Plain and simple: obey the law

We are a nation of laws and sometimes people forget that particular fact.

Recently there was a police pursuit in our neighborhood. You do not see a police chase every day. I believe the police responded professionally.

They were "protecting and serving" our neighborhood. The soldiers that were the subject of the famous incident at Abu Ghraib were not "protecting and serving" our country.

They definitely embarrassed the United States. I do not feel the Simi Valley police embarrassed our neighborhood in their endeavor to "protect and serve" our community.

Mr. Raymundo Garcia was not exhibiting behavior of a rational and considerate citizen. I sincerely believe he was a threat to the neighborhood and to himself. He could have injured another person or caused serious property damage.

People were running after Mr. Garcia and the pursing police cars. There were several teenage boys that followed the pursuit. For the police officers involved, it had to be a difficult situation. They had to arrest a man that was resisting while keeping the increasing crowd safe. The use of the Taser was not illegal and, in light of the Virginia Tech incident, I am not surprised by its use.

Mr. Garcia was in possession of cocaine, resisted arrest and endangered the lives of countless citizens. Those are all illegal activities. If Mr. Garcia had respected the laws of our town, he would be alive today.

I am deeply sorry for his death. Maybe his death could have been prevented. To blame the police for the irresponsibility of Mr. Garcia is unfair. The police should reevaluate the use of the Taser.

As citizens, we need to respect the laws of our town. As a community we need to make sure the police have the proper tools and methods to "protect and serve" our community.
J.P. Ferris
Simi Valley