My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Ryan Quinn, who was killed in a tragic car accident last month while being pursued by officers of the Lewiston Police Department. I can only imagine the sorrow and anger the family must feel. I have two sons of my own and have no idea how I would react to the death of either of them, no matter how it happened.

We must also recognize the sorrow, grief and guilt the pursuing police officers must feel. They are also victims of this tragedy and must also live and deal with it. My question is this: Is it fair to label them judge, jury and executioner? I feel they were doing their job as Ryan was driving a stolen car, was too young to drive and had no valid driver’s license. Were the police supposed to back off so Ryan could continue to drive and possibly hurt or kill an innocent person? To let him get away and not take responsibility for grand theft auto? Remember, this was his second stolen vehicle.

We can question pursuit until we are blue in the face, but must also conclude that the victim of this accident was also the one behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle.

I believe the Quinns need to stop pointing the blame at everyone else and start looking inward at what was their responsibility.

Don Duncan, Auburn

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