Drinking driver endangered family; got a free ride

Drinking driver endangered family; got a free ride
EDITOR:
On the afternoon of Nov. 6 at about 5 or 5:30 p.m., my husband, my 22-month-old son, and I were driving through McDonald house hunting. We were nearly killed by a drunk driver. We were on Logan Avenue and a vehicle was coming at us head on. My husband laid on the horn and had to go off the road into a driveway to avoid the collision. The vehicle continued down the middle of the road, the driver slumped over his steering wheel.
Very upset, my husband followed the vehicle into town. In the meantime I phoned Trumbull County dispatch. The vehicle turned into a local gas station in town and my husband confronted the gentleman, asking him "do you realize you almost killed me and my family?" No reply, the gentleman continued to go into the gas station to purchase cigarettes. The gentleman got back into his vehicle and just as he was about to pull away , an officer arrived and blocked his vehicle.
The officer approached the vehicle and asked the driver to roll down his window. When he finally did, the officer asked if he had been drinking, and the man replied that he had and said his brother had died.
The officer asked him twice to turn his car off before he did. The officer also asked for identification, which he could not provide. The officer looked at my husband and myself and asked if we were hurt or if our vehicle was damaged. Thank God, we weren't. He told us we could leave. Very concerned, we watched from a parking lot across the street as the officer patted the man down as if he were going to arrest him, then placed him into the back seat of the cruiser uncuffed. Very shocked my husband and I knew something wasn't right. The officer pulled away in his cruiser, and we followed. The drunk driver that almost killed my family was getting a safe free ride home.
Very confused why the driver wasn't placed into custody, my husband went to Chief Ronghi's home. He asked Mr. Ronghi when he would be back in his office so we could file a formal compliant about an officer. My husband detailed the whole incident. The chief's reply was that Ohio law regarding DUIs on private property was changed in January 2004. He was unsure of the law himself and said he would have to look into it.
Well, I researched it and talked to two Ohio policemen, and they never heard of such a thing. I also contacted a few DUI lawyers regarding this and they said the law never changed and the man should have gotten a DUI. I am writing this letter to inform the residents of McDonald that their streets may not be as safe as they think they are, when the officers don't even know the laws.
KELLY PLATT
Niles
Observe Veterans Day
EDITOR:
On this Veterans Day we observe the day the peace treaty was signed ending World War I. At 11 a.m. on that November 11, 1917, a moment of silence was proclaimed throughout our nation. More soldiers died in WWI than any previous war in the history of our nation, but WWII was just around the corner. After WWII, our veterans wanted Nov. 11 to be the day to honor all men and women who died in all the wars in which Americans fought.
Today we commemorate the bravery of those Americans who left their families, jobs and futures to fight for their country wherever they were needed. Many did not return. You can find then in cemeteries in the United States, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. Many others returned scarred for life with wounds and mental torment. It is to all of them who ventured forward when called, to whom we owe an everlasting debt of gratitude.
As veterans it is our responsibility to set an example for others. Veterans need to show their families, relatives and neighbors of their commitment to observe Veterans Day. If we don't show up at Veterans Day activities, how can we expect the general public to honor our fallen heroes? In addition veterans should take time to visit our local schools to tell the children how their parents and grandparents loved their country and fought for it to secure our freedom and didn't count the cost.
On this Veterans Day we urge our citizenry to join us in solemn commemoration to express our gratitude for the gifts we have received through the sacrifices of our fighting men and women.
VINCENT J. DORIA
Past commander
American Legion Post 565