In Blue ( part two )

The trip back to the station took about 20 minutes. In his mind however, it took about 18 months…

He remembered the first radio transmission: “All Midtown units, an armed robbery has just occurred at the Signature Inn, Interstate and Prospect Street. Suspect is a black male, approximately 5’10” wearing a black sweatshirt, jeans and a blue stocking cap. He showed a blue 9mm, was last seen north bound on the interstate in a white Ford Van, no plate given. “ He had heard this transmission in his mind over and over again, so many times, that he could recite it in his sleep… He didn’t have time to write any of it down, he had already spotted the van and was within 5 car lengths of it. “419 to radio, I have that vehicle in sight, we are north bound on the interstate… “ The dispatcher was calm and collected as she advised the other units and surrounding communities that “One of (her) officers was in pursuit of a robbery suspect, North bound on the interstate, the suspect is armed with a 9mm and traveling in a white Ford van. “ The nearest units were still over two miles away and the gap was widening as the suspect increased his speed.

He thought to himself… in another mile, I will be out of radio range…Against his better judgment, he flipped the switch that would illuminate his light bar and turn on the take down lights. Expecting a chase, he tugged on his seat belt. He advised the radio that he was in hot pursuit, and would be switching to a statewide frequency. As the radio responded… as his back up advised of their ETA… the van suddenly pulled over.

Cars were zipping past. Wind created by the passing trucks was causing the patrol car to shake, and adrenalin took the place of thought… He aimed his spotlight on the van, he opened his car door, and stayed behind it as he exited the vehicle…at the same instant, the suspect exited his van. Without even aiming…he squeezed the trigger as quickly as he could. Approaching sirens grew louder as the bullets flew toward their intended target…