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Local News

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Experts: Woman on knees when shot
Oiler's Lube Express - Findlay
LIMA (AP) — A woman shot and killed by a police officer during a drug raid was likely on her knees and complying with a SWAT team's orders to get down when she was hit in the neck and chest, two experts testified Wednesday at the officer's trial.

A forensic pathologist and firearms expert each said that bullet wounds indicate that Tarika Wilson, 26, wasn't standing.

Sgt. Joseph Chavalia has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor counts of negligent homicide and negligent assault. He faces up to eight months in jail if convicted of both counts.

Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday. Defense testimony will begin Thursday.

The shooting during a drug raid in January set off protests and debate about race relations in the city, where one in four residents is black.

Wilson, who was black, was unarmed and holding her 1-year-old son when she was shot. The boy also was hit and had a finger amputated.

She was partially behind a door in an upstairs bedroom with her five other children when officers downstairs began shooting at two pit bulls.

Chavalia, who is white, told another officer that he thought the shots were coming from the bedroom.

"I said, 'Joe, what happened?'" testified Lt. Chip Protsman, the commander of the SWAT team. "He said, 'They were firing at me from the bedroom, and I shot back.'"

Protsman said he found Chavalia alone in the middle of the hallway while other officers were running into the bedroom.

Chavalia was coming up a stairway when he shot Wilson.

Eleven officers raided the house on Jan. 4 looking for her boyfriend, Anthony Terry. He was arrested and pleaded guilty in March to charges of drug trafficking.

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2 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
Coletta wrote:
Do the people who support the war on drugs really care?
“ Let's see... If we end the war on drugs the pros would be better pay to fewer and better cops. More money for teachers. A slashed criminal justice system... Many prisons could be shut down all together. A generally lowered hate of law enforcement across America. Americans seeing their tax dollars spent on the enrichment of society rather than imprisonment.

The down side would be the mass loss of jobs in the criminal justice system, law enforcement, legal fields, and the loss of profits to illegal drug traffic. Resulting in a decrease in the illegal drug trade from buyer, to gangs, to drug Lords. Is this the real reason that the war on drugs will never end? The legal system feeds and lives on this war on drugs... So they subject the people they are to serve and protect to prison rather than rehabilitation. Do you think traffic violations, drunk driving, and violent crimes (witch most are related to access to or the sale of illegal drugs) would keep these fat judges on the bench very long? These are the very people who do not want an end to the war on drugs or their fat paying jobs. But here again they are the ones in control, you and I have but only the right to obey their set in stone laws of prosperity for the rich and prison for the non compliant lower class poor.
 ”
Wednesday, September 03, 2008 2:05:22 AM
Steve Cooper wrote:
Acceptable loss?
“ Another victim of the failed War on [Some] Drugs. There are dozens of such stories every year.

Botched raids, innocents held at gunpoint, police 'flaking' drugs to try to cover their foul-up, all are documented actions by a militarized police force.

Our civil liberties have been stripped of any meaning, with warrentless searches, flimsy probable cause, and testalying.

The 4th, 5th, and 9th amendments to the US Constitution are almost meaningless in the face of current police & prosecutorial tactics.

Since when is the death of an innocent civilian - strike that; innocent CITIZEN an acceptable loss in the War on [Some] Drugs?

Why do the police refer to citizens as 'civilians' ... more militaristic thinking on Law Enforcement's part. Military apparel and haircuts are part of the paramilitary mythos that is being propagated 'in the name of safety'.

Ben Franklin said, "He who gives up freedom in hope of safety deserves neither." ”
Thursday, July 31, 2008 3:22:57 PM
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Little Rock Nine

LITTLE ROCK NINE: Jefferson Thomas, who was among nine black students initially barred by the Arkansas governor from attending Little Rock Central High School in 1957, spoke to Findlay students as part of Black History Month. The crisis was a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights.


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   LOCAL NEWS
  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
Kyle wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
To Tim
“ It's a very good possibility that a plow with it's blade up was not a City of Findlay plow. Many people have their own plows and... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 1:17:57 PM
SNOW REMOVAL wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
SNOW REMOVAL
“ IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE SNOW REMOVAL CALL MIKE (419) 236-9474...NO NEED TO PICK UP A SHOVEL OR CRANK UP THE SNOWBLOWER... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 12:42:55 PM
HLB wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
That's really sad...
“ You know, people are rude enough most of the time in this city and this last storm when random folks pulled together and I saw t... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 12:32:18 PM
rob wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
pile of snow
“ I cannot believe someone would call up and complain that a pile of snnow was blocking their view. What is this world coming to.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 11:38:49 AM
tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
put the blades down this time
“ Can someone please tell me why I see and saw several snowplows driving down streets that needed plowed with the blades up? ” Read More...
2/9/2010 10:39:25 AM
Jimbo wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
To Debbie..
“ I want to express that I understand where you are going with your post, but be practical. If a level 3 is called, that means no... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 10:35:28 AM
Steve wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
unknown
“ That would be a personal responsibility choice. We all know what the winter situation is in NW Ohio and we all should be prepar... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:56:48 AM
J wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Citizen........
“ Findlay is located in Hancock County..... Therefore, yes. If Hancock Co goes into a level 3 that includes Findlay.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:17:27 AM
Debbie wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Level 3
“ Weathertech09~ would you like the hospital to be closed because no one is there to care for you or a loved one due to being cite... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:04:12 AM
STEVE wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
LEVEL 3
“ Citizen, Is the City of Findlay in Hancock County? I believe the article ref all the cars stuck in the snow Barker specifically... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 8:55:52 AM
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News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.