Editorial: Chief was correct to call upon the FBI

Friday, July 26, 2002 | 9:35 a.m.

Henderson Police Chief Michael Mayberry was right to call in the FBI as part of his department's investigation into what happened Sunday night to 84-year-old Charlie Walker. What's known is that Walker is in the hospital with multiple injuries, including bruises on his face and body. What's also known is that he was taken to the hospital from the Henderson jail, and that he had been jailed following an incident with two Henderson police officers. Interviews so far have revealed that Walker was on his way to dinner at an establishment where he was a regular. The police report stated that only necessary force was used after Walker refused to cooperate on a traffic stop.

In announcing his own department's Internal Affairs investigation, Mayberry said the case will have the highest priority. "This investigation will be thorough, it will be comprehensive, and we will leave no stone unturned," Mayberry said. We agree with the chief's assessment that this investigation is a top priority and requires an independent review as well. The FBI will gather facts for review by the Department of Justice. This independent review will protect the officers and the department against any lingering questions.

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