this is where we are in society
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 11:16 pmRead this
http://www.smh.com.au/national/canberra ... -qpo2.html
Canberra crash death mother blames police
ROBYN GRACE
March 22, 2010 - 11:44AM
The mother of a girl who was a passenger in a stolen vehicle that ran a red light and killed a young family in Canberra on Saturday night has blamed police for causing the accident after a high-speed pursuit.
The chase was called off only moments before the stolen car ran a red light and slammed into another vehicle.
Scott Oppelaar, a 33-year-old father of six, Samantha Ford, 29, and their son, Brodie, were killed instantly in the smash.
The driver of the stolen vehicle, Justin Williams, 23, also died.
It was the second time in 10 months he had been in a stolen car crash.
His 18-year-old female passenger, Skye Webb, is still in a coma in Canberra Hospital.
Ms Webb's mother Debbie this morning conceded Justin was running from police but said she blamed police "totally" for the crash.
"I can see he's done wrong but (stealing a car is) a petty little crime," she told Radio 3AW.
"One stolen car. He didn't murder anybody at the time, you know, but that's what it led him to because of the police chase."
The mother called for legislation to ban police pursuits.
"Innocent people are dying all because of police chases," she said.
"People have really got to get the message out, police have got to stop this.
"Obviously you run from the police because you don't want to get caught."
Police were conducting standard traffic duties in Queanbeyan about 10pm on Saturday night when they allege the stolen Mazda 626 sped past them.
When Mr Williams did not stop as requested, police gave chase, crossing the ACT border along Canberra Avenue.
It is believed Mr Williams was a disqualified driver with a criminal record.
The stolen car allegedly sped through a red light just before the intersection with the Monaro Highway exit ramp at Narrabundah, when police ended the chase.
Seconds later, the car went through a second red light, hitting the family's Mazda3.
Ms Webb said the police officers should have radioed their ACT counterpart to set up a road block instead of engaging in a pursuit.
"They're to blame, they're to blame totally, I blame the police totally," she said.
"Yes, Justin may have a little bit to do with it but ... you know."
Source: theage.com.au
http://www.smh.com.au/national/canberra ... -qpo2.html
Canberra crash death mother blames police
ROBYN GRACE
March 22, 2010 - 11:44AM
The mother of a girl who was a passenger in a stolen vehicle that ran a red light and killed a young family in Canberra on Saturday night has blamed police for causing the accident after a high-speed pursuit.
The chase was called off only moments before the stolen car ran a red light and slammed into another vehicle.
Scott Oppelaar, a 33-year-old father of six, Samantha Ford, 29, and their son, Brodie, were killed instantly in the smash.
The driver of the stolen vehicle, Justin Williams, 23, also died.
It was the second time in 10 months he had been in a stolen car crash.
His 18-year-old female passenger, Skye Webb, is still in a coma in Canberra Hospital.
Ms Webb's mother Debbie this morning conceded Justin was running from police but said she blamed police "totally" for the crash.
"I can see he's done wrong but (stealing a car is) a petty little crime," she told Radio 3AW.
"One stolen car. He didn't murder anybody at the time, you know, but that's what it led him to because of the police chase."
The mother called for legislation to ban police pursuits.
"Innocent people are dying all because of police chases," she said.
"People have really got to get the message out, police have got to stop this.
"Obviously you run from the police because you don't want to get caught."
Police were conducting standard traffic duties in Queanbeyan about 10pm on Saturday night when they allege the stolen Mazda 626 sped past them.
When Mr Williams did not stop as requested, police gave chase, crossing the ACT border along Canberra Avenue.
It is believed Mr Williams was a disqualified driver with a criminal record.
The stolen car allegedly sped through a red light just before the intersection with the Monaro Highway exit ramp at Narrabundah, when police ended the chase.
Seconds later, the car went through a second red light, hitting the family's Mazda3.
Ms Webb said the police officers should have radioed their ACT counterpart to set up a road block instead of engaging in a pursuit.
"They're to blame, they're to blame totally, I blame the police totally," she said.
"Yes, Justin may have a little bit to do with it but ... you know."
Source: theage.com.au
