Police Hot Pursuits and Loss of Lives
We were very saddened to read about the tragic deaths of Jessica Warren and Dawn Hammond, victims of the police pursuit on Christmas morning.
We were saddened not only because we know of the sorrow of the family and friends, but because the circumstances might have been prevented had a jury voted to find the Costa Mesa police guilty in their pursuit of Ruben Valle on Dec. 12, 1984. We believe that the “not guilty” decision gave a green light to Orange County law enforcement that hot pursuits will be condoned or even encouraged at the expense of an innocent public.
It was our son and brother, along with Billy Dearing, who lost their lives as innocent victims Dec. 12, 1984. We were outraged then and are outraged now that hot pursuits still claim the lives of the innocent. Although police departments have “guidelines,” guidelines are not law and don’t have to be followed. We tried to bring this macho law enforcement attitude to the public’s attention through our lawsuit, and it was an uphill battle for the better part of 3 years.
It is our hope and prayer that one day law enforcement will have to be accountable for acts of irresponsibility in the line of duty.
KEITH WILLIAMSON
SHARON WILLIAMSON
MERRITT WILLIAMSON
DEIDRE WILLIAMSON
Costa Mesa
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