Slush Pile: Lead & Nicotine Don't Mix

2006 Slush Pile

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Lead & Nicotine Don't Mix

2006 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

37-year-old Steve Salcido tries to bum a cigarette from Dean Brooks in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, CA. Brooks refuses to give him one and walks off, but Salcido just can't quit, so he follows and during a struggle with Brooks, pulls a knife. Now Brooks apparently thought the knife was a bit much, so he pulled out a gun and quickly ended the fight by giving Salcido a case of lead poisoning. Salcido hung on to life for a while, but finally removed himself from the gene pool a month and a day later, never again having to worry about another nicotine fit.

============================================= Full Union-Tribune story below ============================================= Police arrest man on weapons charge By Joe Hughes UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER February 1, 2006

The shooting death of 37-year-old Steve Salcido after a confrontation in November over a cigarette in the Gaslamp Quarter has been ruled justifiable homicide, San Diego police said yesterday.

The man arrested in connection with the case will be prosecuted on a charge of carrying a concealed gun without a permit, homicide Lt. Kevin Rooney said.

It marks the second time Dean Brooks has been arrested in the Salcido case. Brooks first was arrested Nov. 27, the day of the shooting on Fifth Avenue near Market Street.

Brooks, 54, was released from jail within three days when the District Attorney's Office declined to file charges.

Paul Levikow, a spokesman for District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, said there was not enough evidence then to charge Brooks with attempted murder.

Police got the case back. Spokesman Dave Cohen said at the time the investigation would remain open, and attempts would be made to talk to the victim and more witnesses.

Salcido was alive but unconscious and in grave condition at a hospital. Detectives were never able to talk to him. He died Dec. 28, and the case became a homicide investigation.

Immediately after the shooting, witnesses told officers Salcido had approached Brooks on the street and asked for a cigarette. When Salcido was turned down, he followed Brooks, pulled out a folding knife and confronted Brooks again.

The two fought. Brooks drew a gun and Salcido was shot in the neck, police said.

Brooks was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a gun when an officer saw him standing near the wounded man with a gun in his hand.

A knife involved in the incident was recovered nearby on the sidewalk.

Witnesses identified Brooks as the man who shot Salcido, police said. Others said Salcido had come at Brooks with a knife and there was a struggle before a shot was fired and Salcido was wounded.

Little could be learned about Salcido. He lived on J Street in the Gaslamp Quarter and was unemployed, according to the Medical Examiner's Office.

His mother, who lives in National City, could not be located yesterday for comment.

Submitted on 02/02/2006

Submitted by: Sue Watkins
Reference: SD Union-Tribune 1 Feb 2006

>> Moderator Scores <<

James said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Seeing as it was a justifiable homicide, I might let this one slide. Maybe it's my prejudice against folks who just won't take "NO" for an answer. Whatever the case, this mook got what was coming to him, and the gag was right out of a cheap crime movie. I liked it! What say my fellow moderators?

Jack said:
Maybe Toss: No Self-Selection
I have to disagree here. Salcido probably thought that a knife would scare his victim. Imagine his surprise when his victim turned out be carrying concealed! I have to call this just another stupid criminal story. Thanks for the story, Sue! This is one that will probably see some discussion....

Jorge said:
Definitely Toss: Lacks Excellence

Greg said:
Definitely Toss: No Self-Selection
I agree with Jack.

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2006 Slush Pile

Lead & Nicotine Don't Mix

2006 Reader Submission Pending Acceptance

>> The Darwin Awards, by Wendy Northcutt << Link to Fight Evil.

2006 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

>> The Darwin Awards, by Wendy Northcutt <<
Link to Fight Evil.