Retired Colonel accused of hit & run that killed roadside CO trooper. Was he facing issues deeper than simple DUI?

2015-11-19T08:51:43-05:00

By no means am I trying to downplay the death of this trooper, or the actions of said retired Colonel. What I am trying to get at is deeper than that. The Colonel had deployed several times. Could he have been dealing with demons from said deployments that led to chronic drinking? I know we all react differently to situations in life.

Retired Army colonel accused in Colorado trooper's death

A retired Army colonel struck and killed a Colorado State Patrol trooper with his truck as she was investigating a crash south of Denver, then fled before he was arrested on homicide and drunken driving charges, authorities said Monday.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Nov 19 at 2015 9:01 AM

2015-11-19T09:01:08-05:00

Doesn't matter, he is accountable for his actions. He is responsible to get himself help. He is old enough and experienced enough to know that getting behind the wheel drunk is potentially deadly. He needs to be held to account for his actions. If they want to take his service into account at sentencing, so bit it. That will not bring back the trooper that was killed.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 9:24 AM

2015-11-19T09:24:03-05:00

This hits really close to home for me. Jaimie is the sister-in-law of one of my Soldiers who just PCS'ed. I'm doing all I can to support them in this difficult time.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 19 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-11-19T09:27:24-05:00

"Could he have been dealing with demons from said deployments that led to chronic drinking?"
I DON'T CARE why he choose to drink, chose to drive drunk, chose to act in a way that endangered others, and ultimately killed a law enforcement officer. He did, and I believe the maximum weight of the law should be brought on his shoulders.

That said I care about the RET Soldier as it pertains to combat related issues. ..but that is completely separate deal then him murdering a LEO (yes I know, they will not charge him with murder as intent to do that act is hard to prove on a DUI)

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-11-19T09:37:07-05:00

There are always other issues whether with a combat vet of a civilian who doesn't even know there is a military.

My thought is, as a society we seem to always blame the other issue for whatever bad happens.

I do not think we will ever improve our world as long as we excuse bad behavior because ......

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-11-19T10:36:05-05:00

Actions have consequences, as the retired Colonel undoubtedly told plenty of Soldiers who got called on the carpet. Drinking and driving... there is no excuse at all. Even guys with demons - and we don't know that, by the way - know how to call a cab.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 19 at 2015 6:46 PM

2015-11-19T18:46:07-05:00

A person is dead because of drunk driving. End of story. Once a crime is committed, I have no sympathy for what is going on in the offender's head. He needs to pay for his crime.