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No excuse in Zehm case

The Spokesman-Review

My political leanings are to the right. Conservative by nature, I am usually the first one to advocate for the police. I almost always favor tougher laws to deter crime and am frequently heard making comments like, “Don’t tie the hands of our law enforcement officers! Get out of the way and let them do their job!”

That having been made clear, I am still waiting to see recompense made to the estate and family of Otto Zehm. I am still waiting to see those responsible held accountable. What happened to this innocent young man was just plain wrong. The camera tapes clearly show Otto making moves only to block the blows of the officer, not attempting to strike or injure. I cannot understand this being labeled “appropriate police conduct.”

I received my “Otto” button in the mail yesterday. Thanks, (columnist) Doug Clark, for not allowing what happened to Otto to fade into a distant memory. I plan to wear my button until I see justice for Otto. I pray that does not mean forever.

Cathy Donovan

Spokane Valley



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