LA cops intentionally used commonly called BURNER grenades on Dorner.

[Conan The Librarian]

I read about this in various news sources, and it was repeated that they did not intend to start a fire even though the type of grenade was clearly described in the articles. I interpreted it as a case where the reporters had all the information they needed to ascertain that a fire would occur, but reported what somebody told them to report.
 
As for whether they should have done it, and without knowing much about it, I think the cops had the time and equipment to use stronger tear gas before using fire. Not that it matters much, though. The end result would likely have been the same: deputy at the scene killed, perp kills himself.
 
In this case, however, it's really interesting that the murderer is being characterized as a hero by some. I can't understand why, but it's an awful thing when people like this get  fame for doing stuff like this. It only encourages the next kook.

[Dee]

The oddest point Conan is the people that defend this guy. There are lots of bad guys around, but these are supposed to be "normal" folks that go to the defense of these losers. I guess it's the male version of women that like to write mass murderers.

[Mike in Virginia]

In October of 1970, I was about half way state police academy when we had a fake "barricaded shooter" situation set up  by the staff.  I was doing well in training, and a particular Lt. liked me, so he told me I would be in charge.  He said if I chose to use the armored vehicle to get close and fire tear gas, DON'T SHOOT THE ONE THAT CREATES A FIRE.  IT'S CLEARLY MARKED.  IT WILL SET THE BUILDING ON FIRE.  DON'T USE IT.  I said okay, but as the situation heated up and the bad guy was shooting, one of the other cadets loaded the gas launcher without me telling him what to use, and I told him to shoot.  It went through the front side of the cabin and out the back winow and set the woods on fire.  I not only flunkedl and was responsible for the fire, but I learned officers must stay in control.  Ain't nobody else going to resolve the matter.  It's up to the cops.  I seriously doubt that the Doner fire was an accident.   

[FPH]

I read about this in various news sources, and it was repeated that they did not intend to start a fire.

I have not read where they know definitively if a burner or Dorner started the fire.  We need to wait for the evidence.

[Dee]

Why do we need to wait? Let's condemn the police now, and put up a monument for Dornen. Like WE could do anything one way or the other. By the grace of God, I don't live in California, and it really isn't any of my business anyway. He did what he did, and they put a stop to it. If he had been shootin at me, I'd a lit the fire myself, burner or no burner. I have always found it amusing to hear criticism of how someone SHOULD HAVE FOUGHT, when the critic wasn't within 1,000 miles, and has never been in a shootin fight themselves. Ahhhhh, but they know how. Just ask'em. Wait! You don't have to. They'll tell ya.
Yes, military vets, at least some have, but the rules are not the same for military as they are for police.

[wganz]

Why do we need to wait? Let's condemn the police now, and put up a monument for Dorner.

He was surrounded and it was -15F. Even Ray Charles could see that it was only a matter of time before he'd eventually surrender or do a Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid on them.

BTW. I've got my DD214 for my 6 years and a day as a 13A.

[FPH]

Why do we need to wait? Let's condemn the police now, and put up a monument for Dorner.

He was surrounded and it was -15F. Even Ray Charles could see that it was only a matter of time before he'd eventually surrender or do a Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid on them.

BTW. I've got my DD214 for my 6 years and a day as a 13A.

And you "know" he didn't eat his own gun?

[Shu]

Donner was not going to be taken alive. If he wanted to be he had plenty of chances to turn himself in. When he started killing citizens and turned to LEOS he decided not to be taken alive. Police tactics used are now an academic discussion at best. Why accuse the LEOs of killing him. He set himself on this course of action.

[45-70.gov]

sorta  like the burning  of witnesses with  tear gas  at waco

[Swift One]

Dorner was off the hook. But why did he go off the hook in the first place? Hard situation to piece together without knowing all the facts.  But for the cops to just start shooting up vehicles that "looked" like his is in my opinion extremely assinine and irresponsible on LE's behalf.  I too believe that he should have been tried in court if they could have successfully aprehended him.  Good Lord, Saddam Hussein got a trial.  But, I dont think we will ever know the full truth- whatever it is and on whoever's side of the fence the truth favors.
 
I just dont like the whole "shoot on site" scenario in LE.  That opens a BIG door of irresponsibility with a country of LE that has proven time and time again that some of LE's ranks has issues with doing the right thing.

[Shu]

We do know Donner wouldn't surrender. He started shooting LEOs when he saw them close to him. He had taken citizens hostage and were holding them. Donner was a former LEO he even stated he knew the tactics. Don't try to blame the rank and file for what a murderer did. By the way Donner's body had a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He had a chance to surrender before the first tear gas greanades went in. He had a chance to surrender when the tear gas grenades went in. He had a chance to surrender when the "burners" went in. When the house cuaght fire there was a single gunshot from inside the house. I don't know what news everyone else has but that was the local news. Big Bear is 2 hours from where I live.

[SHOOTALL]

well bad guy dead cops went home alive , whats not to like ?
Of course someone will squeel well if they do it to him they can do it to you . well qiuck note  I AIN"T GOING TO KILL POLICE OFFICERS OR ANYONE ELSE ! I don't plan to break the law , hey I have run the toll booth and called and paid . I don't fear the police if they get out of line the judge can get them stright and I have seen that take place.