Man Shot By Police Scared To Go Home

POSTED: Friday, January 23, 2009

UPDATED: 5:22 pm CST January 23, 2009

HOUSTON -- A man who was shot by a Bellaire police officer in front of his home on New Year's Eve has been released from the hospital. But Robert Tolan said he is scared to return to his house because of what happened there, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

Tolan is far from well, according to his attorney.

"He is in a lot of pain. He's able to walk, but it's very painful. He walks somewhat hunched over. He does get tired very easily. He still has a bullet lodged in his liver," attorney George Gibson said.

Tolan left the hospital on Wednesday, but has not returned home -- the home he grew up in and where he was shot by a Bellaire police officer.

"I certainly think he is afraid of the Bellaire Police Department," Gibson said.

Bellaire officers followed Tolan to his home in the 800 block of Woodstock on Dec. 31 in the mistaken belief he was driving a stolen pickup truck.

Sgt. Jeffery Cotton reportedly shot Tolan as he lay on the ground with his parents looking on.

"When you get shot on your own doorstep, the thoughts going through your mind are, 'This is not a safe place for me,'" Gibson said.

The district attorney is still investigating the case. Tolan's family is considering a civil suit.

"The Bellaire Police Department has a long-standing practice of discriminating against, harassing and profiling minorities, particularly African-Americans," Gibson said.

It's still not clear if Tolan will be able to resume his minor league baseball career. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of his father, outfielder Bobby Tolan, who spent 14 years in the major leagues.

The same week Robert Tolan checked out of the hospital, his father checked in with heart problems. Bobby Tolan is now recovering from open heart surgery.

Robert Tolan will carry a bullet in his liver for the rest of his life because it's too dangerous to remove. A second bullet perforated his lung.

Robert Tolan has spent two seasons in the minor leagues playing for the Washington Nationals and the Bay City Toros.

 

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