On July 4th, 2021, a heartbreaking incident occurred as retired U.S. Army Major Gullia Dale was fatally shot by Newton police in front of his home. The retired veteran, aged 61, had served three tours in Iraq, but the struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) haunted him long after his military service.
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The tragic event unfolded when Dale's wife, Karen Dale, called 9-1-1, expressing deep concern about her husband's well-being. Fearing that his PTSD might lead him to contemplate suicide, she sought assistance from emergency services.
The 911 call captured the tension of the situation, with Karen providing details about her husband's red truck, potentially carrying a firearm. Responding officers, Stephen Knightl and Garrett Armstrong, arrived at the Clive Road residence around 9 pm.
Dale, visibly distressed and triggered by the sounds of fireworks on Independence Day, was found sitting inside his red pickup truck. Video footage, released by the state attorney general's office, documented the officers ordering Dale to exit the vehicle.
The situation took a tragic turn as officers opened fire when Dale retrieved an object from the passenger seat. The 45 caliber Glock 21 firearm found near Dale painted a grim picture. He collapsed on the pavement, and despite efforts, he was declared dead at the scene.
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Dale's sister, Valerie Coppert, revealed the veteran's ongoing struggle with PTSD, exacerbated by loud noises triggering distressing memories from his time in service. His family, devastated by the loss, expressed outrage at the officers' actions, questioning why a call for help ended in such a tragic outcome.
A rally organized by the National Action Network of Atlantic City aimed to shed light on the incident. Steve Young, a representative, criticized the police for missing an opportunity to assist Dale, emphasizing that the call to 9-1-1 was a plea for help, not a call for violence.
As investigations commenced to unravel the circumstances leading to the use of lethal force, the community mourned the loss of a decorated veteran. The incident highlighted the complexities surrounding mental health issues, PTSD, and the need for improved crisis intervention when dealing with distressed individuals.
@911insights2 Tragic Incident Unfolds Retired Army Major Fatally Shot by Police on July 4th #police #911 #911calls #cops #emergency #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound - 911insights