Bad choices compound into tragedy
Bad decisions produced horrid results Monday after three teens, one sweet 16 and pregnant, died while they rode in a stolen SUV.
The crash happened around 12 noon Monday at Flyatt and Caranza roads in Tabernacle Township.
The 1999 green GMC Yukon struck a utility pole then caught fire as three passengers died inside the vehicle.
Family members identified the driver as 18-year-old Xavier Wells of Burlington City.
Early reports noted New Jersey State Police were in pursuit of the vehicle as speeds for the SUV allegedly reached 80 mph.
Police had responded to a stolen vehicle call from a patron at Pic-A-Lilli Inn located on Route 206 in Shamong.
Classes were dismissed at the Sequoia Alternative Program school after the vehicle wrapped a utility pole.
Published photos from the scene showed the vehicle on end with the rooftop crushed.
What an opportunity for a teaching moment whether the lesson plan involves unprotected sexual encounters, crime and discussions regarding police chases.
We may as well begin this discussion with one of the most important rules of life then follow with the perpetual debate about high-speed police chases and finish with sex.
Rule No. 1: Don’t take other people’s stuff, not their cars, spouses or even land. When one rationalizes thievery as historical residue, God will not think kindly of such takeovers despite the fact one nation gets under him and imprints his name on legal tender.
Close school? I’m calling 20 psychiatrists, 50 counsellors and all parents to handle the mental fallout after the instant field trip to the crash site.
Please, do not get all squeamish and take these comments literally but many lessons exist in that crumpled mess of steel and human flesh.
Car chases rank as fantastic scenes in movies.
The French Connection, Ronin, even Jack Reacher offered lifetime thrillers although Steve McQueen behind the wheel of that green 1968 Ford Mustang GT revs hotter.
In real life, Green Yukons end up in a ditch or against a utility pole. Still, there’s reason to debate whether police should pursue stolen vehicles.
Certainly the answer requires specific information although chases that connect to stolen property seem risky, dangerous and unnecessary.
State Attorney General guidelines exist for police pursuits.
Officers may chase someone suspected of committing a firstor second-degree offense, or any of these crimes: vehicular homicide, aggravated assault, criminal restraint, aggravated criminal sexual conduct, arson, burglary, auto theft, theft by extortion, escape and manufacturing or distributing drugs.
A 2009 New Jersey State Police Task Force offered these insights about police pursuits.
“There is no simple, guaranteed correct answer to this policy question. The Task Force believed that in the final analysis, pursuit of stolen cars, like other serious crimes, must be left to the discretion of the police officer.’
“Of course, the policy makes it clear that if there are other viable means to apprehend a car thief, or if there is a fair likelihood that the car thief can and will be apprehended within a reasonable future time, or if the risks involved in the pursuit are simply too substantial, then a vehicular pursuit should be avoided ..... It is the consensus of the Task Force that pursuits of stolen automobiles, as with all other pursuits, should be avoided whenever possible.”
The Task Force noted that the decision regarding pursuits should be left in the hands of police and their supervisors.
This policy statement assumes police officers will use good judgment which is not always the case. Saved sex talk for last.
Sex that produces babies for teenaged moms kills futures, especially for girls. Boys or men rarely hold up their end of the deal regarding child support, time and necessary involvement.
This accident arrives during a festive season, it’s tragic and heartbreaking but as with most incidents, delivers incredible lessons.
Best advice for any young person remains older than Methuselah and as wise as King Solomon.
Stay in school.