In response to the story “Deadly pursuit” that appeared Nov. 14, I fail to see what finger-pointing can do for that child or his family. Police have taken an oath to protect and serve. They witnessed a car being driven erratically, without taillights, that refused to pull over when signaled to do so. The police aren’t responsible for the child stealing the car, driving without lights, speeding or the accident. The driver should have pulled over and faced his consequences and responsibilities. Instead, he chose a different outcome.

If he had killed my child driving home that night, I would be outraged if the police hadn’t done everything in their power to stop him. Why would anyone even suggest blaming the police?

I know where my 15-year-old son is at midnight on a school night. He’s in bed where he belongs. He’s my responsibility, not the police’s, the school’s or the public’s. I hope I raise him to realize he will make mistakes, but, in the end, he will have to own up to his choices.

The police receive enough criticism protecting the innocent. The boy chose to steal a car, drive without a license or insurance, failed to stop, destroyed another person’s vehicle and property. If he hadn’t chosen the first crime or any of those that followed, perhaps he would still be alive today.

The parents need to focus on what lessons they are teaching their daughters in how they handle this tragedy.

Catherine D. Rioux, Sabattus