Vancouver resident Ann Donnelly shares an email she sent to Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Tony Golik regarding charges against Vancouver Police officer

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

Based on Clark County Today’s prompt reporting, I was able to express my concern just now in an email to Prosecutor Tony Golik, as follows:

Having read the reporting about this case I wanted to express my immediate interest and concern on behalf of this officer. I appreciate that the Vancouver Police Officer’s Guild

(VPOG) has already issued a statement, and after this initial reading, I support the guild 100 percent. Whatever I can do to add public support to the guild support, I will do.

We are in the midst of a shoplifting crisis involving not only small-scale crime but systematic cartel-related shoplifting mega-projects, some originating internationally. The public is shocked and disgusted to watch shoplifters get away with whatever they want to take in stores large and small, confident they will face no accountability. And they commit other crimes based on that confidence.

In this case, Officer Mendoza accomplished what the public would view as exemplary performance:

• She arrived at the scene promptly.
• She and her partner arrested one of the perpetrators without anyone getting hurt.
• She recovered the stolen goods, thus earning the thanks of every store owner who has watched their profits walk out the door with shoplifters.

But instead of calling the criminal to account, here is what happened:

• The charges were dropped against the youthful offender who now learns that criminal behavior pays off, and that he can go on to offend again.
• The police officer is called to account and has her career threatened because the criminal reports that he “felt threatened” when she used her taser and exposed his genitals, threatening to use her taser on them.

I look forward to following this case closely.

Ann Donnelly
Vancouver

---

Also read:

• 
  Opinion: The growing gap between public voice and political power
  Todd Myers describes how large-scale protest and sign-ins often fail to sway state leaders, and argues authentic influence is most likely found through local action.
• 
  Opinion: Who is winning the race for affordable power?
  Hydroelectric power keeps Washington competitive, but new laws and carbon pricing are driving up electricity costs for residents each year.
• 
  Opinion: Half the road, full stop – Understanding pedestrian right-of-way
  Doug Dahl explains how Washington’s law requires drivers to stop when a pedestrian is within one lane of their half of the road, not just when directly in front.
• 
  Opinion: The state’s RFK-proofing bill comes with a cost
  Mandates like HB 2242 can lead to higher premiums as insurance companies absorb costs for new preventive services, affecting affordability statewide.
• 
  Opinion: What is the cost of a bridge?
  John Ley argues the I-5 Bridge replacement’s soaring cost stems from costly extras like light rail, noting other states deliver larger, toll-free bridges for much less.