SEVEN TEENAGERS KILLED IN N. C.

[boothead]

Seven teenagers ranging from 13 to 18 were killed this A.M. about 12:30 after being chased by the Troutman Police. The driver was seen driving in an erratic way and a chase was started. The car ran off the roadway to the left and went into a slid ending up in a small stream-bed on it's top. All seven, 5 boys and 2 girls were killed instantly. The auto was stolen earlier in the night. Some of the victims have not been identified. The teenagers were all from the Statesville, N. C. area. Sorry but this is all I have.

[meyer]

What part of the words "needless, dangerous high speed chase" don't you understand? Not long ago these chases were not allowed by police forces for petty crimes like car theft that involved youngsters. There was a damn good reason for it too.... the high speed chases frequently ended up with dead or injured innocent bystanders, or the deaths of a whole carload of kids. If you think this car chase was worth it, then you go take a flying #$%&^% for yourself.

Why are you trying to blame the police for the obvious screw-up of the perps? The accident occurred because the perps ran and lost - not because they were being chased. Had they not run, this wouldn't have happened. Running from the cops is illegal. Occasionally, one gets away with it. Usually, they get caught. Once in a while, as in this case, the results are tragic, but don't ever pin that on the police. The perps made the conscious decision to endanger themselves and those around them. To say otherwise is just plain ridiculous.

When the police light you up, you stop - Period!! That's the law.

[Godebert]

"My heros aren't the "tough guys" of the world, my heros are people with compassion for their fellow human beings...."

The kids in the car no doubt thought they were the "tough guys". Now they're just "dead guys". The criminal careers of seven young thugs cut short because of their own disregard for others and lack of "compassion". Boo Friggin' Hoo.

[meyer]

They didn't learn anything. They're dead.

I'd almost bet that for a second, they realized the errors of their ways. :)

[Squantos]

At a democratic fundraiser no doubt...........Stay safe !

[Windsong]

God has a really sick sense of humor.

[meyer]

They did not die because they were chased, they died because they were thieves.

They died primarily due to a lack of good judgement and a belief on the driver's part that he really could drive like the late Dale Earnhardt.

[Centurion2000]

non felony related incidences of kids joy riding in a pilfered car

Listen to yourself. GRAND theft auto is a felony in almost every state. It's heartless but these 7 kids should have exercised a little forethought and not committed a crime.

And where were the parents?? I have very little mercy for these people.

[Trust but Verify]

This wreck happened 2 blocks down the street where I live. Senseless. Just last week, there was another HSC up and down 27th street during rush hour! We were totally surrounded by LEO from several jurisdictions, and 2 news helicopters overhead, and we had NO IDEA what was going on! We called a family member from the cell phone in the car and asked them to turn on the local news and tell us what was happening!

[Godebert]

"GRAND theft auto is a felony in almost every state."

Almost every state? In which state is it not a felony?

[meyer]

Geez, talk about generalizing and lumping all teens together because of some other incidents. Some of the kids in this car were only 13 years old, weren't driving, and if pulled over probably could not even have been charged with a crime. Judging by the responses I am getting I can see that a certain cold-heartedness and fierceness prevails today that never used to be. I thank God I am not one of them, but this has all been prophesied:

I doubt if even one of the youths who tragically died wasn't aware of the type of troublemakers with which they were 'hanging out'. No, they probably didn't deserve death (unless it was my car), but they chose the path that they chose. I fully expect the police to do their job, unencumbered by any silly restrictions on their ability to chase down criminals. For without the fear of being caught, there'd be a lot more criminals.

[meyer]

So by driving crazy, that would make it one suicide and 6 murders..

I can accept that - problem is, the murderer is dead. Who's to be sued? How's a lawyer to make a living?

[Centurion2000]

Almost every state? In which state is it not a felony?

Good question, let TheCrusader boy with the liberal attitude defend where it is not a felony.

Where I come from we call this justice.

[meyer]

In reference to your list, I would like to add that anybody that steals my car goes directly to #4. It is more valuable to me than the life of the punk that would choose to take that which he or she did not earn.

[oceanperch]

Parents for kids in this society seem like at rarity.
At least around these parts.
Kinda like the one episode of Star Trek (original series, and I am not a trekky) where Capt. Kirk and team went down to the planet of just kids.

[ThePointer]

I have a problem with it. I don't want them in my Air Force. I want trustworthy, concientous, loyal Americans who want to serve for reasons other than to get out of jail or prison.

I don't want to hijack this thread but I find this a fascinating debate. A friend and I have gone back and forth on it numerous times. Maybe you can Freepmail me with your thoughts.

I think AF boot camp is cake. Navy is next easiest. Then Army and Marines. But any of the above could *possibly* turn a malcontent into an man. It's worth a shot in my humble opinion.

I just don't see what our current "rehabilitation" jail system does. Give them the opporunity to serve, learn and be a man. And the first time they screw up -> slammer.

[cibco]

You got a good point... think French Foreign Legion.

[Never2baCrat]

Hey Crusader, looks as though you lost every argument this evening. Bummer! Please use Spell Check. Here's one for you. Your son is driving the same car. Your other son is walking home and gets killed by the driver of the car being pursued. Car then crashes and kills all on board. Who are you going to blame for this one? I await with baited breath for your response. Yes, I am a retired LEO.

[kittymyrib]

Don't blame God for sin. He even warns us about situations such as this: "For the wages of sin is death." Romans 6:23. Conscientious parents teach this to their children. It can save much disaster and heartbreak.

[SassNClass]

What were these young teens out that late? Where were the parents of these kids?

Good riddance, esp. to the stupid driver.

[isom35]

and if kids joyriding in a pilfered car hit innocent bystanders? could the bystanders ask, "hey cops, where were you, why didnt you get them off the road before they hit us?"