Rookie San Francisco Police Officer who shot himself to death while impressing a girl with officer safety tactics, was legally drunk

**Terminator** · 09-01-07, 03:52 PM

SAN MATEO - A San Francisco rookie police officer who shot himself to death during a late-night gathering at his San Mateo apartment was legally drunk, toxicology tests show.
Officer James Gustafson Jr., 23, had a blood alcohol level of 0.09 percent - slightly above the 0.08 limit for legally driving a car - when he shot himself Aug. 11, San Mateo County Coroner Robert Foucrault said today.
Gustafson shot himself in the neck at 1:40 a.m. during a gathering of as many as 15 people, as he was showing a woman how police are taught to prevent someone from using a gun against them, authorities said.
There's no way to know whether Gustafson was too drunk to know what he was doing, the coroner said.
"Somebody's blood alcohol level and their ability to function correctly can vary from individual to individual," Foucrault said. "It's subjective."
According to those familiar with the incident, Gustafson was showing the woman his Police Department-issued semiautomatic pistol after removing the magazine that stores the rounds. However, there was still a round in the chamber.
Gustafson pointed the weapon at his neck and pulled the trigger, shooting himself, according to authorities.
The coroner's office has ruled the case an accident. Police initially characterized the case as an accident but are awaiting official receipt of the toxicology results and gunshot residue tests before making a final determination, Lt. Mike Brunicardi said.
Gustafson graduated from the San Francisco police academy in January. He had recently finished a six-month stint in the Mission District under a field training officer and had been transferred to the department's Central Station.

**lewisipso** · 09-01-07, 04:00 PM

Shooting yourself while demonstrating safety techniques? Would that be a contridiction in terms?
Drunk and showing off for a woman. That'll do it every time.

**bird1** · 09-01-07, 04:58 PM

wow!

**jmur5074** · 09-01-07, 07:35 PM

What an idiot....

**JLK** · 09-01-07, 08:47 PM

self correcting problem

**TXCharlie** · 09-01-07, 10:01 PM

I guess he wasn't paying attention the day that they told him his duty weapon doesn't have a magazine safety... and oh by the way, only "sissy guns" have that.

**countybear** · 09-01-07, 10:16 PM

Famous last words... watch this.

**JLK** · 09-01-07, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by TXCharlie

I guess he wasn't paying attention the day that they told him his duty weapon doesn't have a magazine safety... and oh by the way, only "sissy guns" have that.

you going to think less of me now because I have a sissy gun.

**Tony** · 09-01-07, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by JLK

self correcting problem

Sadly so true.

**TXCharlie** · 09-01-07, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by JLK

you going to think less of me now because I have a sissy gun.

Oh goodie - What is it?

It'll probably turn out to be some 50-cal sniper rifle or a S&W .22LR target pistol

**Buttercup** · 09-02-07, 09:48 AM

What a stupid thing to do. My guess is that the woman wasn't impressed.

**Tuff** · 09-02-07, 10:29 AM

Dang...thats just as bad as that youtube vid of that officer in the kindergarden class showing them his duty weapon and how empty it is then shoots himself in the leg....Being Stupid sure does hurt...

**TXCharlie** · 09-02-07, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Tuff

....Being Stupid sure does hurt...

Yeah it does - I haven't shot myself yet, but let's not talk about power tools, knives, and hammers

**Buttercup** · 09-02-07, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by TXCharlie

Yeah it does - I haven't shot myself yet, but let's not talk about power tools, knives, and hammers

I popped myself in the forehead with the lid of one of those refrigerated biscuits in the can, it was my punishment for buying them.

**213th** · 09-02-07, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by Buttercup

I popped myself in the forehead with the lid of one of those refrigerated biscuits in the can, it was my punishment for buying them.

Refrigerated biscuits in a can? What kind of cook are you?

**Buttercup** · 09-02-07, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by 213th

Refrigerated biscuits in a can? What kind of cook are you?

Better than you. Hence my saying that my bump on the head was punishment.

**213th** · 09-02-07, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by Buttercup

Better than you. Hence my saying that my bump on the head was punishment.

You may be better then me...but at least I try. I've never purchased canned refrigerated biscuits

**gozling** · 09-02-07, 08:28 PM

reminds me of that dumbass in that school talking about weapons safety and shot himself in the foot.

i am sorry for his family and those that knew him.... however i really dont have any sympathy for the situation...
brother or not.