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Permalink Reply by Margy Meath on November 6, 2010 at 8:32pm

Yes, this is a difficult to comprehend news story..... I'm surprised that it has not generated even MORE response or been picked up by other news outlets!! Many people in the 19th ward have complained about slow police response to 911 calls and this story is framed in such a way to suggest that police responding TO this scene were 'called off' in favor of another shift responding. One would HOPE that a call for a shooting involving an injured person would result in a SIGNIFICANT police response - perhaps a stronger response MAY have resulted in locating a suspect, finding some evidence, etc. The life/death outcome for Paul may not have changed, BUT we might have been able to have better luck and locating the &$^#%@@ who committed this senseless and tragic crime.
Is it possible that this story has anything to do with the timing of Chief Moore's resignation??

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Permalink Reply by Marian Boutet on November 8, 2010 at 1:37am

Just to clarify - I intended NO criticism of RPD. I posted the WHAM article because I was struck by how suddenly this calamity happened. If Mr. Vasconcellos had been able to give the 911 dispatcher his exact condition and location, I have every faith that police response would have been much stronger and there would have been no question of waiting for the next shift. Unfortunately, the outcome for him would have been the same.

This story underscores how life can turn on a dime. So, be aware of your surroundings. Lock your doors. Get a dog. After that -live your life. Know that there are skunks, but smell the roses too.

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