Police Say Zimmerman Had Chances to Defuse Situation Before Shooting Martin
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A Page from George Zimmerman’s Neighborhood Watch Training Manual
Zimmerman told police that he saw Martin walking, followed him in his vehicle, passed him without identifying himself, called the police non-emergency line, lost sight of Martin as Martin ran toward his father’s home, followed Martin on foot, and then was confronted by Martin, who attacked him when Zimmerman reached into his pocket for his cell phone to call 911.
The report shows that Zimmerman passed a “lie detector” test, called a computer voice stress analyzer, showing no deception in his statements. Such tests are popular with police departments but usually cannot be admitted as evidence in court.
After reviewing the evidence and interviewing Zimmerman, the police detective concluded that Zimmerman’s actions were “inconsistent” with someone who was afraid of Martin, and that Zimmerman had several chances to end the encounter without violence.
“Investigative findings show that Zimmerman admitted avoiding a confrontation with Martin while Zimmerman was observing Martin from his vehicle, because, as he told investigators, was afraid of Martin,” Det. Chris Serino wrote. “Later in the encounter, Zimmerman exited his vehicle, in spite of his earlier admission to investigators that he was afraid of Martin, and followed Martin in an effort to maintain surveillance of him while Zimmerman awaited the arrival of law enforcement officers. His actions are inconsistent with those of a person who has stated he was in fear of another subject.