FLASH-BANG COULD CAUSE FALL: EXPERT

A U.S. expert in police special weapons and tactics told a fatality inquiry
yesterday a flash-bang could've caused two young men to let go of a balcony
before falling to their deaths. "Their reaction could be to clench (the
balcony) or let go," testified Ron McCarthy, a former member of the Los
Angeles Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit.

"That could all take place because of the distraction device (flash-bang),"
added McCarthy, dubbed the "Godfather of SWAT" by some officers.

McCarthy was testifying in Edmonton provincial court at the fatality
inquiry into the deaths of Adam Miller and Huu Pham, 15.

The pair fell from a fourth-floor apartment balcony at 12925 65 St., on
Sept. 24, 1999, as cops raided it during a citywide sting aimed at an
alleged major drug gang. Miller and Pham weren't suspects.

Tom Engel, the lawyer for the Miller family at the inquiry, has contended a
flash-bang thrown near the balcony as Miller and Pham climbed over the
railing contributed to their fall.

McCarthy also testified that in some cases it's possible for people not to
be disoriented by a flash-bang, which he called a "distraction device."

"Mentally deranged individuals can ignore it," said McCarthy, adding so can
people very focused.

"There can be no reaction to it."

McCarthy also testified that hanging from a balcony is a pretty big focus.
"How anybody could let go?" said McCarthy.

"I have never seen this before."

McCarthy said distraction devices when deployed can sound like a car
backfiring, are bright enough to cause people to later see spots, and can
create a pushing effect.