UPDATED: "REDMOND, Wash. -- Eleven Redmond High School students were arrested Friday morning as part of a drug investigation, said Jim Bove of the Redmond Police Department.
Some of the students were arrested in front of their classmates. “Four cops straight up walked into my classroom, told him to stand up......." Complete KIRO 7 TV report (including video)
By KIRO Seattle TV
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Updated Comment/Opinion: Reporters from KOMO 4 and KIRO 7 TV stations made heavy use of the school's barbed-wire fence (on NE 104th Street) for a backdrop. KOMO 's 4 barb-wire footage is so severe that Redmond High took on the appearance of a juvenile detention center. (Scroll down for KING 5's less sensational clip).
What do you think about the TV coverage of this unfortunate school event? Was it that bad?
By Bob Yoder, 2/22. (Disclaimer: Fischer Communications publishes a Redmond and Kirkland news site).
Unfortunately my son was one of 11 arrested in this drug bust. He was charged with selling 1.5 grams of marijuana on February 1st. When they arrested him last Friday(several days after the alleged sale) the officers came into the classroom with bulletproof vests and a narcotocs dog. They handcuffed him right outside of his classroom and didn't tell him why he was being arrested. He was taken to the jail with three others, still not notified why he was arrested. He was so distraught he had chest pains and the medics had to be called in. Within minutes of the arrests text messages were ramped throughout the school and community, blogs were out on the Internet about him. So in the student's and theri parent's minds he was also presumed to be selling the much harsher drugs such as cocaine, heroin, etc. and guilty until proven innocent. Unfortunatley his elementary-school-age sister heard the news through classmates so now she is traumatized by this event. This is a crime in itself as he is a juvinile, was not notified as to why he was arrested, his classmates witnessed the arrest, family members are traumatized, he had an anxiety attack, is now in counceling, is expelled from school unntil further notice, and all this time, I have heard nothing back from the Redmond Police Department as to what the next steps are. We are living in a horrific ngithmare of limbo. He has been branded guilty until proven innocient. Is this justice? I think not. I think it is a form of child abuse. I thought juvinile's identities were suppose to be protected! Furthermore, I am not one of those "rich" Eastside parents; but rather a mother who is recieving food benefits from the state. I am not one of those parents who fights their kid's battles for them either. I don't advocate the use or sale of drugs, but the way this was handled by the Redmond Police Department is criminal in its own right; they could have brought the students to the office and handled this unfortunate situation in a more humane manner.
ReplyDeleteDear anonymous mother -
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sorry to hear your story and the devastation it has caused your family. I will post your story on the front page of this site. The city police and city administration, school administration and community supporters will hear your story. Personally, I too, was shocked at the police actions. It is punishment enough to be arrested for a crime (and be suspended) but to be publicly humiliated for 1 oz M and put on stage with hard core users to ostensibly "teach a lesson" to the student body, is excessive and thoughtless. I'm very interested in what others have to say about this. Thank you, mam for bringing this painful story to our attention. I am so sorry this happened. If you need affordable counselling for our family, please be my guest at the March 3 Youth Eastside Services Breakfast. Email me or click: www.youtheastside services.com
I am a parent of an RHS student. One of the indivuduals arrested in the drug bust was arrested in my daughter's class. I fully support the undercover investigation, and I am glad to see both the school and police department taking a proactive approach to minimize drug activity at the school, rather than ignoring the situation or pretending it doesn't exist. However, there are aspects of the bust that I find disturbing. Why is it necessary to carry out the bust in such a sensationalistic, headline-grabbing manner? Couldn't the same goals be achieved using a more low key approach? Given the fact that these undercover busts seem to be becoming a regular event at RHS, it leaves the impression that the Redmond Police Department is looking for media attention. Also, I have to agree with the previous comments that the arrests could be carried out in a more humane manner. The arrest in my daughter's class was not made in the hallway, or the school office, the student was identified and handcuffed in front of the entire class. Of even more concern is the safety of the innocent bystanders. Could these arrests not be made at the suspects homes? Are we not concerned about the safety of a whole school worth of students and employees? When my daughter called me the day of the bust and explained that students had been evacuated to the football field and there were canine units searching the school, I could only assume that they were looking for weapons and/or bombs. If these busts continue to be carried out the way they have been, one of these days it will go badly. I feel strongly that students are being put in danger needlessly.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is something wrong with a police department that is not serving and protecting, but out to divide and conquer the community -you know most people around here are nice, and the Redmond Police are in the business of extorting good upstanding citizens through traffic violations and NOW THIS! The police here are full of themselves and engaging in destructive power struggles. I want to move to Mayberry!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the only opinions published are in support of the kids and not the police. When someone breaks the law (illegal drugs are illegal - does not matter if they were the "harsher" ones), they give up their rights and are subject to be arrested whenever and wherever it works for the officers who are charged with upholding the law. As the parent of two teens, I am 100% behind arresting drug dealers. If you sell to another kid, you are a dealer. Think about the consequences BEFORE you commit a crime. As for the family feeling embarrassed or angry at the police, first you should take a look and see if the charges are correct and the evidence supports. As the parent of a child who was arrested at school for use, I am glad he was caught and it opened my eyes to the situation to correct things for him. Knowing now may help us intervene and correct the problem. I am not ashamed or embarrassed. I think it was a poor choice and a dumb thing to do, but I fully back the school and the officer who had to apprehend my kid. Take responsibility for your child and teach the right way to be a parent by your example. I can't keep my kid from doing the wrong thing, but when he does, I can ensure there is a lesson learned, and that I will follow the law and our household code of honor as well.
ReplyDelete