Distraction Devices: How They Work & Why They Are Used

Distraction Device

Tools

by Fox Charlotte

Story Created: Feb 28, 2011 at 12:35 AM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 28, 2011 at 10:51 AM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Officer Fred Thornton was a dedicated member of law enforcement.  He served 28 years at CMPD; 23 years on the department's SWAT team.  He was also a husband and father to four children. 

On Friday, Thornton had just returned to his home in Mint Hill after successfully serving a warrant.  He was securing his equipment, including a distraction device, when it exploded.  He was rushed to the hospital.  Chief Rodney Monroe, at a news conference that evening, said "They were not able to save his life, so, all of our hearts are heavy."

Distraction devices are often referred to as "flash bangs" or "concussion grenades."  Made of magnesium and other explosives, they generate a short amount of intense heat, light and sound (kind of like a firecracker) all used to disorient a suspect for about 3 to 4 seconds.  "It's a short period of time, generally speaking, but 3 to 4 seconds in tactical terms is a very long time," says Sergeant Chris Lowrance.  He is a 19 Year veteran and SWAT team leader with the Gaston County Police Department.

Lowrance says until now, he's never heard of an officer or suspect injured by a distraction device.  He says, "Whenever you go and are certified on this device, they always teach you to look before you throw the device to ensure you don't deploy it onto a person."

The last time the Gaston County Police Department used a distraction device was about a month and a half ago, when they were serving a high risk warrant.  Otherwise, the devices are kept in the department's equipment truck.  Under GCPD policy, officers are not allowed to keep them in their own vehicles.

Lowrance says the roughly $45 devices are "commonly" used, but not as a first resort.  He says, "Sometimes...we've found 'em (suspects) sitting in the fetal position on the floor, not really knowing what's going on. They're so disoriented."

Monroe says when the device went off in Thornton's garage, it caused massive internal injuries.  He says, "We ask for your prayers as it relates to his family.  His wife, his four children."

Thornton's visitation is from 6 until 9 Monday night at First Baptist Church in Uptown Charlotte.  His funeral is Tuesday at 11 AM at the church.

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