Letters | Gun-toter is no 'victim'

BEING THE SON OF a retired Philadelphia police officer, I object to the characterization of Tyronn Sparks as a victim of police and to the photos of his "memorial."

While his death is a tragedy for his family and another example of the continuing decay of the city, the use of the word "victim" and the photos could indicate he was an innocent bystander.

The bottom line is that he pointed a sawed-off shotgun at a police officer. If it weren't for the officer's training and quick reactions, your story might have been about another officer shot, and Mr. Sparks would be the perpetrator or assailant.

Jim Newman, Holmes, Pa.