Voices Insisting on PursuitSAFETY
Pursuing Justice with PursuitSAFETY, a national nonprofit organization
Feb.  2012  
Greetings!
 
We dedicate this newsletter to the thousands of innocent bystanders and family members affected by the tragedies of vehicular police pursuits and response calls.

Today, we share the stories of 12 families.
  • Three families will pursue justice in two different courthouses: the Cooper family in Missouri; and the Aragon-Nunez and Flores families in New Mexico. Also, Cheryl Cooper is planning a fundraiser that will support the Christopher Cooper Memorial Scholarship fund and provide a tax-deductible donation to PursuitSAFETY.
  • Five families recently had the unthinkable happen: Their loved ones were killed. 
  • Four other families sent us information, including pictures of their loved ones, for our online tribute pages.  
I often say these words: PursuitSAFETY is synonymous with family. We, like you, have a passion for protecting the people in our lives--the people we love.

We are working for a safer way,

Candy Priano
Executive Director
Keep PursuitSAFETY Strong
 
Together, we unite to prevent
these tragedies from happening to others.


by Candy Priano
 
During my presentations, I share that I worried about my children's safety.

 "After all, that is what mothers do," I say. "We worry; yet I never worried that my youngest child would be killed as a result of a police chase. I was so na�ve tCandy Priano 2009hat I did not even know police pursuit crashes killed anyone. Then it happened. My daughter Kristie became another innocent victim."

Truth be told, these deaths have been happening for more than 100 years, and not enough has changed. Pursuit and response policies change, even laws change; but the deaths of and injuries to the innocent continue to climb. Just look at the faces in the right-hand column. Please click on the corner of these faces to learn more.


PursuitSAFETY is a remarkable 501(c)(3) organization that has done so much with so little!
  • We helped block legislation that would have increased the number of chases in Tennessee.
  • We supported a measure for stricter penalties for fleeing drivers in the state of Washington. It passed. 
  • We reach out to families from around the world. PursuitSAFETY is the only organization of its kind. Families turn to us because we understand and sympathize with them. We listen!
  • Police Chief Richard Schardan, one of three officers serving on our advisory board, is the administrator of our Safer Way Award. This award program recognizes officers who apprehend suspects without a chase and agencies that adopt safer pursuit and response call policies.
  • PursuitSAFETY hosted the first-ever Family and Friends Connection in recognition of innocent victims of pursuit and response calls. This successful event was attended by officers and families representing eight states. They participated in a heart ceremony honoring the victims, the presentation of awards to officers, and enjoyed meeting Glenn Morshower, PursuitSAFETY's spokesperson. Glenn presented his outstanding inspirational speech, The Extra Mile.

To do more, PursuitSAFETY needs your financial support.

  • We have an educational program designed for teens titled, "Pull Over; Have No Regrets."
  • Ret. Police Chief D.P. Van Blaricom, who serves on PursuitSAFETY's advisory board, wrote a model Checkpoint Avoidance policy (pdf). 
  • Members of the PursuitSAFETY team have given interviews to media outlets worldwide in an effort to create more awareness about this public safety issue.
  • The most encouraging compliments we receive come from police officers. They may use different words, but their sentiment is always the same: "PursuitSAFETY is needed. Keep up the good work."    
  • We recently updated our YouTube channel, highlighting our public service announcements, produced at no cost to PursuitSAFETY, thanks to Glenn Morshower and Fox-TV in Chico.  
  • Our victims' services include doing research, attending court hearings, and responding to every phone call and email. All of this and much more is done at no cost to the people we serve because we want to connect with them. We want our families to know that they are not alone.   
90% of all financial donations
goes directly to our programs and victims' advocacy.

We are unique. Every person working for PursuitSAFETY is so passionate about this cause that they do so as a volunteer.

PursuitSAFETY has always operated in the black
, even through the toughest of times. We credit this accomplishment to the people listed on these two walls: donors and Kristin Saragusa's family and friends.

PursuitSAFETY could do so much more with a growing and committed base of donors. Imagine what we could do if each family or individual donated $5 or more each month to PursuitSAFETY. Your tax-deductible donation will save lives and will help to prevent the tragedy of pursuit from happening to others. 

Thank you in advance for keeping PursuitSAFETY strong.
Your donation matters.
 

donate button  

Two Different States
Three Families Seek Justice

Independence, Missouri--The reason you are reading this story AGAIN is because the judge has granted seven continuances. 

The latest date for the hearing to determine if convicted murderer Wilfredo J. Pujols, Jr. should be granted a new trial for his involvement in the death of Christopher Cooper is this Friday, February 24, at 1:30 PM in Division 17 at the Jackson County Courthouse, 301 W. Kansas, Independence, Missouri.

"No family should have to endure this kind of pain," said Candy Priano. "If this was about a murderer with a gun, the public would be outraged. A vehicle is a 4,000-pound bullet."

On November 8, 2007, Christopher was riding his bike and properly crossing the street. Pujols, being pursued by Independence (MO) police, struck and killed Christopher while running a red light. Pujols hit Christopher at speeds exceeding 80 mph. At no point did Pujols stop during the chase. Police and first responders delayed care for Christopher, assuming he was deceased. However, Christopher did not die on impact. As he fought for his life, police stood over him and laughed. Christopher lost the battle an hour after being hit. He was 17 years old.

On December 8, 2008, Pujols pled guilty to four felonies: Second degree murder, resisting arrest, and two counts of leaving the scene of an "accident."
 
On November 18, 2011, the judge granted a seventh continuance in the post conviction petition filed by Pujols in October 2009. Pujols alleges his constitutional rights were violated prior to being charged.

Cheryl and PursuitSAFETY members encourage everyone who can to attend this hearing.

"So many people have suffered the loss of Christopher," Cheryl says. "We will continue to seek justice for his death. So far, that justice has been delayed as the justice system continues to marginalize and minimize the life and death of Christopher. Pujols has continually tried to portray himself as a victim, refusing to take responsibility for his actions, but there is only one victim here. As the survivors of this tragedy, we ask for your prayers and support for the strength to endure whatever comes."

Editor's note: Watch Cheryl on YouTube, speaking to her city council. 
Two Mothers Taken
Kimberly and Janice
Kimberly Aragon-Nunez (left) and Janice Flores

Albuquerque, New Mexico
--Lucas Aragon, Kimberly's brother, posted an update on PursuitSAFETY's Facebook Group page regarding justice for Kimberly and Janice.

Lucas wrote: The sentencing hearing for defendant, Jeremiah
Jackson, has been set for Monday, March 5, at 9:00 AM at Albuquerque - 480 Chama Courtroom, 333 Lomas Blvd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, before Judge M. Armijo. We'd love as many friends and family to attend to show the judge that she needs to give the maximum sentence. We are also holding a candle light vigil the night before at 6 PM at the Giant Gas Station where the crash occurred. Please spread the word!!!
 

 

Tournament Honors Gifted Skateboarder
Christopher Cooper

Independence, Missouri--Christopher Cooper, a gifted skateboarder, dreamed of one day being a part of a local skate team.

In recognition of his dream, the first Christopher Cooper Memorial Skate Tournament will be Saturday, May 19, at a skate park to be determined. The date is definite; it is Christopher's 22nd birthday.

Had Christopher's life not been taken from him at the age of 17 when he became an innocent bystander caught in the middle of a high-speed police pursuit, there is no doubt his dream
Christopher Cooper
and many more to come would have been realized. Christopher's passion for life, his love and devotion for family and friends and for skating fueled everything he did. In his short life, he touched so many. His influence and spirit continues to inspire and motivate everyone who knew and loved him.

The tournament entry fee is $22. Four age groups will be represented: 5-8, 9-12, 13-16 and 17 and up. Prizes will be awarded.

Monies raised will benefit the Christopher Cooper Memorial Scholarship, given annually to a student who is pursuing a career in environmental studies, animal care or auto mechanics. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to PursuitSAFETY, the only national nonprofit organization of its kind dedicated to support families of innocent victims injured or killed as the result of vehicular police pursuits and response calls.

Please join us for a day of fun and competition in memory of Christopher. PursuitSAFETY board members Mark and Candy Priano will attend this event.
PursuitSAFETY exists to save lives, help victims and unite people. To find out more, contact Candy Priano (530-343-9754) or Jon Farris (612-804-5868). 

We would love for you to stay connected with us!

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In This Issue
Keep PursuitSAFETY Strong
Three Families Seek Justice
Honoring Gifted Skateboarder
10 Things to Know
Five New Families
Face the Unthinkable 
The PursuitSAFETY team is saddened to read of other families being ripped apart. Click on the corner of these faces to learn more.

 




















 
 












Raymond
$5 ... just $5

PursuitSAFETY could do so much more with a growing and committed base of donors. Imagine what we could do if each family or individual donated $5 or more each month to this life-saving cause. Your tax-deductible donation will save lives and help to prevent the tragedy of pursuit from happening to others. Thank you in advance for keeping PursuitSAFETY strong. Your donation matters.

donate button

Honoring Our
Loved Ones
We post tributes for loved ones killed or injured as a result of police pursuits and response calls. If you have not done so, please complete the Victim Tribute Form. We will post your family stories and pictures on the PursuitSAFETY and Kristie's Law websites. Here are the most recent tributes. Click on the corner of these faces to learn more.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pvt. Brian Gleason    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James Richeson    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Lackey
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What to Do When Stopped by Police?

stopThink
 
10 Things to Know if you are stopped by a police officer. You may feel confused, anxious, or even angry. These are natural feelings, but remember, traffic stops can also be stressful and dangerous for police officers. Quite often a second police officer may also assist with a traffic stop; this is for the protection of the officers, not because you are a "criminal."

With this in mind, there are things that you, as a law-abiding citizen, can do to help lessen the uneasiness of the experience.

When stopped by a police officer, remember:

  1. Police Officers are trained to ask for identification. Providing your documentation will simplify the process.
  2. Remain in your vehicle unless the officer advises otherwise.
  3. Keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see them.
  4. If the stop occurs during darkness, turn on your dome light so that the officer can see that all is in order.
  5. Avoid any sudden movements, especially toward the floorboard, rear seat or passenger side of the vehicle.
  6. Bright spotlights are used for the safety of all persons involved.  
  7. Comply with the officer's request to see your driver's license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration.  
  8. If your documents are out of reach, tell the officer where they are before you reach for them.
  9. The officer may issue a ticket. If you feel the reason is unclear, ask for details.
  10. If you do not agree with the citation, do not argue at the scene. You have a right to contest the citation in court.