Immigrant’s case was poorly handled

I respond to the Dec. 19 Dispatch article “Officers fined in Taco Bell case.” I have many feelings about the death of Mexican immigrant Uriel Popoca, and the court cases against the three officers involved: sadness, disgust, anger, shame and confusion among them.

The two Delaware County deputy sheriffs and the State Highway Patrol trooper involved failed in their duty to serve and protect.

These three officers did nothing to protect Popoca, the staff at Taco Bell, or anybody for that matter. Who’s to say that if Popoca had not been hit by a car he would not have driven another car that evening? There was clearly no concern about this as the three officers made jokes and ended their shifts on time rather than arrest Popoca and do the paperwork.

And for some reason all three are still being paid with our tax dollars, two are on paid leave.

As for the fines and charges against the officers, they are laughable. Popoca was worth $20, the fine levied against one of the officers. The charges brought against them include failure to assist another officer and dereliction of duty.

I know if I don’t assist at my job and fail to perform my duties I will be fired. I find it in poor taste that The Dispatch refers to this tragic set of events as the “Taco Bell” case. This involved loss of life, officers not doing their jobs, and a complete disregard for safety. The newspaper needs a new catchphrase.

What if Popoca was a 40-year-old white woman who only spoke German? Would they have dropped her off at Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus?

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Popoca family wherever they are.