“In the words of Chief Mina, the Orlando Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) did a “phenomenal” job in ensuring a peaceful surrender.”
A day after Memorial Day 2017, a former US Marine evidently experiencing emotional distress launched his “suicide-by-cop” plan at Orlando International Airport in Florida. As Orlando police and Orange County sheriff’s deputies locked-down an area at the highly-traversed airport, Orlando police negotiators successfully quelled the standoff without harm to law enforcement, citizens or the suspect.
On the evening of May 30, 2017, Michael Wayne Pettigrew, 26, enacted a standoff for several hours in an Orlando airport terminal which serves as the rental car hub. At a post-incident press conference held at the airport terminal, Orlando police Chief John Mina stipulated Pettigrew’s actions clearly wanted police officers to open fire as he waved what is described as a simulated handgun—a fake firearm resembling the real thing. Police believe Pettigrew sought a suicide-by-cop scenario.
Before the standoff ensued, Pettigrew showed his firearm (fake) to an airline employee, gave her his phone, and “told her to call 911, to bring the police, and that he wanted to speak to the president,” according to police Chief Mina, excerpted from the police report.
Had Pettigrew’s handgun been real, one can imagine the potential carnage at a major international airport serving Disney World and touristy surroundings.
Per the police report, Orlando police Officer Jeff Angel stated he observed Pettigrew posturing a “shooting stance” while pointing what appeared to be a black firearm at Orlando policeman Charles Wadley. Armed with an AR-15, Officer Wadley refrained from firing upon Pettigrew, since his field of vision contained a “large crowd of passengers running everywhere.”
“Kill me!” were the words demanded by Pettigrew as Orlando police encountered “passengers… running in all directions, making it a little chaotic.” Chaotic is chaotic, and given the gravity of this tense situation and the enormous loss-of-life potential, cops’ experience the emotional sway germane to shoot/don’t shoot scenarios.
With measured poise and calming nuance, police negotiators artfully develop rapport with often-hostile subjects whose ire is fueled by cumulative, unmitigated angst. Orlando’s police force exhibited the successes to be had, despite every legal reason to defend (open fire) against Pettigrew’s actions. No less important is the sanctity and expectation of safe travels at an international airport used daily by thousands of people.
If not for the marvelous restraint by law enforcement officers on scene reserving gunfire, Pettigrew would have gotten his first wish which, by default, would’ve cancelled the other. Orlando police negotiators were among the massive contingent of cops and skillfully succeeded in talking-down Pettigrew from any further mayhem. In the words of Chief Mina, the Orlando Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) did a “phenomenal” job in ensuring a peaceful surrender.
Baker Act
As is customary with this type of incident involving indications of mental anguish, Pettigrew was committed pursuant to Florida’s Mental Health Act of 1971 (often referred to as “Baker Act”) and transported (in police custody) to an Orlando hospital where he was assessed for suicidal symptoms. The Baker Act is essentially an involuntary commitment at an institution whereby a minimum of 72 hours’ detention transpires while psychiatric professionals examine the bases for an individual’s exhibitive mental breakdown.
Often, individuals are released once determined mental defects are inconsequential. As is apparent in Pettigrew’s case, he was discharged from the Baker Act process promptly, at which time criminal justice wheels transported and booked him into Orange County jail.
In my time as a law enforcement officer, many incidents resulted in a Baker Act. Booze was involved in some. Drugs were involved in many. In those without any vices whatsoever, a single or a chain of traumatic life episodes culminated in a repetitious cycle of Baker Act responses. Proverbially, calling out for help does not automatically mean these calls go smoothly. Endemically, these instances pose grave danger to everyone on scene, and cops’ academy and additional specialized training attempts to carefully quell such potentially volatile incidents.
Pending Charges
As laid out by Orlando police Chief Mina, Pettigrew faces a collection of criminal charges to include assault on law enforcement officer(s). However, Pettigrew’s Orange County jail record lists only the charge of Aggravated Assault on a Firefighter. By my police experience, some folks become combatant against firefighters/paramedics who are attempting to administer medical aid. Likely, Pettigrew reacted threateningly to an Orlando firefighter in the mix of custodial processing at the airport, establishing a felony to go along with the three “Undisclosed holds” on Pettigrew’s booking/jail status.
I envision Pettigrew opposing a firefighter whose job was to strap him onto the transport gurney. Sometimes, it is as simple (and stupid) as that. Among pending criminal charges Chief Mina mentioned in his press conference, aggravated assault with a firearm applies. Police do not have the legal requirement to articulate a fake gun in the course of a suspect’s actions. Subduing the threat is the objective.
In this incident, Pettigrew brandished a would-be firearm which looked strikingly real, and that’s all that matters. With the makings of yet another crazy catastrophe, this one turned out better than expected. Flights were delayed. Traffic was snarled. But not a single bullet was fired. As tweeted by the Orlando Police: “Peaceful resolution; no one hurt.”
Incidentally, according to ClickOrlando.com, Pettigrew stabbed a US Marine corporal, was jailed for seven months, and discharged from military service for bad conduct.
