This morning on my Facebook feed a news story popped up about a robbery and outcome in Camdenton MO. This is the area where we own a lake home so I try to stay connected to the local news and events online.
For the last several days it has been news about a man robbed the pharmacy at the grocery store we patronize when at the lake. In summary from the news reports a man entered the grocery store, jumped the counter in the pharmacy, brandished a gun and stole several hundred pills containing opioids. No one was hurt and no shots were fired. There were clear pictures of this individual and his pickup truck used in the robbery.
This morning it has been reported the individual was "captured". Law enforcement did the job they are suppose to do. They found out who the suspect was and due to the danger involved surrounded the home with multiple officers. The suspect was ask to surrender and instead he shot himself in the head. He was transported to the local hospital and is reported in serious condition.
As you can probably guess I am disturbed by this story especially since I haven't posted on this blog since July 6, 2019 and this story spurred me to write.
On my Facebook feed about this story there are so many comments from people stating: "good", "got what he deserved", "saved us money from having to jail him". It is disgusting what I have been reading.
I choose to respond to the comments with this: From what I read an assumption of mine is that this person suffered from addiction. Addiction is a disease. What he did was wrong but what he did is also a symptom of the disease. People suffering from addiction need compassion and resources. An act like holding up a pharmacy to get pills is an act of desperation by a person suffering from his addiction. Harsh words and feelings do nothing to improve the situation for anyone or any loved one suffering the effects of this disease. Of course, I too am now receiving all the hate from people about my comment.
Addiction is a polarizing disease. I feel a hopelessness that this young man could only see robbery and shooting himself as a solution to his disease. Who knows what his circumstances were to get to this point but I know there are options. Most times options someone addicted cannot see.
Until we all see the actions of this man are symptoms of the disease outcomes like this will continue.
https://www.lakenewsonline.com/news/20200211/suspect-in-gerbes-robbery-shoots-himself-after-law-enforcement-standoff/2
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12 comments:
That makes me so sad. I like your response. Of course you don't know until it happens to you...and we don't wish that on anyone.
That was someone's son.
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It makes me feel a deep sadness too. People just do not know what they do not know. Until they have experienced having someone they love dearly face addiction, they just cannot understand. Thank you for sharing this, and I am glad that it inspired you to write again.
This is very sad and we come across this situations very often in our centre..Alcohol Rehab Centre in Mumbai
Stories like this are exactly why your blog is important. People who have witnessed addiction in their families have insight others don't and can't really have about addiction. I happen to be a member of that exclusive club, but truthfully, it's getting more and more inclusive as addiction continues to grow. My son was nearly 40 before he was able to sustain sobriety, hold down a job and be himself again. I never gave up on him, and I hope other parents of addicts will hang in there, too. It's tough to navigate through this disease. Our "kids" need us, and we need each other. If only everyone could see that addicts are so much more than their disease, and most importantly, the addicts need to realize that. Feel free to email me if you want some ideas on what works and what doesn't, from my perspective.
Sad story and I agree with your comments. I’m on the opposite side of you (I’m the child and my mother (68) is the addict) and I know and I read stories like that and think the same thing.
Thank you for your blog and comment. I am new to this since I just discovered the bad news last week about my son. I can feel your pain now because I had been going through with lying and aggressive behavior of my son.
I have just found out about my son in the last 5 weeks so much has happened. I feel numb to it all, Debt, broken 8 year relationship, homeless, now police charges. I do not know what to say to him or help him. I feel no point ranting at him or hating him. Trying very hard to just keep my peace and not get annoyed with him.
Just came across your blog by accident today, I used to follow you years ago when my daughter was in crisis.I feel the same as you for this poor fellow. The general public have no idea what happens to an addict. I lost my friendship to my best friend lately as we had words about addiction. Hope the world can heal soon. Take care
I feel deeply touched by this story. My son is 20 years old and is currently incarcerated and has a drug addiction. I can relate to your big and wish there was more understand on this disease.
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