RAID DESIGNED TO INSTILL FEAR COST FRIEND HER LIFE

I have been Cheryl Noel's best friend for the last 33 years, and these are
my thoughts concerning her unnecessary death on Jan. 21 at the hands of the
Baltimore County police ("Woman is shot, killed by police in drug raid,"
Jan. 27 Eagle):

Anyone who knew Cheryl Noel will tell you that she would never have
knowingly armed herself against a police officer. She was the most
nonviolent person I knew.

The officer said that he feared for his life. Mrs. Noel did not
intentionally put him in fear. She didn't know it was the police.

On the other hand, the entire operation carried out by the Baltimore County
police was deliberately orchestrated to put her in fear for her life and,
more important in her mind, the life of her youngest son. The object of such
an operation is, by its very definition, to create panic and confusion.

Was it truly necessary to enter her home with a battering ram, guns drawn
and ready to shoot? How many other homes in Baltimore County can be made to
fit the criteria for such a warrant?

It seems to me that the danger in this situation was created by the police.
It could have been done differently.

My friend died in fear for her life and the lives of her family at the hands
of those who were supposed to protect her.

Debbie Howle

Merritt Boulevard