I am saddened to read the tone of your May 16 report concerning the incident involving a van driver and his passenger.

Although you don't identify the age of the passenger, the clear implication is that she was a paranoid, little old lady. For all you know, she thwarted the driver's attempt to do just what she suspected - assault her.

His story is plausible, but she was justified in her suspicion when he refused to believe she knew the route home better than he did.

Unfortunately, your report will probably make other vulnerable citizens doubt themselves rather than protect themselves. I applaud her actions, including her insistence that the incident be documented.

Alice Kuder

West Seattle