THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 26, 1995 TAG: 9501260014
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Regarding the high-speed chase that ended in tragedy on Brambleton Avenue last Saturday night, I feel compelled to make a comment to those who would hold the police accountable for their handling of the situation. Before asking whether or not two innocent people would be alive today had the police followed Mr. Peterson, the driver of the van, at a more sedate speed, we need to raise the following questions:
Was the driver of the van obeying traffic rules to begin with? Should he have pulled over when not one but two police cars signaled to him? Did he stop when surrounded by police cars who were trying to slow him down? Was the alcohol level in his blood within state limits?
These are the only questions that truly need to be answered. Mr. Peterson alone is responsible for the deaths of two innocent people and for causing heartache to so many others.
M. A. ASIRE
Virginia Beach, Jan. 23, 1995 by CNB