It was in Brooklyn that cops caught 23-year-old Tamon Robinson digging up paving stones. It was an obvious theft in progress. He took off on foot. The cops gave chase in their cruiser. Unfortunately for Robinson, the cruiser struck him and he died. That's bad enough, but then it happened.
Robinson's mother got a bill from the city for $710.00 for the damage his body did to the car. They were actually billing Robinson himself for damaging a police car. Someone apparently didn't know he died in the incident.
Robinson's mother says she's outraged. Can't blame her. For it's part, the city says the notice never should've been sent.
I'm sure that no one sent the notice on purpose. I can't believe some sinister civil servant said this would be a great cruel joke so let's send this. But it's insensitive to say the least. I know there are some who will say this guy was a criminal, he got what he deserved. Just one problem with that. In this country, the punishment must fit the crime. The last time I looked, the death penalty didn't apply to stealing paving stones.
