Suburban Ill. Officer Taken Hostage, Killed

[Mark Tyson]

http://www.policeone.com/policeone/...ect=News&operation=officer_down_full&id=78598

02/02/2004

Suburban Ill. Officer Taken Hostage, Killed

Officer Down: William Rolniak - [Riverdale, Illinois]


Suburban Ill. Officer Taken Hostage, Killed The Associated Press

RIVERDALE, Ill. (AP) -- A detective was killed after being taken hostage in the police station by a suspect who was then shot dead by other officers, according to authorities.

Detective William Rolniak was transferring Adrian Humes from an interview room to the lockup area of the Riverdale Police Department Wednesday night when Humes grabbed Rolniak's service weapon and took him hostage, authorities said Thursday.

Humes, 27, of Chicago, had been arrested on charges of home invasion, kidnapping and attempted first-degree murder in a case involving his ex-girlfriend.

He wasn't handcuffed during the transfer because he had been cooperative and "was not posing any threat at that point," Police Chief David Shilling said during a news conference in this suburb about 15 miles south of Chicago.

Humes forced Rolniak, 39, outside and behind a building across the street from the police station, where he allegedly shot and killed the detective, Shilling said.

He then shot a man who refused to give up his car, authorities said. The man was hospitalized in stable condition Thursday, officials said.

Humes tried to stop two other cars, but was unsuccessful, and was pursued by three Riverdale police officers who ordered him to drop his weapon, authorities said. Instead, police said he aimed the gun at the police officers, who shot him. Humes died at the scene.

Rolniak was a 14-year veteran of the department who lived in Lowell, Ind., with his wife and two teenage daughters, authorities said.

"Detective Rolniak is a true hero," Shilling said. "He paid the ultimate price for service to his community."

The Illinois State Police is investigating the case because it included an officer-involved shooting. Shilling said his department is also reviewing its policies for transferring suspects.

 

[Greg L]

 

[Baba Louie]

He wasn't handcuffed during the transfer because he had been cooperative

"Detective Rolniak is a true hero," Shilling said. "He paid the ultimate price for service to his community."

and a momentary (terminal) lapse of reason

 

[Mike Irwin]

"had been arrested on charges of home invasion, kidnapping and attempted first-degree murder in a case involving his ex-girlfriend."

Sorry, but that's more than enough reason to handcuff someone when you're anywhere near them and your weapon is on you.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Humes died at the scene.

He managed to do one thing right, anyway.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I don't want to Monday Night Quarterback it, but I wonder if he was walking behind and had any control hold, whether the suspect was cuffed at all, if so if behind his back or front or what?

RIP Detective.

 

[HABU]

"Detective Rolniak is a true hero," Shilling said. "He paid the ultimate price for service to his community."

Most unfortunate Rolniak was killed.

In the world according to HABU, which admittedly is not always spot on, there has been a watering down of the term "hero" over the years. I have always thought of a hero as someone who went above and beyond the call of duty, like the guy that dives on a grenade. I think how one dies is more of a factor for heroism than merely dieing, and dieing isn't necessarily a prerequisite for heroism. I have talked to people that think that military service qualifies one for hero status. Rant off.

In my book, it's a bummer Detective Stadanko was killed, but he isn't a hero.

 

[VaughnT]

Habu, you got it right. There ain't know way the act of dying makes you a hero! If he had gone into a situation knowing that there was a strong likelihood of his death, then he could be called a hero. As described, he's just another candidate for the Darwin Awards.

Best to his family.

 

[TheOtherOne]

If he had gone into a situation knowing that there was a strong likelihood of his death, then he could be called a hero. As described, he's just another candidate for the Darwin Awards.

I wouldn't say that. I guess there are varying degree of heroism. You could argue that he was a hero based on the fact that becoming a police officer increases the likelihood of being murdered.

 

[VaughnT]

By the same token, then, I could be claimed a hero because I work an armored car and have even less training than your average leo.

Hate to hijack a thread like this with such an argument, though. Let's agree to disagree and wish the best for his family.

 

[larry_minn]

While I agree the term Hero is being overused..... We don't know much about Officers actions. Lets assume he fought for his gun and yelled for others to get to safety. That IMO makes him a hero as his actions/efforts gave others a chance to get to safety.
I am used to idea of having to secure weapons before entering jail/prison. Don't they think during interview might be another good area to disarm?
I guess it is like the people who died in 9-11. I don't consider everyone who died a hero. The people who went in to get people out esp when their were signs the towers could fall. BUT NOT the folks who worked there and sent out e-mails to family friends that they were OK and going to come home. Wasted time that should have been used to get away. Also the rubber neckers who crowed around base/tried to get in for excitement. Seems whenever there is fire/accident getting the IDIOTS away to safe distance so PD/FD/EMS/etc can work and evacuate injured is problem. (pet peave)
In short you risk your life to attempt to save another=Hero. You die for mistake/temp lapse of judgement/etc you are not. I morn your loss and thank you for your service but IMO not a hero.

 

[Matt G]

"had been arrested on charges of home invasion, kidnapping and attempted first-degree murder in a case involving his ex-girlfriend."

Sorry, but that's more than enough reason to handcuff someone when you're anywhere near them and your weapon is on you.

I missed that part of the story, first time through. I was about to say that it's not uncommon to question a suspect that's not been arrested, and that we like to keep them at ease during this process. (Read: NO HANDCUFFS)

But if the article is correct,(big If), then the suspect was already under arrest. In such a circumstance, with such a [violent, felony] suspect, uncuffing in the locked interview room would be okay, perhaps, but during prisonor transfers, he needed restraints. Say, a transport belt and 'cuffs.
Also, during the transport process, a second man would be a really good idea.

But, as Gary points out, Monday morning quarterbacking is crass, when a good guy is dead.

While I agree that the term "Hero" is watered down these days, can we move that discussion elsewhere? I frankly would not want to have Mr. Rolniak's family and friends read here arguments that their late loved one was not a hero.