Garfield County (Colorado) Sheriff defends decision

Glenwood Springs Post Independent ^ | Jan 9, 208 | Pete Fowler

[rickssg]

He used overwhelming force to avoid a potential confrontation. Every one walked away. There is nothing in the law that says he has to play fair or nice. If you want nice play nice with the system.

Your use of the phrase "Every one walked away" seems to imply that no one was hurt and every one was OK. I very much doubt that the 7-year-old who was thrown to the ground by the scary armed men who broke down the door and held his family at gunpoint while abducting his older brother will be OK any time soon, if ever. This family was unjustly violated in a deep and personal manner.

The Sheriff's statement that the events were a result of Tom Shiflett's decision and not sheriff Vallario's decision echoes the sentiment of so many abusive husbands to their wives: "Look what you made me do!"

[Steamburg]

I did not imply that no one was stressed or hurt, I stated that everyone walked away. I really don’t care if the 7 year old may have been frightened by the officers if he doesn’t have to face a situation where his father or the officers that responded are seriously injured or killed. I am very concerned that the child resides in the same house with a man who thinks its reasonable to threaten people who are actually trying to help. I am concerned that the child has been isolated by an anti-social ideology and indoctrinated with a false understanding of how to make changes in society.