Reader comments
North Salt Lake officer dies of injuries

Kim | 12:47 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Let's all pray for the family of Charlie Skinner and then go to work and do something to support his family.
I don't know officer Skinner, but I am thankful for him. I am grateful for all the heroic souls who are willing to risk their lives so that we can live in a safer environment.
God Bless.

Steven S. | 1:26 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

There aren't words for how I feel about this, but all I can say is that I am so sad for the loss of this valiant officer and his family. I am so proud of him for doing his duty for the community and for being a great father and person. My heart and blessings go out to his family and to the police department where he so ardently served. God bless you, Charlie Skinner.

Hollywood | 4:14 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

This is a real tragedy and unfortunately one that should have never occured.

NSL police need to reexamine their pursuit policies. An auto theft in very dangerous driving conditions. The risk of injury to police officers or innocent drivers/bystanders overwhelmingly outweighs the benefits of catching a car thief.

Now if this guy had robbed a bank, shot a convenience store clerk, etc., then yes, pursue him as an armed and dangerous criminal.

LA County long ago revised their chase policies due to civilian and police casualties. It's time Utah did the same.

Comments continue below

Brent & Lola | 5:40 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

We are deeply saddened to learn of this death. We will continue to lift up the family and friends in prayer during the difficult days ahead. Call on us if you need us.

TBG | 8:25 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of this officer. Anytime an officer are killed in the line of duty it pulls at my heart. May heaven bless this good family as they move through this most difficult time.

God Bless | 8:32 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

God Bless this fine young officer and all those in uniform willing to lay down their lives for us. I had hoped that the Law Enforcement Memorial could have been a finished work, but now, another name will be added.

God Bless this officer's family, his personal and extended family and his family of police officers. I hope the officers are being provided peer support and any professional help they might need.

God Bless other law enforcement members and families who are reminded through this tragedy of their own loss.

God Bless you all.

high speed pursuit | 8:46 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

usually isn't worth it - use the radio

To Brent & Lola | 9:31 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I don't want to be rude but if they were my friends, I would not only call but visit them to show them support. Leaving a message in the world wide web is not that proper neither supportive.

agree with hollywood | 9:38 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

life not = stolen car

Anonymous | 10:58 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

ARE YOU CRAZY HOLLYWOOD, HERE IS A MAN RISKING HIS LIFE EVERYDAY AND YOU SAY THAT HE SHOULD NOT DO HIS JOB!!!!! YOU NEED TO GO BACK TO HOLLYWOOD!!!! WHATS THE DIFFERENCE OF STEALING A CAR OR ROBBING A BANK? NOT A SMART COMMENT ESPECIALLY IN THIS TYPE OF A STORY!! GO WATCH YOUR MOVIES WHERE ITS OK TO STEAL A CAR.

Not Hollywood | 11:37 a.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Often criminals will use stolen cars to commit other crimes, such as robbing a bank or convenience store, kidnapping, or murder. A person driving a stolen car may have just committed a more serious crime, or is about to do so. Police officers have to make quick decisions with limited information, placing themselves at risk to protect the rest of us.

Re-evaluate | 12:25 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

It's so sad that a police officer died before he got a real chance to see his twins grow up, and to fully love his wife. This makes me re-evaluate what I have, and have so much gratitude for it. My sympathies to the Skinner Family.

Re: To Brent & Lola | 1:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

And how do you know that Brent and Lola aren't supporting them with a phone call. Maybe they are giving their support on the world wide web to offset all the negative messages that are on here too about how the chase shouldn't have happened.

Skippy | 5:27 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and the family.

Hollywood love? | 11:42 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008

Pray for the family of the lost officer. Pray for the living who have to continue on. Pray for the criminal that he may mend his ways.

I do hope the NSL PD will review the chase policies. A young father has left his family for no good reason.

This is all very unfortunate and should have never taken place.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.