But first, quick update - I signed up for the new gym across the street yesterday, got a good deal on it and it is sooo nice and convenient!! Yay! Also going to the Cage the Elephant concert tonight - should be fun!
Anyways, here is the current events article: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012122660_coppunch16m.html
One point of confusion: "Levias was given a deferred disposition because it was a first-time offense, Goodhew said". Yet just a few paragraphs earlier, the article says "Levias was charged in February 2009 with third-degree assault after she allegedly pushed a King County sheriff's deputy down." So clearly it was not a first-time offense, and more than that, it wasn't even the first time she's tried to shove a cop around.
Another point (of familial stupidity): "Marilyn Jamerson, Rosenthal's aunt, spoke after the hearing in support of the girl.
"She's perfect; that's why we call her Angel," Jamerson said. "She was named Angel for a reason."
The next paragraph says: "Rosenthal was charged in November with second-degree robbery. According to prosecutors, she punched a 15-year-old boy in the face while she and a group of youths were on their way to a rave in South Seattle last Aug. 28. The boy told police that his cellphone and $20 were stolen in the incident. A 14-year-old boy told police that he was punched in the head and his hat was stolen.
Authorities say the case was dismissed when the boys refused to testify.
In April 2008, Rosenthal was charged with third-degree theft after she allegedly stole a minivan in Tukwila, prosecutors said. Kent police said she used a screwdriver to break the ignition and start the vehicle."
Yeah, she sure sounds like an angel...
A few other points that commenters on the article seem to have missed (and a few that the short video clip doesn't show):
* Rainier Ave has more than twice the amount of pedestrian/jaywalking accidents than the next highest road in Seattle
* The school district actually *requested* that the SPD have a presence in that area specifically watching out for jaywalking
* A man in the crowd near the cop had a handgun in his pocket
* The man attempted to subdue/control the girls for 5-10 minutes and the girls kept escalating the situation, yelling derogatory language and pushing and shoving at the cop
In my opinion - yes, a punch in the face does seem extreme. However, it is NEVER ok to touch or assault a police officer on duty, and it sounds like these girls weren't going to quit giving him crap. He was also surrounded by a crowd of people that could have easily gotten out of control. And, what message would it give if he simply let them walk away? Too many kids grow up spoiled and thinking they don't have to listen to authority. Finally, in my opinion, playing the race card every single time an instance involves people of difference races diminishes the effect it has when there actually IS a racial bias.
Feel free to post any thoughts or comments you may have!
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