FORCED ON DEFENSIVE

It was just a few months ago that a suspected drug dealer struck a DEA
agent with his car in an attempt to escape arrest. Few people remember
that. I do. I was in the parking lot where the chase ended moments after
the attempted murder of the agent.

I regret the death of Ashley Villarreal. But from what I have heard, the
adults in her life must shoulder the responsibility. She was driving at
11:30 p.m. with an adult male.

At her age, she probably reacted in a way that made the agents think she
was trying to hit them. As a result, they were forced to defend themselves.

It is easy to crucify the agents. These officers risk their lives daily to
arrest drug dealers. How many crimes are attributed to drugs? How many of
those crimes result in tragedies for innocent families?

Before they are convicted in the court of public opinion, they have earned
the right to a fair trial.

Rick Ramirez, Universal City