It was dark when a car drifted over and parked on our quiet street in front of our community mailbox earlier this year. We viewed it from the window by our kitchen table but some neighbors do that to quickly get their mail. However, we noticed this car stayed there for a long time, and we saw occasional lights flare up, perhaps from cellphones. Quite strange! With previous mailbox break-ins, we decided to call the police.
A patrol car arrived shortly and the officer carefully approached the vehicle. Soon, the two occupants in the car got out and walked away. The officer eventually came to our door. He told us it was two young people smoking joints before they went home to their families nearby. He told them not to drive but they could walk home, then pick up their car in the morning. Everything was understood by all, with knowing smiles.
That young, intelligent, well-trained Camas cop was outstanding, versus the inconsiderate and arrogant Atlanta cop who decided to arrest a black father sleeping in his car rather than having him walk home. Different training, different attitude, a stupid and terrible loss of life.
