Reply to Brightwood Protest: MPD has lost control. They all need to be replaced.

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Reply to "Brightwood Protest: MPD has lost control. They all need to be replaced."

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=jsteele]It is tempting in situations like this to view things simplistically, as the poster above is doing. But, in real life, things are often complicated. This is one of those cases. Karon Hylton was not out for a joyride on the sidewalk. He was trying to find his keys that he had lost earlier. Sure, using a scooter on the sidewalk may not have been appropriate, but it does not justify a death sentence either. He appears to have been stopped by a police officer who has harassed him for years. At one point, according to witnesses, Hylton stopped and talked to the police officer. I don't know why he later took off with the police in pursuit, but MPD officers are not allow to engage in pursuits for traffic offenses. So, there may be negligence and wrong-doing on both sides.

There is understandable pain among Hylton's family and friends for the way the aftermath of his crash was handled. According to reports, Hylton was checked into the hospital as a "John Doe" and his life support was turned off before the family was notified. It is the family's contention that the police officer knew Hylton and he was not a John Doe.

At the very least, transparency regarding police activities is necessary. Just as we demand accountability for those who break the law, we should expect it for police officers who violate their own rules and regulations.

Knee-jerk reactions placing blame entirely on one side are not helpful and simply lead to more alienation and conflict.
[/quote]

This is well said, with one small quibble.  "[Insert minor infraction] but it does not justify a death sentence either."  While it is obviously true on its face, it suggests intent on the part of the police that doesn't appear to be supported by anything we know at this point.  Moreover, no one is suggesting that Hylton deserved to die.  This kind of rhetoric inflames an already touchy situation - maybe not here on DCUM, but it's also being bandied about at the protest.

Police should be held accountable, but this can't be characterized as murder, or an execution (at least based on what we know now).

Separate from that, I have no sympathy for the people who shot fireworks or threw projectiles at the police and were dispersed.  [/quote]

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