Per policy, police shooting will be investigated

A man was shot and killed on Wednesday night by a police officer investigating what the Cape Girardeau Police Department has described as "suspicious activity at a residence." Any time a death takes place like this it is a tragedy. Police often work in precarious environments, not knowing when a situation will escalate.

According to a police department statement, the man killed had "advanced with [a] knife, towards the officer, in a threatening manner." Meanwhile, a witness to the event and renter of the house where the shooting took place called the police version into question, saying the man shot "was lying on the floor like a [expletive deleted] rug." So far, we don't know of anyone who disputes that there was a knife found at the scene, although there is clear disagreement about whether it was open or being wielded.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy, and the Missouri Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. Too often in today's world we see people jump to conclusions about a shooting because of personal biases. It is important that a thorough and open investigation take place. Until we learn more, it is prudent not to jump to unwarranted conclusions.