Shootings of innocent people by police are widespread and appalling
In response to Helen Saulsbury (Letters, “If you’re not committing a crime, you won’t get shot by police,” July 24): She needs to read the daily news.
A recent example is Charles Kinsey, a therapist helping an autistic man.
Kinsey was on the ground with his hands in the air, telling the police that there was no need for firearms.
“All he has is a toy truck,” Kinsey said. “A toy truck. I am a behavior therapist at a group home.”
He is also heard asking his patient to calm down. After a few minutes, one of the officers shot him and when he asked the officer, “Sir, why did you shoot me?” the officer replied, “I don’t know.”
I would list many more examples here, but am stunned that I even have to respond to a letter based on such lack of knowledge about a current epidemic. And I am also appalled by attacks on police — maybe someday we will follow the rest of the civilized world and develop reasonable gun registration and usage in this county.
Rebecca Hendricks, Cambria
This story was originally published August 4, 2016 at 10:32 PM with the headline "Shootings of innocent people by police are widespread and appalling."