Yes, agreed, Mr. Phipps, that one's initial reaction is usually governed by self-preservation in these types of incidences, no doubts; however, with preservation in mind it begs the question how could so many people--clumped so close together in a narrow space--overlook the presence of someone offering at least assurance that whatever the ordeal may be I'm here to "serve and protect"?
If Officer Baker actually navigated those steps, it's little doubt he would have had to voice his presence at some point, barking orders while maneuvering innocent bystanders aside to clear a path (not sure about most people, but if I hear someone in authority trying to make headway by using his voice and hands to navigate his/her way through a crowd I'm in, I'm going to recognize the urgency in his/her tone, touch and the manner in which s/he engages me and the others under those conditions). Those small, telling details remain with people long after the bigger picture has been framed.
IMHO if Officer Baker charged up those stairs at the front entrance, those charged with investigating that particular instance would have little choice but to control the outcome by steering focus away from that event/time & space, especially if to pursue the matter would prompt more than a few people to recall the presence of someone jeopardizing the "official' version of events.
If he simply continued to run past the stairs towards the Dal-Tex, then officialdom would have an even harder time placing him in the 2nd floor lunchroom in a time that enhances their timeline of events. Something about all of this strongly suggests some improvisation had to be worked into their pre-arranged timeline.
IMHO the wrongfully accused had to be placed upon the 2nd floor (better he was scripted in flight mode amid a hasty getaway than actually sipping a Coke cool as a cucumber down on the first floor entrance landing).
If Officer Baker actually navigated those steps, it's little doubt he would have had to voice his presence at some point, barking orders while maneuvering innocent bystanders aside to clear a path (not sure about most people, but if I hear someone in authority trying to make headway by using his voice and hands to navigate his/her way through a crowd I'm in, I'm going to recognize the urgency in his/her tone, touch and the manner in which s/he engages me and the others under those conditions). Those small, telling details remain with people long after the bigger picture has been framed.
IMHO if Officer Baker charged up those stairs at the front entrance, those charged with investigating that particular instance would have little choice but to control the outcome by steering focus away from that event/time & space, especially if to pursue the matter would prompt more than a few people to recall the presence of someone jeopardizing the "official' version of events.
If he simply continued to run past the stairs towards the Dal-Tex, then officialdom would have an even harder time placing him in the 2nd floor lunchroom in a time that enhances their timeline of events. Something about all of this strongly suggests some improvisation had to be worked into their pre-arranged timeline.
IMHO the wrongfully accused had to be placed upon the 2nd floor (better he was scripted in flight mode amid a hasty getaway than actually sipping a Coke cool as a cucumber down on the first floor entrance landing).