Henderson officers had no choice but to shoot

To the editor:

In regard to “Man shot, wounded by officers in grocery store” (Nov. 14), I defend their actions and commend the SWAT team for using their training to “shoot low,” as they had been trained to do, when told the suspect was thought to have a child hostage. (The child turned out to be an infant-sized doll.)

The idiot exited the bathroom, pointing what appeared to be a weapon, and refused the officer’s attempts to negotiate. Thus, the only option was to shoot. The gun was a pellet gun, altered to deceive.

The perpetrator is lucky to just have a bullet in his leg. Take a stroll down a toy aisle: the toy guns look exactly like real weapons.

In all shootings there are multiple victims, including the families and the burden of killing a fellow human being, which must be carried by the officer forever. That factor alone may cause hesitation in future confrontations which may cost an officer his life. You readers who scorn, rage and pass judgement: How many of you have ever been faced with a kook holding a gun? As for me, I wouldn’t call 911 or sweetly inquire “Is that a real gun?” Any intruder will face my Glock 19 or my shotgun.

Despite a “rogue cop” now and then, which is visible in any group, these officers literally put their lives on the line every day.

JOYCE J. JOHNSON

LAS VEGAS

Suitable punishment

To the editor:

The obvious lies told about the candidates are terrible. I suggest in the future a panel be designated to rule on these lies and fine the guilty parties, maybe $100,000 for a first offense, a $500,000 fine for a second, and, if this is done three times, the guilty party must attend two Barry Manilow concerts.

KIPP ALTEMARA

LAS VEGAS

Tiresome

To the editor:

What’s the difference between Rush Limbaugh and a puppy? Eventually the pup stops whining.

THOMAS KUENY

KINGMAN, ARIZ.

Chimp permits

To the editor:

After multiple reports of chimp attacks (including the Connecticut woman who had her face ripped off), escapes and subsequent deaths, you’d think we would have learned something; namely, that exotic animals are best left in their natural habitat, where they are happiest and not stressed by society into becoming a danger to humans.

Closer to home, we have had two escapes in recent months, the first of which led to the death of Buddy.

It seems that common sense continues to elude some of our officials, as they permit yet another exotic animal trainer to move into a residential neighborhood with his chimps who are held hostage in an old RV trailer.

There appears to be a lack of concern for the safety of the community and the well-being of innocent animals on the part of officials. Perhaps we need to hold these individuals personally accountable for any consequences of their reckless decisions.

The rest of the country seems to be learning from past mistakes while Nevada lags behind in responsibility to its residents and the animals who have no choice in their fate. Thankfully, State Sens. Michael Roberson and Mark Manendo, with the assistance of the Humane Society, have stepped up to the plate to finally address the issue of exotic animal ownership. It’s long overdue.

ANNOULA WYLDERICH

LAS VEGAS