SHOOTING: A sign of the times

To respond to the letters of Mr. Miller, Mr. Gressler and Lagonda McDonald. It is obvious that Mr. Miller, as former officers, would say what they did. Just because the shooting was done by a police officer does not mean it was warranted.

Officers are like the rest of us mortals and can panic or respond inappropriately; it is human. I do know a lot about this case, having heard the only non-officer witness. I also have a good friend who lives right next to the apartment where Eric was shot. She heard everything that happened, from the pole crash, to screaming, to multiple gunshots.

I agree that what Eric did was very wrong and stupid, BUT hardly a death offense. He had a penknife, and died because of it.

Lagonda, I have had three friends, nurses, stopped for traffic treated very rudely. Another friend answered her door and her dog got out; the police shot the dog. They never gave her a chance to put the dog in another room. These women are all law-abiding, respectable citizens. I think the police department could use a crash course on basic respect and manners.

I have lived in Coeur d’Alene for 32 years and am saddened by the changes taking place. Lagonda, I hope you never have to find out if I am right or not.

Once again the question I pose is, why not taser Eric or even wound him, not kill him?

DAPHNE GOODSON

Coeur d’Alene