THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 18, 1996 TAG: 9601160071
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
I am writing in regard to the letter in the Jan. 4 Compass titled ``Not satisfied by police.''
I, too, had a similar experience.
My husband, my 3-year-old daughter and I were driving down Little Creek Road and a white Jeep approached us from behind and was tailgating us. My husband told me to hold on, that the Jeep was going to hit us. Sure enough, it did.
We proceeded to chase the Jeep long enough to get the license plate number and then pulled over to an Exxon station at Wards Corner. I phoned 911, but apparently this was not an emergency to them.
I was upset, in shock and mad. I told the operator that we had been hit by a Jeep and they didn't stop and that they were heading toward the Norfolk Naval Base on I-564.
An officer showed up 15 to 20 minutes later. He was very slow in taking the report. He wasn't going to pursue the individual who hit us.
Later on, I received a phone call from a detective at the Police Department. I asked him if he was going to arrest or give a ticket to the individual responsible for hitting us and he said, ``No.''
I told him that I was hurt in the accident and that I think the person responsible should at least get a ticket for leaving the scene.
The detective was not sympathetic. He accused me of watching those commercials where lawyers sue because of an accident. He told me that the city was far too busy to give this individual a ticket for hit and run. They are too involved with murders and other more important issues than mine. I told him that where I came from the person who hits and runs goes to jail.
``Well, lady,'' he told me, ``go back home if you don't like it here.''
He told me that I could fill out a police report against the individual who hit us, but he assured me it was not going to be pursued. What ever happened to victims' rights?
Holly M. Granillo
Woolsey Street
And more dissatisfaction
I read with interest the Jan. 4 Compass letter titled ``Not satisfied by police.'' I have a cops-who-do-nothing story, too.
A teenager and his friends were trespassing in my yard with hoods on and bandanas tied to cover their noses and mouths. The teenager was carrying an ax. They were dressed like this in the middle of summer, and I don't think they were going to chop firewood.
I lived alone with a small child. Scared, I ran out into the street and flagged down a passing police car. The officer said, ``So what? Why don't you go to the magistrate and take out a warrant on them? It's not illegal for them to carry an ax just to trespass.'' I said, ``What am I supposed to do - walk up to these guys and ask them for their names so I can take a warrant out?''
He said, ``I guess so.'' He laughed and said, ``Or you could move.''
Gee, if everyone moved out of Norfolk, I guess he wouldn't have a darn thing to do - but where would the city get taxes to pay him to drive around all day?
Carolyn Kowalski
East Evans Street Some thanks for police
Many thanks to Police Officer Borkowski, Car No. 6486 - for his much-needed assistance about 5 p.m. Dec. 30 in a parking lot located across from Chrysler Hall.
We had enjoyed the performance at Chrysler Hall, then my friend's car would not start because she had left the lights on after coming through the tunnel to reach Norfolk.
To our rescue appeared Officer Borkowski, who was directing traffic in the area. He was very helpful after my friend told him the problem we had. He told us to stand by the car and he would be with us as soon as he was through. He had jumper cables on the way in short order, but a civilian coming through the lot stopped and, using his jumper cables, started the car with the help of this officer.
I now look forward to enjoying the many programs offered in the Norfolk area when thinking of this incident and this officer.
Jackie James
Dendron by CNB