Flash Bang Injury??

[Jenna]

Heya Gang, I received this from a friend and a member here. I thought you guys may have some great resources, info, etc. I am putting all the info together in one email. Thank you!!

Jenna,
Hey, can you help me find any information on flash bang injuries. I had a close friend and fellow Officer injured Saturday while doing a SWAT team demonstration for a Boy Scout Troop. A flash bang malfunctioned and exploded in his hand. His hand had to be amputated right above his right wrist. Any info you know of would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1102/61565.html

[Switchback]

WOW! What bang was he using???? We use CTS devices and they have solid bodies with ported ends. You can lay it against a wall and it won't launch like many others.

The only injury I have seen was a burn. An idiot (bandits) cought his pants on fire one way or another.

I have yet to see any LEOs injured from diversionary devices.

[Jenna]

Heya All...I am posting this on RG's behalf as he was having problems. Please respond either here or to his email provided...thank you all!!

Hey guys,
Thanks for you input! They type of device was an Omni Blast Flash bang. A new type of flash bang to be safer than the old can type. It is like a firecracker and is supposed to disentigrate upon explosion and be safer. Don't think so! Any info you find please forward to rghernan@swbell.net

Our dept., the North Little Rock Police Dept. (AR) is really hurting over this incident.
Thanks so much: Sgt. R. Hernandez

[EMS Dispatcher]

Chief: Warner Robins officer was not shot, but hit by exploding device
By Shanay Cadette
Telegraph Staff Writer

WARNER ROBINS - Police have determined that a Warner Robins police officer was not struck by a bullet Thursday, but was hit in the abdomen by a bouncing explosive device.

Warner Robins police had reported that Sgt. Darrin Havard was shot Thursday night while attempting to serve a search warrant, but he was protected by a bulletproof vest and only slightly injured. Two people were arrested in the incident.

But on Friday, Police Chief Dan Hart said Havard was not shot. The officer was crouched near the floor of a house at 100 North Ave. when a flash-bang grenade was discharged. Flashbang grenades, diversionary devices about the size of a soda can, emit a loud noise and flash a bright light. They are used to disorient suspects.

Once the device was tossed into the air and exploded, Hart said it apparently hit the floor, bounced up and hit Havard in the abdomen, causing him to fall to the floor.

"It can come up with some force," said Hart. "It knocked (Havard) down."

Havard was treated for minor injuries and released from the Houston Medical Center. Hart said the officer is not expected to miss work due to the injuries.

Havard fired his weapon twice after a suspect pointed a weapon at him, but no one was injured by those bullets.

The rounds from Havard's weapon were recovered at the residence, along with four weapons and drugs found in possession of a College Park man and a Union City woman.

Hart said a 9 mm, a .380-caliber automatic and a .45-caliber pistol were found, in addition to an assault weapon. Police also found several ounces of cocaine at the residence, he said.

Patrick Arsonita Shepard Jr., 27, of College Park, was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit certain crimes, and false statements and writings.

Teresa Ann Veal, 26, of Union City, was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain crimes.

Both Shepard and Veal were being held Friday at the Houston County Sheriff's Office.

Hart said an investigation into the incident is ongoing.