Policing our community loses much of its meaning in the sense of protect and serve.

After reading about the fatal shooting of the B.C. Native Artist, John T. Williams, I was shocked.

Mr. Williams in his last moments of life had in his possession a folding knife and a piece of wood. Williams also had a serious drinking problem.

Williams used his knife to carve totem poles out of wood. There was no evidence to support his intention to harm people in or out of a police uniform.

On 8/30/2010 a police officer spotted Williams on the street. He ordered Williams to drop the knife. Williams did not respond.

The policeman felt his safety was in jeopardy. He over-reacted and fired four rounds and gunned Williams down, killing him.

A witness states Williams' back was turned and he was not threatening or aggressive.

Another witness reported Williams may not have realized the officer was trying to get his attention. Williams was hard of hearing.

Also, had the officer been equipped with a taser or pepper spray, there could have been a lesser show of force and Williams would be alive today.

This is a clear case of a man battling alcoholism and his clarity of mind was impaired. Also a cop whose judgment was poor.

Harold Herrera
Burien