, he set in motion the chain of events that sadly led to his death. An officer who loses his gun to a suspect loses his life.”
A close friend of Doucet, however, paints a very different picture of the former quarterback and model.
Kacie Alexis knew Doucet and said, “The media has been portraying Reggie as a ‘violent, dangerous, hostile and troublesome man”. I would just like to start by saying that he was none of the above, as far from any of these descriptions as you could imagine.”
Reggie was the funniest man I knew, he could make anyone smile no matter what they were going through, and he always made everyone feel comfortable, safe and appreciated. His SMILE was the best I’ve ever seen. It was gorgeous and could light up a room with a single tooth. He was extremely motivated and focused. He only wanted to have a good time and make sure everyone else was doing the same as well. Reggie was the life of the party and the root of the tree. His energy was like no other and his POSITIVE, CARING, HAPPY, JOYFUL presence was felt everywhere he went. As far as the YouTube videos go, he was joking, comedy, fun. Those who weren’t blessed with knowing him please do not take them seriously. Reggie was an amazing and positive person and, regardless of all that, did not deserve to be killed. There is protocol and order that should have and was not taken, and NO ONE should be treated like this. We have to put a stop to the actions of the LAPD now before more innocent people are wrongfully murdered.
Political analyst Earl Hutchinson shares her sentiments: “Is it always going to be a situation where you’re going to use deadly force? Because if so, that’s a problem.”
Kacie detailed last Friday’s events on her Tumblr page by talking with his friends, neighbors and family who were in the area at the time of the incident:
Reggie had a suite at the W with some friends for many days to celebrate his birthday. On the morning of January 14, 2011, he took a cab from the hotel to his place in Playa Vista. Upon arriving he realized that he did not have enough money to pay the cab fare so then being the funny, charismatic man that he was, he left his clothing in the cab with the driver as a sort of collateral and reassurance that he would return with the money. Upon arriving at his condo he realized that he did not have his keys so he ran back and forth from side entrance to side entrance attempting to get into the building so the cab driver could be on his way. During this time an onlooker called the police. When they arrived, Reggie was in nothing but his boxers, locked out of his condo and desperately trying to find a way to pay his cab fare. I will interject by saying that Reggie was a character and very honest person, he was not at all a violent person. The cops arrived and tried to arrest Reggie, but he continued to look for a way into the apartment. Let me remind you he was unarmed, in boxers, no keys and he left his phone in the cab as well. The LAPD then CORNERED MY FRIEND REGINALD DOUCET and instead of using a billy club, Taser (some of which shoot from 20 ft.), pepper spray, bodily actions or anything such as HANDCUFFS…they SHOT AND KILLED Reggie from point blank range TWO TIMES in the NECK. Then they proceeded to wait 30 minutes to call in the situation.
Doucet was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The officer who shot him had been on the force for 17 months, while the other was a five-year veteran. Although their names have not been released, the shooting is under investigation.
When we spoke to Kacie, she mentioned how displeased she is with the way the media and LAPD are portraying her friend. “He would never hurt a fly and yes, he was athletic and in shape but that should not be used against him. It in no way showed any signs of violence. Reggie called the gym his girlfriend and dedicated his time and effort into bettering himself and others,” she said.
“It saddens me that an unpaid cab fair ended with the cold blooded killing of an innocent man. Not even criminals or murderers are killed; they’re arrested and tried. Reggie was only causing a noise disturbance, and he was not just a “nearly naked man” as the LAPD keeps referring; he was our friend and family,” she added.
so whats hearsay and whats not?was he jumping on cars?was he completely naked and then talked into putting his boxers on?did he fight the police off? If he did any of these things,which are apparently out of character for him,did an autopsy show anything in his system?
and if they waited 30 mins to call and there is proof to show that,will that weigh heavily in the investigation,as it should?
Im sure we dont know all the facts here but Im very curious to know them.I am someone who tries to look at both sides and put myself in someone elses shoes.For that reason,when a Black person is killed by the police I dont automatically assume they are pigs or where in the wrong.Nor do I believe the person deserved it.It seems that mistakes were made all around in this situation and we need to educate our young Black men about their rights,the laws, and how to stand up for yourself with your mind.I know people who have bucked against the police just because they were the police and they have this “f” the police mentality (not saying he did) and they paid a price for it.As a Black male,that is never an option because it will never end good.If anything good can come of this,let it be to educate our young Black men about how the protect themselves with the worlds most powerful weapon-the mind!
*were* not where
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So are people saying the police lied that he tried to take a gun from an officer?
Whats done in the dark shall come to light. My prayers are with the Doucets family.
I don’t believe he tried to take their guns
Are we headed for a repeat to the Rodney King’s response?
Good Cops must stop or speak up about the unacceptable actions of ____ cops in order to prevent an all out WAR.
All out war, what are you talking about, this would be a war with people with sense against fools. The police do a dangerous job to protect the community and those who want to live in peace against an encroaching ignorant mentality against that peace. When the police approach, one should not try to fight the police in any manner but humbly try to comply with their requests when you fail to do so this can be the result. Their have been six officers killed in the last week bu ignorant fools, this is not a job where you have room to err because criminals will kill you. I am on the side of the police and I am a black man. More black men are killed by other black men and I want the police to feel welcomed in my community and I salute them and honor them for their service. And black people on this site show their ignorance by being against the police because our community is the most dangerous because of black fools shooting all the time and not because police. Police are the heroes in this instance.
Something got to give! Is WAR with the folks comming soon?
Something got to give. Could this mean the start of ____?
Very Sad…so sorry to hear this
My prayers goes out to the family.
go
no weapon, no where to hide one.. I guess being young black and in shape was a threat. We have got to do better and not sit around and let this go, something needs to be done. What happened to tasers!!!!!!!
As one poster posted we were not there. However, there`s a “LONG” history of us being murdered in cold blood in this country, be it, by civilians of whites or law enforcement…so forgive me if I find it hard to give them the benefit of the doubt. We still receive NO justice in “White America” and I don`t see any coming anytime in the near future…and they wonder why we, as Blacks, are so angry and suspicious. Only a fool would be trustworthy of the evil that has plague us since our forefathers set foot on these shores.
I can hear the voices of our people, who were murdered in cold blood, screaming from the grave for justice…shall I call the role? Our beloved Malcolm X, Fred Hampton, Patrice Lumumba, Dr. King, Medgar Evers, Emmitt Till, Sean Bell, Deablo, and the list goes on. Believe me when I tell you, we know what evil and injustice looks like. We`ve had a long history of our people`s blood fertilizing this vicious and beast like nation called, America….so forgive me if I automatically assume this is but one more reason to find this “WICKED” nation guilty as charged.
Peace in the spirit of my “HERO” Malcolm X
The black on black crime rate is high than the white on black crime rate.
higher*
I named my son after Malcolm and you my friend are not is the spirit of Malcolm. Malcolm was a searcher of truth and not someone who hated just for hatred’s sake. First Malcolm was not murdered by whites but by other blacks who he went against and because he was another path. Yes their has been injustices in this country against blacks but their has been more injustices by blacks against blacks in black countries, in the past and presently also. Human beings do wrong against one another and good against one another too. You only focus on the injustice and not the extreme good also done to us by this country in which we have access to greatest learning institutions and technologies in the history of mankind by our presence in this country. Instead of taking advantages of these opportunities we like to listen to crude rap and rail against whitey and screw up in school. We are our own worst enemy, and in fact it is white people right now who are the #1 providers of food aid to Africa and earthquake relief in Haiti. You my friend are no Malcolm at this moment but I hope you will examine the evolution of Malcolm and look at black history not just the romantic view but also the ugly wars we fought against each other daily and still fight. BTW if you want fight slavery, take a plane to Africa because they are still practicing it in the Sudan and other African countries with not one white person involved.
What is the CAB DRIVER’s story in all this?! I’ve yet to see anything from him…
exactly!!! now we talking. He should be one of the only people to defend Reggie and help Kacie….
If what Kacie is saying is true (no disrespect here). I’m just giving the benefit of the doubt!
no justice…no peace
I agree with your comments and sentiment about White America. However,this is not a case of white and black.The cop who shot him was (a) black and (b) inexperienced. Its easy to say what SHOULD have been done but *for arguments sake*if someone is manhandling you/whooping your behind AND you are less experienced with situations like this, you are less inclined to think things through.I know a cop who lost his life because he decided to give a guy a chance and let him go.The guy killed him.And not that color has anything to do with that situation either but they were both black.we make some things an issue of race that shouldnt be…unless you want to make this about Willie Lynch
Blue first, Black second. Have you never heard that expression? Experienced or not, he could have shot the boy in his foot? There are lies and cover ups going on here. Read your history books, things do not change.
Well my issue isn’t race related, although given the history of the LAPD (or any police department for the matter) i can see why ppl automatically assume that it has to do with skin color. I have a bigger issue with police officers in general. Too many innocent, unarmed minorities are ending up dead at the hands of an officer who feels threaten.
I have no qualms with blue before black.If faced with the same dangers I would feel the same way.And that doesnt mean that I condone random acts of violence on the undeserving.Everyone involved should be held accountable.Having said that,accountability goes both ways.And in regards to reading history books,I can find a book to go along with whatever I believe.The truth is that we lost ourselves in the fight to become “equal”.Instead of remaing unified we turned on one another and are now living much like the Isrealites lost in the wilderness.Its really a shame.And this war others speak of?It should be a war on ignorance!Garbage in,garbage out.The things we read,listen to,regurgitate?Its all garbage and we think its cool.4 year olds talking about snitching,Black people thinking all they have to do is go to church on Sunday and theyre good.Where are the outcries for the boys killing each other in Chicago like its nothing?For those who are so angry and want to do something-go and be a mentor to a couple boys.EACH ONE TEACH ONE.
Every profession has bad seeds.Are you complaining about bad teachers?ousting inadequate congress persons?Know your laws-knowledge is power.Lots of issues can be diffused when those in power (real or imagined) know that YOU KNOW too.
I jus dont understand why he had to be killed…are cops no trained to shoot??? There is no way and unarmed, almost naked man should be shot to death. But imma bout to read up on this story, because this ish aint making no sense. Prayers are with his family.
cops are trained to shoot to kill, an injured suspect can still kill you. im not saying this young man deserved to die (noone had a taser or pepper spray) but cops rarely shoot to injure.
The police do a dangerous job to protect the community and those who want to live in peace against an encroaching ignorant mentality against that peace. When the police approach, one should not try to fight the police in any manner but humbly try to comply with their requests when you fail to do so this can be the result. Their have been six officers killed in the last week by ignorant fools, this is not a job where you have room to err because criminals will kill you. I am on the side of the police and I am a black man. More black men are killed by other black men and I want the police to feel welcomed in my community and I salute them and honor them for their service. And black people on this site show their ignorance by being against the police because our community is the most dangerous because of black fools shooting all the time and not because police. Police are the heroes in this instance.
I am watching the funeral right now of two white police officers who were shot in the line of duty trying to arrest a black murder suspect on the charge of murdering another black man. This shows how powerful we Americans believe in the rule of law, why not let this murder suspect get away, his victim was just a poor black man but those cops believed in justice and the importance of law and sanctity of life and put their lives on the line everyday. The black people posting derogatory things about police make me sad because you are contributing to the delinquency of our youth by causing them to hate the police and then do stupid things when they approach. You need to stop.
This is crazy. I agree with a previous comment… what is the story of the cab driver? Please lord don’t let him buckle down if offered money to keep quiet. I hope he speaks up because his side of the story will make a world of difference to what really happened. I doubt he would take a gun from a cop but none of us were there. Another question is what happened to the neighbor who called the cops? Did they sit there and watch this young man get shot and killed in cold blood and didn’t call 911? So many unanswered questions with no one speaking up. Damn shame.
I would like to hear from the cop that didn’t do the shooting as well as the cab driver. I pray everyday that he will tell the truth, even if it cost him his job. I knew Reggie and his family. Beautiful family, community respect, caring people only wanting good for their sons. If you have ever met them, felt their warmth, their hugs, their laughter and if you ever saw Reggie smile, then you would know from the bottom of your heart that this is wrong. Reggie’s family has been cheated of living a long and happy life with him, his brother is alone, and his little baby girl is asking for her daddy. God Bless and comfort them and please cab driver and officer, tell the truth. You can’t hurt the Ducet family any more than the pain they feel now, but you can hurt your own morals and
you will live with this in your heart for the rest of your lives.
CHESSMACK,
Extremism exists on both sides of the law. Officers must be trained on citizens’ rights granted under the constitution. Law enforcement has to play a more integrated role in the community, so they are aware of parties they will be serving on their calls.
Many citizens just don’t feel the police are serving them, but rather serving their fellow officers even if these officers have committed crimes.
Finally, parents need to raise their children with morals or to be held accountable for their children’s actions.
Officers are trained on the law and sure there are cops who make mistakes but when the mentality in the black community is that the cops are pigs , then you are corrupting a generation of kids to view the police as the enemy and also to turn away from a promising profession. We are our own worst enemy , I swear, when I hear some of the ignorant posts made here I am disheartened by the state of the black community when you can believe that a person who goes through a rigorous training process to become a police officer, makes a decent salary, puts on a uniform each day and risks his life to uphold the law would want to shoot a naked man for the heck of it. What is his motive, he(the officer) was black too! You all are crazy!!! Some of you just want to hate the police for no logical reason. You go to a movie and who’s shooting outside the theater, not the cops but ignorant black male fools who keep getting excuses for being dumb. When I come out that theater, I would want to see some white cops, I wish they were lining the parking lot, as a black man (with some sense) I would feel as safe as a baby in a crib. However, if it were lined with foul mouthed black youths of today with their bad manners and cocky attitudes I would not feel safe. Clear to me, we are not in the sixties get your minds right black folk.
First of all, tasers and pepper spray dont work on everybody.I get tired of people especially black people talk about why the police dont use tasers or spray. Police have think quick and react quick within seconds. None of you all could last one day or month in a officer’s shoes because none of you have the guts and patients to do job that is put before you. When you put on a uniform and put your life on the line for people who dont care or respect the job that you due everyday,it becomes frustrating. Again, no one knows the true story of what happen and just because he has friends and family stating that he is a good guy does not mean he didnt have a bad bone in his body. Why didnt he pay his cab fee? Why was he in boxers? Was he on narcotics and etc. Let me state this again! Taser and pepper spray do not work all the time. Tasers malfunction and some people can fight through pepper spray and tasers. Police would have never responded to a call in reference to him, if he paid his cab fee.
If you read the above article it states that he was in boxers because he rook of his clothes and left them with the can driver while he ran upstairs to get more money.
The person that’s telling the story, appears to be a friend of his. So the question is wether or not she was in the cab with him or there on the scene. No body really knows what really happen except the cab drive, the officers, the decease, the person that called 911 and watch and God.
The person that’s telling the story, appears to be a friend of his. So the question is wether or not she was in the cab with him or there on the scene. No body really knows what really happen except the cab drive, the officers, the decease, the person that called 911 and watch and God.
i agree
No body was there. The only people who know what happen is the young man that is deceased, the officer’s involved, the cab driver and God. For all the idiots that keep yelling why the police didnt use a taser or pepper spray, THEY DONT WORK ON EVERYBODY. Tasers malfunction and when you use pepper spray it can effect others around including the officer. Some people can fight throuhg pepper spray and tasers…..
This is such a sad injustice. When will it all end. Why is it that no one ever learns that history keeps repeating itself. The police are getting more intimidated and scary, and people are getting bolder and less intimidated by police. What happen to warning shots….is that a thing of the past, what happen to put your hands in the air. Two officer 1 man something is wrong with this picture. GOD BLESS THIS TROUBLED WORLD….
Obviously I was not there to see what happened. However, something about this story just doesn’t add up to me. Why was a man, who was in his boxers and did not have any weapon on him, considered a THREAT to the police? Why was he SHOT and KILLED when he had no weapon on him and was confronted by TWO police officers who could have simply used their PHYSICAL force against him, rather than a weapon such as a gun? We have seen these types of stories numerous times in the media and in society and unfortunately, this case seems to be another case of a young black man who was harassed and eventually KILLED by police officers. We have seen this story MANY times so let’s be realistic here. This does not add up. The police officers wrongly used excessive force and in my opinion, they did not need to use a gun against a man who had NO weapon on him.