The Dish- February 2024

The Need for Speed: Balancing Justice and Safety in Police Pursuits Protect and Serve? What’s the cost?

In the pursuit of justice, law enforcement officers often engage in high-speed chases, with the aim of apprehending suspects attempting to evade capture. While these adrenalinefueled pursuits may seem like scenes straight out of an action movie, the reality is far more sobering. Police chases pose a significant threat to everyone on the roads, from the officers involved to innocent bystanders. One of the most distressing aspects of police chases is the toll they take on human lives. Tragically, fatalities can occur not only among the fleeing suspects but also among law enforcement officers and, most regrettably, innocent bystanders.

According to a study conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), nearly onethird of all police pursuits result in accidents, contributing to injuries and, at times, fatalities. Another study by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) found that traffic collisions occurred in 26.5% of pursuits, with 1.4% of those collisions resulting in a fatality.

On February 2, 2024, Trooper Zachary Fink, 26, was tragically killed while in pursuit of Michael Addison, who was wanted on open warrants for assault and weapons charges out of Broward County. Addison made a U-turn into oncoming traffic on I-95 with Trooper Fink following him, which resulted in a deadly collision with a semi, killing truck driver Arsenio Mas. Fink and Mas both died of their injuries. Many in the community are mourning the loss of Fink and Mas and wondering

what can be done to prevent this from happening again. Rick Reed, owner of Sweetie’s Diner in Fort Pierce, asked, “Where does it end? How many lives need to be lost before we put an end to high-speed chases”? Minutes later, Reed and patrons of the diner witnessed a chase down US1 by the Fort Pierce Police Department. High-speed police pursuits can end in tragedy, as dangerous chases put officers, suspects, and bystanders at risk.

To address this issue, Florida passed a no chase law in 2019. The No Chase Law prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in pursuits under certain circumstances. One such circumstance is when the officer believes that the risks to the public and the officers outweigh the potential benefit, meaning that if the officer determines that a pursuit would endanger innocent bystanders or officers, they are not allowed to chase the suspect. Public safety must

take precedence over apprehension of the suspect. Law enforcement officers are permitted to engage in pursuits where the suspect poses an immediate threat to public safety.

In December 2023, Florida Highway Patrol relaxed the chase policy, giving troopers more flexibility. The new policy allows troopers to chase as soon as someone attempts to run and if they determine it’s appropriate. Less than two months later, the chase that resulted in the deaths of Fink and Mas took place. Thomas Gleason, who spent 30 years in law enforcement, lost his son in a highspeed chase. He was quoted as saying “We need to enforce the law, but we need to enforce it in a way that we don’t cause more risk to the public we serve”. Given the evident dangers posed by police chases, there is a growing call for law enforcement agencies to reassess their pursuit policies. Striking a balance between apprehending suspects and ensuring public safety requires a thoughtful approach. Some argue for more stringent criteria for initiating chases, suggesting that the potential risks should be carefully weighed against the seriousness of the offense.

Deputy Cleared After Striking & Killing Kaitlyn Kohler Rules For Thee, But Not For Me...

St. Lucie County has been feeling the consequences of police chases lately. While the community is still mourning the loss of Trooper Zachary Fink and Arsenio Mas who were both tragically killed during a high-speed chase on I95 earlier this month, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Deputy who killed Kaitlyn Kohler has been cleared.

Kaitlyn Kohler lost her life in a tragic accident involving a sheriff’s deputy. The incident occurred when the deputy ran a red light and collided with Kaitlyn as she was crossing the street in a designated crosswalk. Despite the devastating outcome, the sheriff’s deputy has been cleared of any wrongdoing, sparking a wave of emotions and questions within the community.

On the fateful night of May 5, 2023, Kaitlyn, a vibrant and promising young woman, was walking across the street in a marked crosswalk. As she proceeded with the right of way, tragedy struck when a sheriff’s deputy, responding to a call with no lights or sirens activated, ran a red light and collided with her. The impact resulted in Kaitlyn’s untimely death.

Kaitlyn’s mother Brandi expressed, “She was literally just my twin, my mini me and my best friend, and she was my whole world, I just don’t know what I’m going to do without her.” Kaitlyn was described

as an amazing soul who loved her family and friends. Friends and family are left devastated by the sudden loss, grappling with the reality of a life cut short.

Following the incident, Florida Highway Patrol launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. The sheriff’s deputy involved in the collision was subjected to scrutiny, with investigators examining factors such as speed, visibility, and adherence to emergency response protocols.

In a surprising turn of events, the deputy has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the investigating authorities. The decision has stirred mixed emotions within the community, leaving many bewildered and seeking answers. An anonymous source questions, “If it was so important for this deputy to get to a scene, why was he not using lights and sirens to warn motorists?” Another Facebook user replied to an article about the case stating, “Wow! I can’t believe he’s still working and going about his normal life after killing someone”. One has to ask if the average citizen would be cleared after running a red light and killing an innocent person.

The community’s response to Kaitlyn Kohler’s tragic death and the subsequent clearance of the sheriff’s deputy has been varied. While some

members express understanding of the deputy’s need to respond promptly to emergencies, others question the protocols in place and whether alternative routes or precautions could have been taken to prevent such a devastating outcome.

The untimely death of Kaitlyn Kohler has left a lasting impact on her community, prompting discussions about the balance between emergency response and public safety. While the sheriff’s deputy has been cleared of wrongdoing, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for constant evaluation and improvement in emergency response protocols to prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future. Kaitlyn’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and her story may spark important conversations about ensuring the safety of both emergency responders and the public they serve.

Kaitlyn Kohler

Scat Sheriff Pearson Ethics So Flexible, They Could Be In The Circus Doing Acrobats...

In last month’s issue, we focused on the ethics of Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson. This month the new sheriff appointed by Governor Ron Desantis, Keith Pearson, is giving Hudson a run for her money in the bad ethics department. The general comsensus is that Pearson has no business being the sheriff of St. Lucie County. Pearson is showing the community where his priorities are. While we all want criminals off of our streets, Pearson is showing the families of those killed in high speed chases that he just doesn’t get it. This is not the time to be on social media trying to gain followers by taking selfies with suspects, it is time to figure out how to make the community safer when apprehending suspects or answering calls for help. In last month’s issue, we focused on the ethics of Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson. This month the new sheriff appointed by Governor Ron Desantis, Keith Pearson, is giving Hudson a run for her money in the bad ethics department. The general comsensus is that Pearson has no business being the sheriff of St. Lucie County. Pearson is showing the community where his priorities are. While we all want criminals off of our streets, Pearson is showing the families of those killed in high speed chases that he just doesn’t get it. This is not the time to be on social media trying to gain followers by taking selfies with suspects, it is time to figure out how to make the community safer when apprehending suspects or answering calls for help.

Photos and screnshots from St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office and Keith Pearson social media pages.

Community Reaction

Photos from St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office and Keith Pearson social media pages.

Play On! Shatters Records at Pineapple Playhouse in Fort Pierce

In the heart of Fort Pierce, Florida, the Pineapple Playhouse has recently witnessed unprecedented support with its latest production, ‘Play On!’. This delightful comedy has not only captivated audiences with its charm and wit but has also broken attendance and sales records.

‘Play On!’ is a theatrical gem that combines humor, drama, and impeccable timing to create an unforgettable experience for its audience. Directed by the talented Josef Long, who also serves as the theatre board president, the play brings to life the challenges faced by a small-town community theater group attempting to stage a production despite numerous obstacles. The blend of clever dialogue and uproarious mishaps has struck a chord with theater enthusiasts, drawing in crowds in numbers never seen before at Pineapple Playhouse.

The Pineapple Playhouse has long been a cultural hub for the Fort Pierce community, but the success of ‘Play On!’ has taken its popularity to new heights. The cozy venue, known for its intimate setting, filled show after show as eager patrons flocked to witness the theatrical magic unfolding on stage. The play’s witty script, coupled with the stellar performances of the cast, generated a buzz that drew in both seasoned theatergoers and those new to the local arts scene.

Beyond the impressive attendance, ‘Play On!’ also achieved a remarkable feat in terms of ticket sales. The box office was abuzz with activity as patrons eagerly purchased tickets to secure their spot for the must-see production. The play’s popularity not only resulted

in sold-out shows but also led to an extra showing to accommodate the overwhelming demand. The surge in sales is a testament to the community’s hunger for quality entertainment, and ‘Play On!’ certainly delivered. The success of ‘Play On!’ goes beyond the stage, highlighting the strong support and appreciation for the arts within the Fort Pierce community. Local businesses, community leaders, and theater enthusiasts rallied behind the production, recognizing its positive impact on the cultural fabric of the city. The Pineapple Playhouse’s commitment to providing quality entertainment has been reciprocated by the community, fostering a sense of pride and unity. ‘Play On!’ was undeniably a huge success, breaking attendance and sales records at the Pineapple Playhouse in Fort Pierce. This theatrical triumph not only showcases the power of captivating storytelling but also underscores the vibrant arts community that thrives within the city.

Heather Kilbreth

Connor Stottlemire & James Wood