Why was he turned loose? That is the burning question.
After the second arrest and charges - which demonstrated an obviously violent personality - Omar Soto-Chavira should not have been released.
The blood of Sgt. Josh Bartlett is on hands of the judge and system that allowed the release of Soto-Chavira.
Soto-Chavira, 22, was identified late last Thursday night as the suspect accused of killing Lubbock County Sheriff’s Sgt. Josh Bartlett, critically wounding one other, and injuring three more officers.
Soto-Chavira was arrested in Hockley County on June 25 for assault of a family member. Jail records show he posted bond and was released on June 29. He was arrested again that very day for a list of charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, continuous violence, assault on a family member, resisting arrest and assault causing bodily injury. Once again, he was allowed to post bond and was released on July 11.
On July 15, LEOs were killed or injured and Soto-Chavia was arrested and charged with the crime. While prayers and condolences are appreciated, they do little for the families of the fallen officers and the children who will never see their father again.
Bail can be posted for any type of crime if the defendant is eligible. A judge may ban a person from being released if they have committed an exceedingly violent crime or if they are a high flight risk. There are solid reasons to deny bail to those accused of violent crimes.
They are a threat to public safety - and you never know when they will strike.
When a judge looks at a person accused of a violent crime, a few things should pop into perspective such as how violent and detrimental the accusations are. Any rational thinking person would realize if arrested, they are under suspicion.
If a judge is unsure, he or she should hold fact-finding hearings about each defendant before assigning them a bail amount and cutting them loose back in society. If someone is dangerous, they shouldn’t be released.
It was a major red flag when Soto-Chavira was arrested – again for violence - the same day he was released on bond – and eventually a second time to kill a LEO. This should never have happened.
Our law enforcement officers face hazards every single day. They risk their lives with every call or traffic stop. If something isn’t done, every citizen will face the same risks. unaware that these violent offenders are walking among the population.
While suspects who are arrested have rights, so do all the other people in society. Law enforcement is in danger, and when their hands are tied, that puts every citizen at risk. LEOs catch the bad guys, who are in turn set free back in society by judges – the suspects post a bail bond and head right back out to act as predators and do more damage.
LEOs are there to protect and serve – not be a target. Anyone not appreciating the challenges our law enforcement officers face should be re-examining their thinking. The criminal justice system is in place to protect the public – somewhere this fact is being ignored in lieu of coddling violent offender’s rights.
Do you feel safer with violent offenders roaming the streets and continuing to commit crimes?
I know I don’t. I am tired of seeing our LEOs fall. I am tired of seeing their families suffering. I am tired of criminals having the upper hand.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund released its annual mid-year report of law enforcement officer deaths. The report collects data from Jan. 1 to June 30. According to the report, Texas accounts for almost as many officer deaths as the next two highest states combined. Of the 155 officer deaths listed in the report, 25 were in Texas. Georgia and California saw the next highest number of deaths with 13 each. With this last shooting – add another one to Texas.
It is time to step up and Support the Blue. I encourage all citizens to do so. LEOs protect you, your family and property. Don’t take that for granted.
Is anyone else is up for a Support the Blue movement in Castro County? Our first responders need our backing and support every minute of every day. Let’s get it done.