A Deputy's Mistake: 3 Years for a Fatal Error

The life of a 22-year-old man was cut short in 2022. Christian Glass was in a tough spot. He was having a mental health crisis on a dark mountain road. He did the right thing and called 911 for help. Unfortunately, the help that arrived ended his life. Andrew Buen, a former sheriff's deputy, was the one who pulled the trigger. He was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide. The jury did not find him guilty of the more serious charge of second-degree murder. This case has sparked a lot of questions. How should authorities handle crisis intervention? How should officers be trained to handle similar situations? These are important questions. The case has already led to changes in training. It also resulted in a $19 million settlement for Glass's parents. This money will not bring their son back. But it is a start. Before his sentencing, Buen spoke to the judge and Glass's family. He was sentenced to three years in prison. This sentence is a reminder that actions have consequences. It also highlights the need for better training and protocols in handling mental health crises. The case has brought attention to the need for better mental health support. It has also shown the importance of proper training for law enforcement. Officers need to be equipped to handle these situations. They need to know how to de-escalate and support individuals in crisis. This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement. It also underscores the need for continuous improvement in training and protocols. The hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to better outcomes in the future.