Thompson a victim as well

As I followed the court proceedings in Yakima, I noted that Otto Zehm was referred to as “the victim.” There are actually two victims.

One is dead; normal life is over for the other one.

Zehm was a mentally retarded schizophrenic who could not understand what he was being asked to do by the police. He should never have been out in the street at night without proper supervision. Perhaps the young women who called 911 exaggerated the situation. Perhaps Karl Thompson should have held his baton and waited for backup. There is plenty of room for blame.

Karl Thompson was not a “rogue cop” who enjoyed using excessive force.

Thompson served his country and the city of Spokane well. The justice system can hardly punish him any more than the remorse that he already feels for his mistakes.

Along with his fellow officers, I salute you, Officer Thompson. You did your difficult job to protect the public to the best of your ability.

God bless you and those who stand with you.

Mary Lou Prentiss

Spokane