Public airs thoughts on fatal (7/22/03)

I would like to take the time to make a couple of comments about the death of Brandon. My name is Kevin Coleman and I grew up in Jay County and graduated Jay County class of 1978. I now reside in Ellicott City Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. It is my understanding that the reason for the high speed chase was that Brandon was recognized by the Portland police officer. It was also widely known that Brandon's license had been suspended.

The obvious question that comes to mind is, was it necessary to engage in a high speed and potentially dangerous situation to apprehend Brandon at that time, or could this have taken place under a more normal situation? The other obvious question which comes to mind is why did Brandon elect to flee the police? In my opinion both parties Brandon and the Portland police Officer made bad choices.

The Portland police should have called off the chase once it was apparent that Brandon wasn't going to pull over. This type of behavior from public officials isn't tolerated in other major cities. In addition Brandon should have pulled over when he was instructed to do so. This type of behavior can not be tolerated either. However in this case the punishment (Brandon’s death) doesn't fit the crime.

In closing, I hope that the Jay County public officials learned something from this very sad situation. It isn't necessary nor is it tolerated to put people in such grave danger (Brandon and his passenger) if the situation can be rectified under more normal conditions.

I would respectfully disagree with Bart Darby's assessment of the situation. I would also ask the question, was the officer’s life not at stake during this chase and if it was why is there such careless disregard for life?

I think everyone concerned would support the police if this situation would have been resolved under different circumstances. If it would have Brandon would still be alive, and his passenger would not be fighting for her life.

My thoughts,

Kevin F. Coleman

Ellicott City, Md.

Mistakes

To the editor:

The death of Brandon Hilbert could have been avoided. First off Brandon should not have taken off from the officers. Second, I want to ask a question to Police Chief Bart Darby and officer Robert Myers.

Why did you chase him at such high speeds? You had his address, knew where he worked at, and knew his grandparents, Richard and Sharon McGalliard, owners of Pizza King.

All of this could have been avoided if you did the same thing with Brandon Hilbert as you done with me. If my memory serves me right, one day last year officer Robert Myers and Mr. Wells seen me out a driving and didn’t chase me, but instead officer Robert Myers came to my house and delivered me the ticket. You know what I’m talking about officer Robert Myers. Why not this time too? Did you have something against Brandon, or was it Matt Miller the owner of the bike? Mr. Darby, how can you back up Officer Myers? You were the police chief back when officer Myers came to my house with the ticket.

So what you are saying is it’s all right to chase somebody at speeds up to 130 mph until they come to a curve and die? Chief Darby, I think some of your policies need to change. For example, if you have their address or know where they live, don’t chase after them at such high speeds. Second off, don’t agree with all the officers when things could’ve been avoided.

First and foremost, officer Myers, you took the life of a human being yet you still carry your badge. How about resigning and call it quits. That’s the least you could do for this community and not bring harm to another family’s loved one.

It’s time Portland to take this community back and get people in offices that care and do the right things. And my best of wishes goes out to Brandon Hilbert’s family.

Thank you for your time and patience,

Jason Woolslager

Portland

Disgusted

To the editor:

I knew these kids. I would just like to know what how this pursuit falls into "appropriate policy"? Since when does having a suspended license warrant a high speed chase that caused the death of a young man?

Any officer should know that the curve in that road is hard to negotiate at even 30 miles an hour, how did he think that it was safe to continue a pursuit that would put them at that curve going that fast, especially if he knew that the didn’t have helmets on.

He could have went to Brandon’s house and arrested him there, maybe then they would still both be okay and alive. As far as I am concerned that was gross negligence and someone should be punished for it. No crime warrants a 130 mph chase on a dangerous country road at 1:30 a.m., let alone driving with a suspended license.

The officer should feel guilty, his need for power and "winning" caused the unnecessary death of a young man and put a very nice young women in a fight for her life. If this was following policy then someone needs to be changing things.

Disgusted,

Jessica McBride

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