Veteran Simi PD officer responds to letter about Taser death

Regarding the "questions" by letter writer Barbara Geach, some answers to your ignorant and offensive questions:

First, Garcia's actions did not condemn him to death.

Of course, the cause of his death has not yet been determined, pending the results of the toxicology analysis at the medical examiner's office. Your insinuation that the police killed him is unfounded and inflammatory.

Second, California state law requires citizens to submit to lawful arrest. Based upon the reported behavior of Garcia- even a "slowspeed pursuit" and refusal to pull over- he was required to submit to arrest. He had no legal right to resist.

As far as a "mindset that demands instantaneous obedience to authority," had he obeyed he would not have been subjected to the Taser.

Finally, your question: "What about the second man that was mowed down by police a few hours later?" That's way out of line.

"Mowed down" implies intent on the part of the officer. There was no evidence, written in any news report, of any such intent.

It was an accident, plain and simple. You forgot to mention there was evidence the man had been drinking prior to rolling his car over on Alamo, then wandering from the median (which is lined with large palm trees) directly into the path of the police car.

There was no evidence the officer could do anything to avoid the accident. It could have easily been you behind the wheel of the car that struck him.

As for the Acorn printing your letter, now I know what to do with it the next time I see the paper in my driveway- straight into the recycling bin.
Sgt. John Parks, SVPD
Simi Valley