Police Tell Disneyland To Not Touch Evidence

Police who were criticized for taking 4-1/2 hours to arrive at the scene of an accident that killed a Washington state man told Disneyland officials to call them promptly and to leave evidence untouched in the future.

“(We have) met with Disneyland management staff to reinforce that any major injury, fatal accident or crime scene be immediately preserved and prompt notification be made,” Police Chief Randall W. Gaston said.

Police arrived long after a tourist was fatally wounded on Dec. 24 by an 8-pound metal cleat that ripped loose from the sailing ship Columbia as it was being moored.

Luan Phi Dawson, 33, of Duvall, Wash., was struck in the head. His wife and a park employee were hurt.

The first uniformed policeman arrived about an hour after the accident and waited in the park security office. Investigators showed up about two hours after that.

By that time, Disneyland workers had cleaned the area. Officials said the blood and debris were washed away because they were unsightly.