The decision by the Grand
Jury not to file charges in the police-involved shooting incident of December
30, 2014 that resulted in the death of Jerome Reid is one that will, like other
aspects of this tragic case, be debated and questioned by the community at
large.
While some might wish to
view what happened at the corner of South Avenue and Henry Street in Bridgeton
as part of a larger narrative that includes events that have taken place in
other communities around the country; for the sake of the individuals and
families directly impacted, what happened deserves to be considered and
remembered in its own light.
That this incident is a
tragedy, there is no doubt. Going forward, two families have been forever
changed by what happened that night. Whether we believe justice was served or
not, nothing will take away the heartbreak, loss, and pain for those families.
For everyone else, we are
a community governed by the rule of law…in a nation that abides by the rule of
law; accepting the decision regardless of personal feelings.
The task that remains now
is to look ahead and focus our attention on doing those things that will
strengthen and heal our community. This will require time and sensitivity-
toward the families affected and toward one another. This is something that
we’ll do together as a community.
# # #
To learn
more about the City of Bridgeton please visit www.cityofbridgeton.com
Use anonymous TIP411 Text
Service to report crime by texting
“Bridgeton” plus your tip to 847411