Dallas Police Association Addresses The Indictment Of Farmers Branch Officer
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) — The Dallas Police Association addressed the indictment of Farmers Branch officer Michael Dunn, 43, at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
Dallas Police Association President Michael Mata took to the podium to express his shock that the murder indictment came only two weeks after the shooting that killed vehicle theft suspect, 35-year-old Juan Moreno Jr., two weeks ago.
A grand jury has yet to indict anyone for the 40 Dallas murders committed in May, but have indicted Dunn in eight days.
Mata said this shows how rushed this case was, considering autopsy results, toxicology reports and ballistic tests have not even been completed for the jury's consideration.
"It is outside the standard operating procedures to the department," he said. "I do not believe that officers should be held to a higher than the average citizen, but we should be treated equally to the average citizen. In this situation we were not."
However Dallas District Attorney John Creuzot said this actually restores confidence in the community.
"This restores confidence in the community that the system can work quickly, fairly and efficiently," Creuzot said.
Farmers Branch Police Chief David Hale also held a news conference Thursday morning in reaction to Dunn's murder charge.
Hale said anytime the criminal justice system can move quickly, he think it's a good thing.
"The truth is paramount. We have to get to the truth — that's what we want here — we want what is right to be done," Hale said.
Dunn is a 13-year veteran with the Farmers Branch Police Department and is on paid leave despite receiving a warrant for his arrest.
He surrounded to authorities Wednesday night but has since posted bond.
WATCH DALLAS POLICE ASSOCIATION'S NEWS CONFERENCE HERE: