I was on westbound highway 50 yesterday afternoon about 12:30 or 1:00, going to the courthouse, when everything began. A few minutes after arriving at the Rental Yard (just off 50 @ Ponderosa Road) we heard the sirens & saw the helicopters.
Officer Douglas Scott Russell was only doing his job, laying out a spike strip to stop a vehicle that had already attempted to strike two other law enforcement officers during the high speed pursuit from Sacramento (Rancho Cordova). It ended just past the Ponderosa exit when the driver, David Zanon, again swerved toward the officer and this time he struck down Officer Russell.
As I was driving back to Placerville, I saw the CHP helicopter loading Officer Russell to rush him to UC Davis Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
It was just so senseless. The lack of respect for authority is becoming rampant. I can only imagine the pain his wife is going through right now. How many lives have been destroyed by this one act? Unfortunately, there isn't going to be justice because no matter what they do to this guy, it won't bring back the life he took. It won't ease anyone's pain, it may even cause more pain to his family and loved ones. It's just really sad and his blatant intent to harm those officers is what completely infuriates me.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
CHP officer killed on Highway 50 @ Ponderosa Road
Current mood: infuriated
Category: Life
