I agree with your point and really was being sarcastic. I don't know anymore than the video shows, but it looks like the officer fell. I'm curious if his autopilot kicked in and he just went for his gun. I don't imagine if I were on my back in a situation that requires a half second reaction I'd be reaching for pepper spray and trying to figure out how orient it so I don't spray myself (that may be an ignorant statement). And, I don't imagine a baton is of much use when the attacker is over you about to bring a shovel down on your head.

I'm not saying the use of lethal force was justified - I don't know enough to make that determination. Nor is it for me to judge anyway.

I do think that all these "police shootings" are currently over-hyped, though. Officers shouldn't be afraid to defend themselves in situations that call for it, which is all I think this media attention on anything an officer does is fostering.

Then again, in a perfect world, these things would be black and white, cut and dry.