SHOOTING: Story short on facts

Cd’A Press Staff Writer Brian Walker showed off his journalistic talents with his March 13 article recapping the pursuit and (unfortunate) death of Justin Todd. I was most impressed with Mr. Walker’s quoting an unidentified female friend of Todd’s (who apparently was not at the scene) who had “obtained” an eyewitness account of what had happened from an unidentified person at the scene.

Mr. Walker diligently reported, six paragraphs actually, all the information provided by two unidentified subjects, one of which was not even present. It is not surprising that their story portrays this non-violent suspect being gunned down by officers without being able to “get out of the vehicle” and surrender. I guess we will just forget about the 20-minute pursuit down the freeway and through city streets which should have given him ample time to get out of his vehicle and surrender.

As for Mr. Todd not having a history of violent crimes, his 20 minutes of attempting to evade police officers and high speed is a violent crime. His actions placed the public, his passenger and the police officers in danger. In the future I would suggest Mr. Walker use factual, substantiated information from people that were there and willing to identify themselves. Possibly the Press could start a “gossip column” which may be better suited to his journalistic abilities.

Thank you to the police officers that are out there 24 hours a day 7 days a week protecting the public.

BOB SILVA

Coeur d’Alene