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It’s been days since John Sawchak shot his neighbor, Davis Moturi. John Sawchak has been charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, felony harassment and stalking. News has been circulating. The issue has been well-covered. But there’s one question that hasn’t been answered: Why hasn’t John Sawchak been arrested? Our Chief of Police is hiding behind excuses, and our Mayor…is just hiding.
This shooting highlights a number of troubling trends in our City. Our inability to provide help and intervention to residents in need and protect our residents from harm is unconscionable. Worse yet, our inability to problem solve in times of crisis without hiding behind excuses, blame shifting and unnecessary unacceptable rhetoric is unjustifiable.
Davis Moturi asked our City safety services for help many, many times. John Sawchak’s chaotic, aggressive behavior towards him had been escalating for months. And a few days ago, Mr. Moturi’s worst fears were realized, after his many pleas for help went unanswered. This situation highlights a very serious, very real gap in our public safety system, in our services and in our approach to keeping our residents safe.
There must be a reasonable path forward that doesn’t force a choice between inaction and the extreme. Our officers have been dedicated to improving policing standards, working hard every day to serve and protect our community with professionalism and care. But these efforts are undermined when leadership refuses to support them with clear, accountable decision-making. It’s not enough for leaders to offer excuses or fan fears of dramatic intervention; they must lead with courage, transparency and responsibility.
The Frey Administration is facing a leadership test, and they are failing. They failed to protect Davis Moturi, and are failing on the City’s part to get him justice. Our City deserves leaders who see Mr. Moturi’s tragic situation and do everything they can to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Our City deserves better than this.
My heart is with Mr. Moturi, and I am hoping for a fast and speedy recovery. I will do everything in my power to support him, his family, and his community in this time. |
