LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock

LEO Round Table, July 2, 2026

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock S11E129, Man With Large Kitchen Knife Loses It As Officers Roll Onto The Scene! Government lawyer penalized in ICE investigation aftermath. Sheriff resigns after public intoxication arrest. UK cop hit with bottle over the head and nearly thrown off balcony by suspect. State House enforces agency cooperation with ICE officials. Man with large kitchen knife loses it as officers roll onto the scene! Texas authorities shocked by gruesome homicide investigation. Knife Attacks, Court Contempt, ICE Cooperation, and the Officer-Safety Debate Episode Summary Courts, Contempt, and an "Attorney as Hostage" Question The episode opens with Chip DeBlock introducing the LEO Round Table panel and previewing several law-enforcement stories. The first main topic concerns a Justice Department dispute over a federal court's contempt ruling against a government lawyer after ICE allegedly delayed the return of a migrant's personal property and identity documents. Chip explains that the court ordered the attorney to pay a daily personal fine until the property was returned, while the DOJ argued that civil contempt should only be used against someone who actually has the power to perform the required act. Randy Sutton questions whether a court can require a lawyer to pay personally for an agency's delay, while Travis Yates broadens the discussion into judicial accountability, immunity, and what he sees as a larger problem in the criminal justice system. A Sheriff Pleads Guilty and Steps Down The panel next covers the resignation of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith after he pleaded guilty to second-degree battery and disturbing the peace through public intoxication. Chip describes the reported surveillance-video incident in which the sheriff allegedly approached a critic from behind, pulled him to the ground, and struck him while at a public restaurant. The discussion frames the story as an example of why law-enforcement leaders are held to a higher standard, especially when misconduct occurs in public and damages public trust. A Violent UK Balcony Attack Fuels a Policing Debate A major video segment focuses on a UK officer who was attacked while trying to stop a man from going over a balcony railing. Chip describes the officer reaching for the man, only for him to swing a glass vodka bottle and smash it over her head before trying to overpower her and throw her from the balcony. Randy notes the severity of the attack while acknowledging that the officer stayed in the fight. Travis uses the incident to criticize what he views as unrealistic de-escalation training and a mismatch between UK policing conditions and American policing realities. De-Escalation, Officer Safety, and Police Training The panel spends significant time debating de-escalation, ICAT, PERF, and the influence of UK policing models on American police training. Travis argues that some de-escalation programs have not delivered the promised reductions in force or officer injuries and cites a New Jersey example in which use of force rose after ICAT training. Randy adds concerns about British policing and free-speech enforcement, while Chip highlights Travis's Focus Certified training and Randy's National Law Enforcement Survival Summit as alternatives focused on officer survival and decisive action against violent subjects. North Carolina's ICE Cooperation Bill Becomes Law The episode then turns to a North Carolina immigration bill requiring state law-enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE and restricting certain state-funded benefits for undocumented immigrants. Chip says the legislature overrode the governor's veto, allowing the bill to become law, and frames the vote as a positive development. Randy expresses surprise that North Carolina passed the measure, connecting it to broader national arguments over immigration, public benefits, and state cooperation with federal enforcement. A New York Knife Incident and Police Use of Deadly Force Another video segment examines a New York City grocery-store incident involving a man with a 13-inch kitchen knife. Chip explains that the man had allegedly been removed from the store after a dispute, returned with a knife, banged on the windows, and then confronted responding officers. The officers gave commands, tried to create distance, and fired when the man advanced with the knife extended. Travis says the officers had no other choice once the suspect kept closing distance with a deadly weapon, while Randy notes that similar knife cases have previously drawn political criticism. A Texas Homicide Case Closes the Show The final story describes a gruesome Texas homicide investigation in which a woman was accused of killing her boyfriend, dismembering him, and attempting to hide body parts in a dumpster and in tubs of wet concrete. Chip recounts how an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip led police to intercept a garbage truck and discover human remains, then search the shared residence and arrest the woman and later her father. The panel responds with dark humor while acknowledging the shocking nature of the allegations. The show closes with sponsor acknowledgments and thanks to Travis Yates and Randy Sutton.

LEO Round Table, July 1, 2026

S11E128, Wanted Man Shot By Officer After Close Encounter In Forest Area Jacob Frey ordered by judge to comply with police staffing level mandate. Police veteran tapped to lead ICE by Trump. Suspect armed with gun shot and injured by officers. Wanted man shot by officer after close encounter in forest area. Six arrested for defacing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Man shot by deputies after charging at them with a knife. A City Ordered to Rebuild Its Police Force The episode opens with a main discussion about a court order requiring Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to comply with a city-charter police staffing mandate. Chip DeBlock explains that Minneapolis is operating far below the required number of sworn officers, while Captain Brett Bartlett argues that the deeper problem is not simply salary or recruitment, but political leadership, low morale, and a lack of public support for proactive policing. Their discussion frames the staffing crisis as both a legal and cultural problem inside a city still shaped by years of police controversy. A New ICE Appointment and Border-Enforcement Expectations The conversation then turns to President Trump’s selection of Lance Schroyer, described in the transcript as a former Oklahoma state trooper, military veteran, and former U.S. Marine, to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The hosts view the appointment favorably because of Schroyer’s law-enforcement and military background. They connect the appointment to broader immigration enforcement, unlawful voting concerns, and their belief that stronger federal action is needed. Jacksonville Body-Cam Footage and the Problem of Too Much Talking The hosts examine a Jacksonville domestic-violence call involving a firearm, where officers confronted a young man who had allegedly threatened someone with a gun. After extended verbal engagement and movement around the property, officers used a Taser unsuccessfully and then shot the subject when they saw him go for a gun. Captain Bartlett uses the video to criticize what he calls the “goofy loop” of repeated police commands, arguing that officers often talk too much and should instead give clear, forceful commands. A San Antonio Pursuit Turns Dangerous at a Fence Line The episode next reviews San Antonio body-camera footage involving a wanted man who fled from officers and produced a gun while being held by an officer near a fence. Chip emphasizes how quickly the incident changed once the officer saw the firearm, noting that the subject was wanted on felony warrants and was reportedly prohibited from possessing a firearm. Captain Bartlett argues that officers should still be trained to use direct physical force, such as striking a resisting suspect, when the circumstances call for it. Vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool The hosts discuss arrests connected to a reported vandalism attack on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where suspects allegedly used razor blades and acid to damage the pool lining and surrounding lawn. Chip describes the incident as coordinated and praises the federal response, while Captain Bartlett frames the vandalism as politically motivated and symbolic. They both argue that serious penalties should apply because the damage targeted a public federal monument. A Knife Call in Los Angeles County and the Final Safety Message The final major incident involves Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a suicidal man reportedly armed with a knife in the Azusa area. Chip describes the deputies’ tactical distance and notes that the subject came out and charged toward a deputy before being shot. Captain Bartlett says the post-shooting communication sounded better than in some other cases but again warns against ineffective command repetition. The episode closes with sponsor acknowledgments, contact information, and a reminder about The Wounded Blue and its work supporting law-enforcement officers. SEO Keywords / Key Phrases Police staffing crisis, law enforcement recruitment, police body camera footage, domestic violence firearm call, officer-involved shooting, armed suspect encounter, police use of force, federal monument vandalism, police command training, knife attack response

LEO Round Table, June 30, 2026

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock S11E127, Gunman Gives Up After Drone Footage Shows His Surrender On Video! Gunman gives up after drone footage shows his surrender on video. Suspect injured while trying to flee from traffic stop with officer. Toddler pulls loaded gun from diaper bag during traffic stop. Deputy shot during intense gunfight with suspect. Drone Surrender, Traffic-Stop Tactics, and the Hidden Risks Officers Face Drone Footage Changes the Tactical Picture The episode opens with host Chip DeBlock welcoming retired Tampa Police Department officer Andrea Casao for a law-enforcement discussion centered on body-cam and dash-cam incidents. The first major story examines an Oklahoma City armed-disturbance call in which a suspect identified in the transcript as Charles Ray Henry Jr. ran from a truck with a rifle, moved toward a residence, and later surrendered after officers used a drone and robot to monitor and contain him. The discussion focuses on how modern technology can help officers avoid unnecessary exposure during dangerous armed encounters. Radio Use Under Pressure Becomes a Tactical Question Chip and Andrea analyze the Oklahoma City video from an officer-safety perspective, especially the officer’s apparent decision to use the radio while also trying to maintain a rifle-ready position. Chip argues that, in many fast-moving armed confrontations, getting on the radio can distract from the immediate need to protect oneself and address the threat. Andrea adds that body-worn camera footage does not always match what the officer actually sees and suggests that officer psychology today may be shaped by fear of second-guessing and prosecution. Oakland Traffic Stop Raises Officer-Safety Concerns The next incident involves an Oakland traffic stop where police said the driver had a stolen firearm, resisted detention, attempted to flee, and pinned an officer between vehicles before being shot. Chip questions how the officer recognized the gun as stolen before confirmation, while Andrea focuses on the tactical choices made at the vehicle. She emphasizes slowing down, maintaining visual control of the suspect’s hands, avoiding reaching into vehicles, and waiting for additional officers when possible. A Toddler With a Gun Turns a Seat-Belt Stop Into a Crisis The episode then shifts to a St. Paul traffic stop where a toddler reportedly pulled a loaded handgun from a diaper bag and pointed it toward an officer. The transcript says the driver had no license, active warrants, and three children under age three in the vehicle. Andrea strongly criticizes placing a firearm anywhere near a diaper bag or young children, describing the child’s act of pointing the gun as possibly learned behavior and stressing how quickly the event could have become tragic. Child Safety and Pretext Stops Become Part of the Debate Chip uses the St. Paul incident to argue that routine traffic stops and pretext stops can reveal serious hidden dangers, including warrants, unsafe child restraints, and unsecured firearms. Andrea expands the concern to child welfare, noting that the children were apparently not properly secured and had access to the diaper bag. Both speakers express relief that the children and officers were not harmed, while questioning whether child protective services would take meaningful action. Humble Apartment Shooting Highlights Cover, Concealment, and Crossfire The final major video discussion concerns a Humble, Texas apartment-complex gunfight in which deputies responding to reports of a man firing a shotgun were shot and injured. Chip explains the reported use of SWAT, technology, and CS gas before the suspect surrendered, while Andrea critiques the officers’ positioning, possible crossfire, and lack of cover or concealment after one deputy was hit in the wrist. The episode closes with a practical explanation of the difference between cover and concealment and a reminder that officers often must make urgent tactical decisions under dangerous and uncertain conditions.

LEO Round Table, June 29, 2026

S11E126, Thwarted Mass Shooting Of Jewish Organization Leads To Serious Indictment Thwarted mass shooting of Jewish organization leads to serious indictment. Former police chief wins $1.2M lawsuit against town. Man shot and paralyzed as a result of a swatting call. Suspect charged multiple times after hitting people with his car. Police Response, Swatting Dangers, and High-Stakes Public Safety Cases A Law Enforcement Panel Opens With High-Stakes Cases The episode begins with host Chip DeBlock introducing LEO Roundtable, the panelists, and the show’s law-enforcement-centered format. He welcomes Lieutenant Randy Sutton and Scott Stier, acknowledges the show’s sponsors and media partners, and previews several public-safety stories. The planned topics include an alleged plot against a Jewish organization in Florida, a former police chief’s wrongful-termination case, a swatting incident that led to a homeowner being shot, a vehicle assault case in California, and other police-response incidents. A Florida Plot Raises Questions About Intelligence and Hate Crimes The first major story concerns a Florida man federally indicted after authorities said they stopped a planned mass shooting at a Jewish nonprofit organization. The host describes the alleged weapons, potential charges, and agencies involved, while Scott Stier notes that the case sounds like it required substantial police work. Randy Sutton suggests the matter may have involved intelligence gathering, informants, or undercover work, and then broadens the conversation into his concern about antisemitic attacks and political rhetoric. The Panel Connects Leadership to Investigative Outcomes The discussion shifts from federal law enforcement to the Nancy Guthrie case, which the panelists describe as a troubled investigation involving missed opportunities and disputed leadership decisions. The host and Randy Sutton criticize the sheriff’s handling of the matter and discuss whether involving the FBI earlier could have changed the outcome. They also reflect on the importance of agency leadership, accountability, and the public’s ability to respond through recall efforts or elections. A Wrongful-Termination Case Highlights Small-Town Police Politics The next segment examines a former Sherborn police chief’s $1.2 million wrongful-termination award. The host summarizes allegations that town officials and a department insider conspired to remove the chief, including claims involving a female officer’s complaint and internal department politics. Randy Sutton frames the situation as an example of small-town politics affecting law enforcement careers, while Scott Stier argues the award may not be enough given the damage to the chief’s professional life. The Wounded Blue Segment Centers Officer Injury, Recovery, and Support Before the swatting story, Randy Sutton shares his recent experience supporting a Mississippi deputy who was critically wounded after a traffic stop involving heavily armed suspects. He explains how The Wounded Blue reached the officer’s family, traveled to the officer’s bedside, and helped provide support during the early stages of recovery. Sutton emphasizes the emotional impact of seeing the injured deputy and asks listeners to support The Wounded Blue’s work with injured law enforcement officers. Swatting and Vehicle Attacks Bring the Episode to a Troubling Close The final major discussions focus on a Tucson swatting incident and a Culver City case involving a suspect accused of hitting multiple pedestrians during a vehicle pursuit. In the swatting segment, the panel weighs both the deputies’ need to enter under the belief that someone had been shot and the homeowner’s possible confusion when police broke in. In the vehicle-assault segment, the host and Randy Sutton discuss cars being used as weapons, the difficulty of protecting pedestrians, and the severity of the charges and bail in the California case. SEO Keywords / Key Phrases law enforcement news, police response, swatting call, officer safety, wrongful termination lawsuit, hate crime indictment, mass shooting plot, wounded officer support, vehicular assault, police pursuit

LEO Round Table, June 26, 2026

LEO Round Table with Chip DeBlock S11E125, Deputy Nearly Killed By Gunman Moments After Rough Interaction On Video! SCOTUS sides with Trump admin over removing criminals with green cards. Ex-cop can be sued for excessive force says Supreme Court. Man fatally shot while stabbing mother over 40 times. Deputy nearly killed by gunman moments after rough interaction on video. Split-Second Force, Knife Attacks, and the Hard Lessons of Officer Survival A Supreme Court Immigration Ruling Opens the Episode The episode begins with Chip DeBlock introducing Chief Ralph Ornelas and outlining the show's law-enforcement-focused discussion topics. The first issue covered is a Supreme Court decision involving green-card holders accused of crimes while traveling abroad. Chip frames the ruling as a public-safety and immigration-enforcement issue, while Chief Ornelas agrees with the decision and connects it to broader concerns about border policy, criminal accountability, and restoring law and order. Qualified Immunity Becomes the Center of the Discussion The conversation then turns to the long-running civil litigation involving former LAPD Officer Toni McBride and the fatal shooting of Daniel Hernandez. Chip explains the difference between qualified immunity and absolute immunity, arguing that qualified immunity is not automatic and exists to protect officers from frivolous lawsuits when they act within clearly established law. He emphasizes that the case is civil, not criminal, and that the central dispute concerns whether McBride should face trial over shots five and six. Shots Five and Six Frame the Toni McBride Debate Chip and Chief Ornelas discuss the Ninth Circuit's ruling that a jury could determine whether McBride's final two shots were excessive after Hernandez fell to the ground. Chip argues that the totality of the circumstances matters, including Hernandez being armed, noncompliant, under the influence of methamphetamine, and surrounded by a changing backdrop of civilians, cars, businesses, and potential ricochet risks. Chief Ornelas praises the dissenting judges and says McBride's calm commands and tactical coordination showed disciplined decision-making under extreme time pressure. A Mother's Day Stabbing Raises Tactical Questions The episode shifts to body-camera footage from Southampton, New York, involving a man accused of stabbing his mother more than 40 times on Mother's Day. The officers are heard repeatedly ordering him to drop the knife before he returns inside and begins stabbing her again, prompting officers to shoot him. Chief Ornelas says he would have fired earlier upon seeing the knife coming up from the victim's body, while Chip discusses the danger of leaving a partner inside and the responsibility officers have when an armed suspect blocks access to a critically injured victim. The Anderson County Gunfight Highlights Control and Survival Chip next reviews dash-camera footage from Anderson County, South Carolina, where a traffic-stop struggle on I-85 escalates into a gunfight that injures a deputy and ends with the suspect dead. Chip and Chief Ornelas question the patrol-car positioning, the claim that the suspect was in the rear of a canine vehicle, and the officers' decision to use a Taser as the suspect reached into his vehicle. Chief Ornelas argues that the officers needed stronger control of the suspect's hands and body and says he would have released the canine before the suspect reached the car. Use-of-Force Lessons Close the Show The closing discussion focuses on officer survival, overwhelming force during active resistance, and how modern officers may hesitate to use strikes or impact weapons during violent struggles. Chip and Chief Ornelas agree that fights must be ended quickly to protect officers, suspects, and bystanders. The episode concludes with reflection on death scenes, the limits of CPR in catastrophic injuries, thanks to Chief Ornelas, reminders about sponsors, and a closing note that the show will return the next day.