Story Archive

Theory of Obliviocy

Jose Vaca, 29, had a “theory,” he says. “I told my friend one day that I wanted her to believe all police officers are good,” he said. That conversation happened after his friend’s husband had been killed by police. In order to test his theory, Vaca first purchased a rifle — illegal since he’s a convicted felon. “First thing that came to my mind is I’m already going to get pulled over. I know they’re most likely going to take me in,” Vaca said, “but I’m going to need to try my theory real quick and see that it’s true, so she can believe there is good officers in the world.” So, when he was pulled over, he did. “I come to the front of the police vehicle,” he said. “And I put [the] butt of the rifle on the [ground], and I just, like, put my hand up.” According to the police report, Officer Christian Hernandez opened fire. “What I was hoping for them to do was tell me, ‘Drop the gun! Back away from the firearm! Get on the ground! Turn around!’ and it was going to be an arrest,” Vaca said. “But I was completely wrong.” (MS/KBAK Bakersfield) ...The judge can test another theory: whether prison time brings correction.