24%	Yes
76%	No

Comment: yes, the officer - Jerald Ard acted recklessly and killed Victor Steen for no reason. from pensacola by sharon

Comment: Victor chose to run from the law and got hit. It was an accident and not malicious. The officer should not be charged. The family wants to play the race card and make a lot of money. Now THAT should be a crime! from Pace

Comment: it is what it is it's murder no matter how you look at it i think it should have been handle better then it happen from pensacola,florida by debora

Comment: No charges should be filed. People should be in law enforcement before they should be able to determine if the officer did anything wrong. Law enforcement officers put their lives on line and are not out there to kill anyone. Be a law enforcement officer for a month and I believe you will change your perspective on law enforment officers from pensacola by charles

Comment: Police were correct to check out a suspicious, atmed teen in the middle of the night. The accident was unfortunate, but not criminal. from Gulf Breeze, FL by Gordon

Comment: i belive the young man would stillbe alive if Ard had used some common sense. from pensacola fl. by dee

Comment: no because mr Ard was doing his job. if victor steen didnt have anything to hide or was not doing anything wrong why didnt he just pull over like everyone else does. from pensacola fl by michael

Comment: I FEEL THAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. oFFICERS ARE ALWAYS BEING GIVEN A SLAP ON THE WRIST AND THIS NEEDS TO STOP. THEY ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM A REGULAR CITIZEN TO ME.

Comment: Absolutly not! The Police in Pensacola have a hard enough job. Most citizens do not really know what goes on in this town. There is an whole other element out there. We need more Police protection not less. If he was truly an inocence young man, he would have stopped when he was told to by Office Ard. He is as much to fault as anyone. Parents should make it clear to there children that they should obey the law. All of this could have been avoided it this had been the case. from Pensacola by Anna

Comment: I don't think that criminal charges should be filed. Victor was fleeing from the police and if he had just stopped as instructed this would not have happened. When are people going to take responsibilty for their actions? Parents need to teach their kids respect for authority. from Pensacola by Kristin

Comment: I do believe that the officer was negligent in this case, I do however feel that the minor should not have been out at the hours he was and if anything the parents are negligent....If there is no curfew presently, there should be and these kids need to be held accountable and thier parents. from Pensacola, Fl by T

Comment: It's sad the young man died, but stop means stop. Was he there to sell that weapon or commit his first crime? Parents should know where their children are at all times, now all they want is money...very sad. from Cantonment/Florida by Terry

Comment: that man drug that child 35 feet he could have stopped sooner than that he didnot have to shoot his tazer out his window he is both guilty criminally and civily.how come they didnt say anything about a gun that day they probably didnt have one on him you cant trust the police.... from pensacola,florida by laura

Comment: It was not the intention of the outcome for Victor Steen. No charges should be filed. The person should have pulled over; also since there was a loaded weapon on the person, whatever was about to take place did not occur due to the job of the police. from Pensacola, Florida by Iris

Comment: This was a tragic but avoidable accident. If this young man had been taught respect for the law and himself he would not have been behind that building at that time of night, nor would he have been in possession of a gun, which is undoubtedly why he wouldn't stop. He suffered the consequences of his own actions. Next to The Steen Family, I believe no one feels as badly about this as Officer Ard. Those at fault are the young man's parents parents. Now they are being punished worse than any parent should ever have to be. from Pensacola by Mary

Comment: Maybe when the cops ask you to stop, um how about you stop! from Pensacola by H

Comment: It is a great tragedy that this young man died, however, he was "fleeing" the Police Officer and the video clearly shows that he fell into the path of the Officer's vehicle. Why did he flee? His flight from the Officer resulted in his death. from Pensacola, FL by James

Comment: If the young man would have obeyed the police order in ther first place thius conversation would not be taking place. When you flee from the police you are increasing the chance of something bad hqappening. from Milton, FL by Thomas

Comment: Of course not. He caused his own death by not stopping when the police ordered him to stop. What does one expect. The police were only doing their job. Because he ran we will never know what he was up to. from Pensacola, FL by Bea

Comment: People should learn to obey authority, whether it be Law Enforcement or their parents! from Pensacola FL by Freddie

Comment: Mr. Steen ran from the police. He was asked to stop and he chose to elude the officer. If he would have followed the orders of the officer he would not have died. End of discussion. from Pensacola,Fl by Lynn

Comment: Yes,I believe charges should be filed because police are literally"getting away with murder" here in escambia county. from pensacola,fl by katrina

Comment: NO I DON'T THINK CRIMINAL CHARGES SHOULD BE FILED AGAINST MR STEEN. HE WAS SIMPLY A POLICEMAN DOING HIS JOB. i DON'T THINK RACE HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT HAPPENED. IF THE POLICEMAN HAD BEEN BLACK I DON'T THING ANY PROTESTS WOULD HAVE OCCURED. I THINK THERE'S ONLY AN ISSUE WITH THE DECISION BECAUSE MR STEEN WAS WHITE. from PENSACOLA by BECKY

Comment: A full investigation should be performed to understand what went wrong. Obviously, when someone dies during a police chase, the matter must be carefully considered to determine what can be learned from the incident. It is unfortunate for his family that Steen found himself in harm's way, but he seems to have put himself in that position. It is also very unfortunate that Officer Ard was put in the position of having to chase Steen with his cruiser. Both the Steen family and Officer Ard deserve intervention and a full investigation. The matter should then be put to rest. from Pensacola, FL by Gene

Comment: if the kid was innocent he would have stopped his bike and he would not have been killed. to me --he killed himself...the officer is innocent. from pensacola by georgia

Comment: Yes! The officer violated PPD pursuit policy and driving wildly on the wrong side of the road and seemed to be very angry. Steen's lawyer made some very good points. I also think the gun was planted. from Fort Walton Beach, Fl by Sam

Comment: Alot of Cops in Santa Rosa and Escambia have done got where they think their badge is above the law and can get away with any thing. As long as the public lets them get away with murder and framing people to suit their own personal gain then we are permitting a legal terrorism in law enforcement. Look at Crestview ex-Sheriff, The deputy in Santa Rosa that likes kids "sexually" and all the murders committed by Pensacola Police department. Its just wrong and maybe the media can get something done about it. from Milton, Florida by Chris

Comment: he may get cleared by man but GOD has the last word! from pensacola by rhonda

Comment: the police has been killing black men since the begining of time hanging and shoting them know running them over with a car when change gone to come from pensacola by callie

Comment: The young man had every oppurtunity to stop. He showed no respect for the police and made himself look very guilty of doing something wrong. The officer tried to get him to stop and has been cleared by the courts. Enough is enough. from Pace, Fl by David

Comment: The officer acted appropriately and handled this in the same way he would anyone. Victor Steen was told to stop repeatedly and was armed. It seems this has become more about his race than the fact he refused to stop. Shouldn't we all be treated the same regardless of race? from Pensacola, FL by Karen

Comment: I think it was was wrong very wrong the way the whole case was handled.Mr.Ard will answer to God if not the law from Pensacola FL by Tracey

Comment: Anybody with two functional gray cells in their brain can see that it was an accident. Why keep stirring the pot??? by Jim

Comment: I am very sad for the family of Victor, but he was not doing right by running away. His death was an accident. It is very sad. from Gulf Breeze, Florida by J

Comment: No, the policeman was doing his job and did not intentionally hit the young man. He tried to stop him and it was not his fault that the young man fell from his bike, making it difficult for the policeman to stop in time. Also, if the young man was carrying a weapon, he must have been up to something that was not legal. It is awful for the young man's family but I think they are wrong to try to make the policeman pay for something he did not do on purpose and who probably already prays there would have been something he could have done to avoid the accident. from Pensacola, FL by Amy

Comment: A loss of life is sad but in reality he knew he should have stopped he flead from the office and was carrying a GUN!! What if he has stopped and then pulled the gun out then had he got shot would you still blame the officer. The officer did nothing wrong and followed safely the ones who are feeding this and oh their high and mighty band wagon would act differently had the officer been thier loved ones and in danger. Why was the teenager not taught to stop when an offer says so, maybe he was involved in unlawful activities. I am sorry he died but had it been my child and this happened the facts are he knew better then to run and his actions caused his accident and death, not the officers. I pray the officer is doing ok and his family they need support from the whole community not to be trashed. I'm sure the officer feels badly about the outcome even though he was not at fault. No one wants loss of life anywhere but it happens. from Navarre, FL by Laurie

Comment: the kid should not be dead his life was taken by the cop criminal charges should filed this was murder by police from pensacola fl by gregory

Comment: when you are told to stop and you continue to run, you are running for a reason. this was a devastating accident. tragic yes...criminal no. from Gulf Breeze by B

Comment: Of course not, the officer was doing his job, the child should have stopped when ask to by the officer,I can understand the family's grief, but he should have been home that time of night. from Pensacola,Fl by Jane

Comment: Victor did not heed the continued request to stop. Had he learned to obey authority from his family or had he learned to disobey requests from authority? He also had a gun and bullets according to a recent news release. This does not bode well. The family is using the news media to garner support; hopefully the family will respect the law which Victor did not and not make excuses for Victor's eluding the request to halt. To me, the patrolman was following up on an eluding suspect. by Louise

Comment: NO Way. The kid should have stopped when he was ordered too. Its a tragic story from Pensacola,FL by Jay

Comment: absolutely not, Steen made a choice to flee, unfortunately it coast him his life from Navarre,Fl by C

Comment: A judge and the state attorney has cleard Mr Ard, but you weartv3 are attempting to make it racial. from Pensacola, Florida by Paul

Comment: This is tragic indeed. However if a judge and states attorney says no criminal intent, thats it. No one intends to calculate and run over a kid. Black,White or Oriental Respect yourself and others and go by the law thats set forth upon us when an law enforcement officer says stop. No more than Mr. Steen running from the law if he was in a car and crashed and was killed. Is it the officers fault that a person dies from running from law in a car gets killed? This is tragic for the family I understand.And the officer. from Pensacola,FL by Flower

Comment: What part of stop did he not understand? Why was he out at that hour at a construction site anyway? from Cantonment, FL by Vicki

Comment: mom should be arrested for child neglect there should be a curfew for under 17 years of age from pensacola ,fl by al

Comment: If the driver was a civilian, the driver would be prosecuted to the fullest extent but if you are an officer, you can get away with murder. And the cops wonder why civilians do not trust them? Cops are the worst type of criminals. from Pensacola by Keith

Comment: From everything I have seen, I do not believe the police officer did anything wrong. He continuely tried to get him to stop. Why didn't he stop should be the question. If he had done nothing wrong this would not have happened. He is the one that fled. The police office did not do anything wrong. from Navarre, FL by Jenny

Comment: yes..but be sure the charges are against the responsible individual! the cops, of course, are wrong...however the person fleeing is perhaps more wrong. if you decide to flee from law enforcement, be sure you are willing to accept the consequences! from Milton by Christopher

Comment: Unfortunately Victor died, but had he done as he was asked to do, he would be alive today. I feel horrible for his family but Victor was wrong by trying to flee and therefore caused his own death by not obeying the officer who was only doing his job. The judge was right in not bringing down charges on the officer. Let Victor rest in peace and let it be. from Pensacola, Fl by Faye

Comment: It is sad Victor died but his family must accept the fact Victor refused to listen the the police officer, heard by all of us now on video, requesting him to stop over and over and he kept ignoring the law. Who was the loaded gun registered to that Victor had in his pocket? Consequences are sometimes deadly when we dont abide by the law. The officer was doing his job and this is now about how much money the family can get from the City. from Pensacola by Dee

Comment: CHARGES SHOULD BE FILED AGAINST JERALD ARD. FOR ONE HE DIDN'T PROBABLE CAUSE TO STOP YOUNG STEEN. THE YOUNGT MAN WAS NOT TREPASSING. THE PROBLEM IS HE'S A YOUNG BLACK MAN AND ARD IS A WHITE OFFICER. WAS IT THAT SERIOUS FOR IT TO END UP IN TRAGEDY NO. SO THEREFORE HE NEED TO BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST FOR TAKEN A YOUNG MAN LIFE. THE PEOLE OF PENSACOLA AND EVRYWHERE ELSE NEED TO STAND UP TOGETHER AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY. THAT'S THE ONLY WE CAN GET BETTER RESULTS AND RESPECT.

Comment: No. Victor Steen made a conscious choice to NOT heed Officer Ard. Victor Steen's actions caused the unfortunate outcome. As tragic as the outcome was for the Steen family it does not warrant criminal charges against Officer Ard. from Pace/Florida by Martha

Comment: No. Steen was doing wrong. If not, he should have stopped. What was he doing out at 2am. The police are to keep our streets safe. from pensacola by kim

Comment: THE FOUGHT LIES WITH HIS PARENTS, HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN OUT AT THAT TIME OF NIGHT AND OBVIOUSLY ENGAGED IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITY from GULF BREEZE, FL

Comment: ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!! He was doing his job and the Steen was evading an officer in pursuit. Clearly it was an accident Steen was hit. from Pace, Fl by Ron

Comment: While tragic, Victor was fleeing from the police after being spotted in a construction site. The Officer was doing what he was supposed to do, investigate suspicious activity. Steen chose to flee, adding to the suspicious nature of his activities. Officer Ard did nothing criminal. from Milton by Bill

Comment: Yes, I do think charges should be filed....against the parents for child neglect. What business has a 17-year old doing oout at 3:00 am, or carrying a gun? Time for the parents to answer up for their obvious lack of parenting skills. from Cantonment by Ed

Comment: Do you really want to set the precedent, that it is okay for a cop to run over you? from Pace by Josh

Comment: If his mother is so concerned about someone facing the consequences of their actions, then she should take a look in a mirror.She didnt even know her son's whereabouts until 2 days after he died.She is just looking to sue and get some money. Ard did NOTHING wrong. from Pensacola by Erin

Comment: If the parents are sincere and say they want justice and not revenge then let them sue - but, they sghould state that they will take NOP MONEY if they prevail. This would ensure justice motives. Likewise for the Lawyer team so intent on justice. from Pensacola, FL by Jon

Comment: I feel very sorry for the family. The young man should have stopped when the policeman asked him to. At that age I did not allow my sons out to all hours of the night. It was a tragic end for all.I would not like to see my name used if you quote me. from Pace, Fl by Maxine

Comment: Why are we not hearing about the reason Victor ran away from the police? It seems all this concern is a little bit late don't you think? from lillian by william

Comment: Any time there is a loss it is sad and I feel for the family. However Victor should have stopped when told to. If you have nothing to hid you don't run. No I do not think the Officer is guilty of wrong doing after watching the video. from Pensacola Fl by Betty

Comment: I BELIEVE IF CHARGES ARE NOT BROUGHT UP AGAINST HIM, ATLEAST HE SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE FORCE. IT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTIVE IF HE WOULD HAVE JUST SWUNG HIS DOOR OPEN OR STAYED ON THE BOYS SIDE INSTEAD OF ON HIS TAIL RIGHT BEHIND HIM. from PENSACOLA FL by CRIMINAL

Comment: It is unfortunet the boy died. HOWEVER, if he hadn't tried to run from the police he would still be alive. It was an accident that was innitiated by the young man. from PENS/FL by David

Comment: No. If the moron would have stopped when told to by the police this wouldnt even be an issue. Innocent prople dont run away from the police from Jacksonville, Fl by Doug

Comment: he should be chareged. he wouldnt of been hit nor would he have fail if he wasnt tazed. but 10 times out of ten the cop always get off. from pensacola fl by amber

Comment: THE ONLY CRIME COMMITTED HERE WAS WHEN THE BOY RAN FROM THE POLICE, HE THEN PUT HIMSELF IN DANGER AS WELL AS THE OFFICER. from CANTONMENT, FL by KAREN

Comment: I believe that some type charges needs to be filed. This is a sad situation. I understand it was an accident. People always get charge with accident that they didnt mean to do. The police get away with to much. from Pensacola/Florida by Princess

Comment: Our court system has already answered this: proper procedure was followed, and this entire event turned tragic. from Mary Esther, FL. by Tom

Comment: The tape speaks for it's self!!! How many times did the officer yell @ the guy?? For pete's sake!! Get real!!! from molino/Fl by mary

Comment: the officer is not above the law he tase the boy boy why he was still riding the bike what he thought going to happen the child was going to fall and if right up on him what he thought he was going to do just what he did because he did,t care one way or another from pensacola,fl by jean

Comment: Absolutely NOT. Ard was doing his job, and from the info released on this matter, Ard should file a countersuit against those filing for defamation. This was a tragic accident,yes,but this fellow should have stopped when told to do so. At that time of the morning with a weapon in his posession, Victor Steen's intensions were less than honorable. from Lillian,al by Joe

Comment: He was doing his job and if Steen had nothing to hide he should have stopped running! And as far as a lawsuit against the officer or PD, give me a break this family is not doing it because of the loss of a child they are doing it for the money

Comment: BLACK MAN, WHITE MAN, BLUE MAN, GREEN MAN, ORANGE MAN, DOESNT MATTER WHO IT IS!! THIS 17 YR OLD OUT ON THE STREETS AT 3AM BY CONSTRUCTION SITE WHICH IS A NO TRESSPASSING AREA, IN A HIGH CRIME AREA, HE HAD PROBABLE CAUSE TO STOP AND QUESTION THE SUBJECT. NOW HE TRYS TO RUN ON HIS BIKE NOE MORE PROBABLE CAUSE THAT HE IS UP TO SOMETHING. MY KIDS WILL NEVER BE OUT AT 3AM ON A BIKE WITH A GUN PERIOD!!! TIME FOR SOME PARENTING CLASSES, AND SOME MORALES..STOP IT!!! STOP IT !!! stop it!!!!! MOTHER SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH NO PARENTING AND LYING!! from PENSACOLA by BILL

Comment: Many of our law enforcement officers will hurt you at a moment's notice. They think they are above the law. I heard a county officer tell a guy he had stopped, that if he had to take him to jail that he might a beating before he got to the jail. They are shaving their heads trying not to be identified. These are the ones that need to be run off. I turned him in, but couldn't identify the bald deputy. from Pensacola by Gerald

Comment: Mr. Steen was "running from the law". He had a gun. He would not stop when instructed to do so. His death, regardless of how sad, was his own fault. The police officer was just doing his job. from Crestview, Florida by Judy

Comment: It's terribly sad and unfortunate. If it was my family member I'd be angry, too. But the fact of the matter is, if he hadn't tried to flee from the officer, it never would have happened. from Pensacola, FL by C

Comment: The kid should have stopped. from Navarre, Florida by Susan

Comment: Stop is a readily understood & reasonable request when you are out at 3 A.M. on a bicycle & carrying a concealed weapon illegally.His own stupidity is what got this thuglet killed, not the actions of a duly sworn officer doing his job.Pick me for the jury...I dare you! from pace by jim

Comment: How many times do those dozen folks have to watch that video and hear that police officer yelling for that young man to stop and he kept running? from Crestview by Mark

Comment: He was given plenty of time to comply with the officer's demands and when he fell, the officer had no where to go. It was a tragic accident. from Milton, Florida by TJ

Comment: I am so tied of everytime someone ignores the police and gets hurt or killed, they go after the police officer. The video shows the youth fleeing and also falling into the police car. The police officer was doing his job, the youth should have stopped. I feel for the family but this was the youths fault not the officers. from NICEVILLE, FL by BARBARA

Comment: Police Officers are hired to enforce the law, but are NOT above the law. from PACE, FL by FERNANDO

Comment: Steen was called to stop. He ignored it because he had a gun on him. If he had a gun he was up to no good. If he had stopped he wouldn't be dead. He was acting suspicious. That is why he was stopped. Instead he chose to run. The Officer had no choice. Its his job to protect us!!! from Pensacola, FL by Polly

Comment: From what I have seen and heard there was no reason for a 17 year old boy to die. We ALL know it was racial thing! The death penalty would be to good for Officer Ard. from Pace by Cindy

Comment: Why don't Police respond like Firefighters? Patroling doesn't deter crime, it only reduces the fear of it. Look at the Kansas City Study. Don't troll the night loitering, trespassing, carrying a gun, and running from the Police. from Navarre, FL by Mark

Comment: Perhaps CPS should look at the parents for letting a 17 year old run the streets every weekend after curfew. I wonder how long he has carried a gun? from Pensacola,Fl by Ronaqld

Comment: If he had stopped as requested he would be alive today from milton fl by mary

Comment: For whatever reason the chase happened this was an accident. from Pensacola FL by M

Comment: The tragic death of Victor Steen was the outcome of Victor Steens choosing to prowl around properties privately owned by others. His choice to prowl, flee from a Law Enforcement Officer,and carry a concealed and loaded weapon led to this outcome. from Pensacola FL by Jerry

Comment: This was clearly an accident. Officer Ard was doing his job that turned into a tragic accident. This young boy had no supervision causing him to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, a problem that occurs much too often these days. from Pensacola by Cassy

Comment: his parents should be held accountable. he was a minor and should not have been out that time of night nor been allowed to be gone for several days without checking in. sounds like child neglect. from pace by kathy

Comment: I believe criminal charges should be filed against his mother for allowing him to be on the streets with a gun in his pocket and she has no idea where he is. from Pensacola by Ed

Comment: Officer Ard was doing his job. If Steen had stopped when told, I wouldn't be typing this. from Pensacola, FL by Steve

Comment: mr.steen was in the wrong, he had a loaded gun on him he disobeied the officers command. the officer was doing his job. you run, you guilty about something! from pensacola,fl. by geralynn

Comment: come weartv leave ard alone. the judge has spoken, and in response to another poster what about steen using some common since from pensacola, fl by jim

Comment: If the 17 year old was not out at 2:00 in the morning around a jobsite then he probaly would not have needed a gun and ran from police. If he would have stopped when told he would not be dead. Pensacola better not back down from this and settle. from Pensacola by jason

Comment: This is a accidental tragedy. Key word accidental. If Victor would have stopped as order by law enforcement He would still be alive. I hope the PPD does not settle out of court. PPD owes the family of Victor Steen no financial compensation. Prayers go out to all involved. from Cantonment, FL by Robert

Comment: Why was he out at this time of night, with a weapon no less. He was asked to stop and decided to run which would indicate he was up to no good. I feel for his family but he was at fault by ignoring the Officer's orders. from Pensacola, Fl. by Elaine

Comment: I believe the officer did everything he could to prevent this accident. He had his camera on, told the kid to get off the bike several times and my thoughts on the kid was that he was not in his right mind, probably due to some kind of illegal substance, the parents and older siblings should have thought the kid right from wrong. from Milton, FL by James

Comment: I've been in Law Enforcement for over 22 years, and for what I have seen Officer Jerald Ard is guilty for violation of the Department's Use Of Force Policy which all police department have this policy. If this would have happen in my department, He would be in deep S!@$. from Pensacola Pensacola by James

Comment: No, I don't think the officer should be charged. If Mr Steen would have stopped as the officer directed, you would'nt be having this poll and the family would not be considering a lawsuit. The family seems to forget that Victor was carrying a LOADED concealed weapon. I do not think this unfortunate tragic situation was intentional. from Pensacola, Florida by Don

Comment: NO THE OFFICER WAS JUST DOING HIS JOB,IF HE WAS KILLED HE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN 3 MIN ATR TIME NOT 32 PRESS CONP from MILTON FL by ROBERT

Comment: This was an unfortunate accident but that is what it was - an accident. If the boy had stopped as the officer had repeatedly asked, he would be alive. If the boy had been home like a 17 yr old boy who should be in school should have been, he'd be alive. It's easy to blame the police because they are always around when something bad happens but that happens to be their job. They walk into danger everyday for not that much pay and thank God we have them. You want them to have that "power" when they are saving you or your family from being robbed, raped, or beaten. I pray for both families that they will find peace during this tragic period that will forever affect all of their lives. from Pensacola by Karen

Comment: No, this has gone too far. Leave Officer Ard alone. He was doing his job. If this had been a white person, you would not be seeing all of this going on. This is clearly a racial thing. A black family trying to get money out of the City. The young man ran from the law. You run you risk the chance of getting shot. In his case, he was ran over. All because he didn't want to listen to the law. from Milton, FL by Phillip

Comment: At 17, he knew not to run from the police. Innocent people have nothing to hide. It's respectful to obey an officer. Ard was only doing his job. It's unfortunate this accident happened. from FWB, Fl by Bea

Comment: I certainly think charges should be filed. A typical escambia county result of the good old boy syndrome. No excuse for an officer to run down an innocent kid they way he did. He broke every police rule in handling his pursuit. He should be on trial and let the jury decide. from Pace,Florida by Michael

Comment: If Steen wasn't doing anything wrong, why did he flee? Officer Ard was doing his job. If someone suspicious did in MY neighborhood what Steen did, I would expect nothing less than what Officer Ard TRIED to do.......catch him. The boy was warned and he should bear the responsibility for his actions. Unfortunately, an ACCIDENT occured and he lost his life. Officer Ard did not aim for him. No criminal act was committed. Alot of people are saying that Officer Ard had other options. Well, so did Steen. He is the one that chose evade a Police Officer. from Pensacola by Susan

Comment: When an officer of the law tells you to stop, then you need to stop. Especially if you are NOT doing anything wrong. If he says "STOP", then you stop, no matter what. from pensacola, fl by denise

Comment: I think officer jerald ard should be charged with something because he took 17 year old victor steen away from his family and if it was one of his children he would have liked charges pressed on the officer who would have crushed his child under a car. from PENSACOLA FLORIDA by ERICA

Comment: there should be no charges filed against the officer, the kid was a criminal running from the police with a loaded weapon. where was his parents, why was he out at 2:00 am. the poor parental control is more to blame than officer ard. from pensacola by scott

Comment: He was out too late, had a gun on him, and ran from the police.

Comment: yes he should be charged,he killed a innocent child. from pensacola,fl by zakia

Comment: YES! Of course criminal charges should be filed!!!! Any parent who has that little control; who has a child with a loaded weapon, and who is out somewhere in the middle of the night, should be arrested and be held accountable!! from Gulf Breeze/Fla by Tommy

Comment: As sad as a death always is, Victor Steen contributed to his own death. Officer Ard was doing his sworn duty and Victors mother should have been doing hers from Cantonment by Sandra

Comment: Since Victor chose to ignore the stop order of the police officer he reaped the consequences of his disobedience. If officers are going to be prosecuted for acting under their guidelines HOW will they ever protect those of us who do follow the law! from Milton, FL by Carol

Comment: Officer Ard may have used poor judgement in his actions, but I do not believe he was "at fault". I wonder if Victor would be alive today if his parents had tought him to obey the police and stop when told to do so. There were two errors here. from Gulf Breeze/FL by Don

Comment: What was a 17 year old doing out on a bicycle in the middle of the night in that area of town of all places? The parents/guardian should have known where he was and what he was up to. Criminal/neglect charges should be filed against them before charging a police officer for an accident that could have only been prevented if he gave up the chase of a teenager who obviously up to something. This Civil case should be fought in court! Trying to get money out of the city for being a poor parent! Its time for parents to start being parents and quit blaming the system when their children become uncontrollable. Shame on the Steen family for letting this child be out at that time of night. If the police didn't get hurt him, someone else would have. from Pensacola,fl by Susan

Comment: Yes, the fact Officer Ard persued him for absolutely nothing out of law, he should be charged! from Pensacola, Florida by Corthelius

Comment: This is a parents worst nightmare, but as long as you raise thugs and allow the ( hangin with the peers) what do you expect. How come when a white person goes through this you dont have a heard of "12 people" crying foul at the court house. Lets see...Ard is now black, steen is white. Where is those 12 black citizens then. It would be a ( that white boy should have stopped because that wonderful black cop only did his job) The family needs educated is real life and what a law enforcement officer is. Every time it seems a black person is involved anymore , they black community ( not all) yells " becuase he was black" The black polpulas shoves themselves back further and further crying ( because Im black) I guess its the white peoples fault they are white? One less tupac becuase the parents thought he was cute AND BLACK. The free uneducated people, black and white will never learn. Sorry for the kid and sorry for Ard. Im glad we dont get fired for doing our job in America. from Pensacola,FL by Flower

Comment: NO CHATGES SHOULD BE BROUGHT AGAINST THE POLICE ..THE BOY SHOULD HAVE LISTENDED TO THE OFFICER AND STOPPED.HE MIGHT HAVE HAD TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN JAIL BUT WOULD BE ALIVE TO TELL ABOUT IT. from PENSACOLA FL by P

Comment: When a police officer tells you to stop, & you flee, you are breaking the law. Kids or adults that have guns illegally or are doing drive by shootings, drugs, roberies, should be arrested. If they die in an accident trying to flee arrest, doesn't mean the police should be punished for doing what they are paid for, protecting the public. We won't have anyone willing to inforce our laws, if we listen to linch mobs. from Milton by Tom

Comment: Victor Steen is also partly responsible for his own death. He fled. He caused the Officer to chase him. Fallnig off his bike in front of a car that is chasing it just a tragic accident but in end, Victor actually more control over the situation than the Officer did. from Pensacola by Lori

Comment: I feel badly for the family, but that kid should've stopped for that officer. If he had he'd still be alive today.

Comment: I don't believe Officer Ard should be punish for the accident it was a accident not intending to harm this young man. If it's was my son I would be hurt and broken hearted but this is Ms. Steen son. I know with God we can overcome and be forgive toward the officer. If God was like some of us we would be in bad shape. I know the attorney for the Steen family is suppose to be a christian man.(CHRIST LIKE MAN) where is the Christ in that. Mr. Watson seen very angry when he spoke on Monday r Tuesday. I believe Ms. Steen should get some thing for hurt and pain but this want bring Victor back. Our Prayers are with there family. from moblie, AL by marion

Comment: i say yes that there should be criminal charges filed,because officer Ard had plenty of time to stop, and as you can see that he had known the boy had fallen but still went on to drive onto him, and i also think he just being selfish,even a witness said he'd almost knocked them over, he even sounded like a demon, but if they don't file i think it would come back and hunt him. WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND from pensacola,fl by tara

Comment: The Officer did nothing criminal. Who are you going to file charges against? from Pensacola, FL by P.

Comment: I don't know are they going to charge the mother with child neglect and endangerment? 17 years old and out for 3 night without her knowing where he was, classic sign of neglect. So unless they are going to charge her then I'd say no charges to Ard. Then again this mother during her statement the other night said that she believe that everyone should be responsible for their own actions. Well what about your actions, what about the actions of your son? I guess that doesn't matter though. from Pensacola/FL by D

Comment: YES! HE WAS IN THE WRONG DRIVING ALL CRAZY SCARING HIM! from LILLIAN/AL by KIMBERLY

Comment: let a jury decide it. it has been known that some police will try to bump a bike to get it stopped. i don't think he meant to run him over, but he did mis-use his vehicle to stop the boy and i think this should be addressed in a court of law. from bowling green,ky by kenneth

Comment: Accidents happen. Bad things happen to people making bad decisions. He should not have been fleeing a police officer. from Pensacola/Fl by Karl

Comment: Young Mr Steen died -- tragically -- as a result of his own poor judgment. Officer Ard is in no way at fault, as the traffic investigator and inquest proved. If ANY finger of blame is to be pointed, it has to be within the Steen family and the way the young man was raised. Thank God for conscientious and dedicated police officers like Ard. from Pensacola, FL by Joe

Comment: There should not be a law suit.If the Mother cared about her son, he would have been home instead of running the streets. from Milton,Fl by Richard

Comment: There is no justification, This is plain and simle murder again caught on video, How many Police unjustified murders must take place without action being taken ?? from Pensacola by Mr. Bill

Comment: While I feel sympathy for this family this entire incident could have been avoided had Victor Steen stopped when he was ordered to do so. If he wasn't guilty of anything why was he running? from Pensacola, FL by Shelia

Comment: when someone is told to stop. that does not mean keep going, if you are told to stop and you do not then you must have something to hide.had he stopped he would most likely still be alive today from pensacola by dennis

Comment: I believe he should have charges filed against him. It was a child for christ sakes how would he feel if it was his child. It has affected alot of people and I feel something should be done about it. from pensacola, florida by jennifer

Comment: The Thug should have obeyed the law and the officer. from P'cola Fl. by Paul

Comment: yes,because to many officers,has gotten away with so much. and their here to protect not take our no one life. from pensacola,florida by kelly

Comment: I think the dash cam clearly shows that Victor Steen did not follow the officer's orders. It was just unfortunate that his death was the result of his decision not to follow the law. from Pensacola, FL by Wendy

Comment: yes, nobody is above the law! the officer drove on the wrong side of the road to do what? A teen on a bike! He was in dangering alot more than himself. One is dead but it look like it could have been worst. The law is the law. If i would have been on the wrong side of the road chasin someone down i would be in jail! Please, pay the family with tax payers money because the officer was wrong! from pensacola, fl by ronald

Comment: Mr Ard was reckless in his pursuit. He drove on sidewalks and followed too closely. Mr Steen was doing nothing work when the Officer approached him. This chase was not worth anyone's life. from Mary Esther, FL by Danny

Comment: You could hear the officer telling Steen to stop his bike many times, but Steen continued avoiding the officer. Both are at fault here, it was an accident. Which unfortunately could have been avoided. from Navarre, FL by Sally

Comment: If criminal charges are filed it should be against Steen himself. He is the one who broke the law by fleeing police. Had he simply stopped when told he would still be alive. from Pensacola, Florida by Heather

Comment: If it were you or I or any other citizen we would be charge with at least a negligence crime and a jury of our peers would decide on our innocences or guilt. That is how the system is suppose to work. Evidently if you are a Pensacola Police Officer you come under a different system. The coroner and attorney general will determine this matter without constitutional procedure. Where is the fairness? from Pensacola, FL by A Concern

Comment: What good will it do to press charges on that little gun=toten thug Steen? He's squished! Maybe charge his mom and dad for bad parenting. Well, he probably didn't know who his daddy was any way. from East Hill by Mike E

Comment: Yes He Should be charged because or someone needs to responsable for this incident becaused officer.Ard didnt handled this professional.. from Cantonment fla. by Marie

Comment: when people disregard the direct order of a police or law enforcement officer, they put their lives in jeopardy. If this young man had stopped , he would be alive today. from Navarre,FL by Marcia

Comment: It is tragic for the policeman and the family of Victor Steen, but if he had stopped, he would still be alive. We must all be held accountable for our actions, good or bad. from Cantonment, Fl by Sandra

Comment: Yes he should be prosecuted.. If that would have been anyone else they would be in jail....That officer csused a death so he must pay...Seems he also valiated many of their own instructed that had been put in place by the Chief of police....Send him to jail and throw away the key..... from niceville fl by robert

Comment: I feel the Steen family should file criminal charges against Officer Ard. The officer, in my opinion, after watching the video briefly, was driving out of control. Did he have a reason, for one, to purse Victor. The evidence is apparent that he was too too close in his pursuit regardless if Victor fell off his bike. Thank God no one else got hurt or killed. The community is outraged and wants justice for the Steen family. from Pensacola by Tonya

Comment: Absolutely Not, if he had obeyed the officer's request, he would be alive today... from Pensacola by Joe

Comment: No. Victor should not have run. It made him look guilty and probably was. If he had not took off on his bicycle he would be alive today. The only one that can be blamed is Victor. from Baker, Florida by W

Comment: HE -SHOULD- BE-CHARGED AS LAW SAYS MUST HAVE VEHICLE "UNDER-CONTROL" AT -ALL-TIMES-. SIMS from PENSACOLA, FL by PRay

Comment: If Victor Steen was "such an angel" why did he run from Officer Ard? That in iteself is against the law. Additionally, Officer Ard did not break any law in his pursuit of Victor Steen. This is nothing more than a race issue and people seeing dollar signs. If it had been a black officer and a white kid, none of these protests would be happening. from Pensacola, FL by Brian

Comment: is's sad what happend but in the end when a law enforcement officer tells you to stop right or wrong you should stop. if victor would have done that he might have gone to jail but he would be alive today from pensacola, fl by therell

Comment: yes i think charges should be filed , because if it was a person running over a policeman and killing them , they would want to file the charge 1 i think charges should be filed !! from pensacola , fl by mrs

Comment: The way I see it a 17 year old should not have been out that late at night, nor should he have run from Officer Ard. Why should the officer be punished for doing his job? Why should the police dept be punished for Ard doing his job. If Steen's parents had done their job as parents it probably never would have happened. The parents didn't even know where their child was for 3 days, what does that say, and now they want the law abiding, honest citizens of Pensacola to pay for their mistakes. I am sorry for Victor's death but it't not Ard's fault. from Pensacola, FL by Rebecca

Comment: I'd like to know why weartv keeps talking about this constantly. 12 people outside police headquarters is NOT news. Clearly Steen was wrong. His mother should be arrested for neglect, why oh why do we have to hear the same story over and over again. Tell your kids to OBEY THE LAW. from Navarre,FL by S

Comment: It was an accident. Nothing criminal about it. from Pensacola by J

Comment: The kid was up to no good! the cop was just doing his job what happened was an accident from Pensacola by Marie

Comment: It's not appropriate to file criminal charges on someone that was doing their job. Victor Steen's family sure seems to be concerned now with the outcome of Officer Ard, maybe they should have been a little more concerned with the outcome of Victor Steen when he was alive. If so, we wouldn't be in the place we are today. The responsibility falls on the person that committed the crime (running from law enforcement) and the mother that was not doing her job - not on the officer that was doing his job. from Pensacola, FL by Cheryl

Comment: To file charges against an officer for doing his duty is insane. He was following a suspect and telling him to stop. The suspect disregarded the officer and everything that happened after that is a direct result of him not doing as asked by an officer. They have called this a racist act, but what if it was a black officer and the suspect did not stop? Would people still be raising such a noise about this? When the law tells you to stop, you are supposed to stop and if you don't, anything that happens is your own fault. The family let this child run the streets with no regard to where he was and now that he has been killed, they want to sue the city and get a big payday? Where were all the concerned family when he was out running the roads in the middle of the night, getting into God knows what? As a parent that has lost a child, I can honestly say that there is NO amount of money that will take the place of this child or help in the healing of their loss. I sincerely hope that the family can move on with their lives, but suing the city is NOT going to help them with their grief. Officer Ard is going to have to live with this accident for the rest of his life, isn't that enough, he did not do anything that was criminal and should not be charged. Maybe the family should face charges for not knowing where the child was for 3 days? from Pensacola, FL by Cyndi

Comment: Charge the office- He should and could have gotten in front of the bike to stop him, not run him over from behind. Plus, he should have gotten the car off of him instead of leaving it on top of the kid. ALSO: Charge the parents- why was a teenager even out at those hours of the morning WITH A LOADED GUN? If they were model parents their child would have been in bed and they'd have KNOWN where he was. Parents need to KNOW where their children are AT ALL TIMES! from Pensacola, Fl. by Jimmy

Comment: charges of criminal act should be sought out based on the camera veiw of the officers car cam.... by L

Comment: No charges against the officer but charges against the family should be considered. Parents need to take resposiblity of their kids and actions. This teenager was old enough to know when he was somewhere he shouldn't be and an officer told him to stop to stop and not run. He was old enough to carry a gun and be out that late he was old enough to take the consequences of his own actions. from pensacola fl by lisa

Comment: Absolutely not. Run from the law and you get what's coming to you. from Navarre/FL by Krista

Comment: yes i do believe charges should be filled it wil show the cops that they cant just get away with anything justice needs to be served from pensacola florida

Comment: dere should be criminal charges filed from pensacola/florida by john

Comment: Yes I strong beleive there should be criminal charges brought against officer Ard. Although Victor Steen did not stop when he was told, first there was no true reason for Ard to have been harassing, yes harrassing Mr. Steen. Mr. Steen was minding he own business and not bothering anyone, he was not commiting any criminal activity that constituted a chase by officer Ard. If there were anybody else walking in the area at the time, they could have also been ran over by Ard's careless driving and inability to understand when he is to begin a chase when a citizen doen't stop when he was told. Quite frankly, Steen was merely riding his bike and truly didnt have any reason to be pursued. City of Pensacola and YES also Escambia County officers need to be retrained properly on how they are to PROTECT and SERVE cause in my opinion, they do not do either one of those. speaking from when i've had to contact them for issues and was blown off, retrain officers and possibly the crime rate would decrease instead of drastically increasing. Thank you for allowing me to express my thoughts!!! Condolences to the family of Victor Steen!!! RIP from Pensacola, Florida by Stephanie

Comment: It is a terrible tragedy but the child should not have been running from the police. Also, you do your viewers a disservice (with regard to the story about the autistic girl that was lost) by failing to tell them about the PROJECT LIFESAVER program. Autistic children, adults with Alzheimers and others can participate in this program for a very minimal cost that allows them to be tracked if they wander. It is administered by the Mobile County Sheriff's Department and the Baldwin County Sheriff's Department. If the program does not exist in Escambia County, please contact either of the above mentioned agencies for information on how this program can be brought to Escambia County, giving parents and caregivers of Autistic children or adults with Alzheimers peace of mind. from mobile, al by lscrivy

Comment: Steen was a criminal from pens, fl by edward

Comment: Some people belive that Officer Ard should be fired, that he was unjust in his actions. They are wrong and here is why. Lets review facts. Fact: Steen was armed and tresspassing on a contruction site. Thats a felony. Fact: Steen fled after being confronted by law enforcement. That too is a felony. Fact: Steen was under 21 and carrying a concealed weapon. That also a felony. Officer Ard had every right to give pursuit and attemp to apprehend Steen. Fact: Police are not obligated under law to submit to criminals. Crimials however do to law enforcement. Fact: Ard violated no written department policy. Fact: Ard was in uniform, on duty and identified himself. Fact: Taser deployment had no effect what so ever in the situation. Unless looked at as, if the taser had deployed properly Steen would probably still be alive. Fact: Steen while fleeing lost control of his bike and crashed himself. The whole situation could have been avoided if Steen had either, 1: not commited a crime in the first place or 2: complied with Ard's many commands to stop. Steen was in control of the situation and could have ended it at any time. Officer Ard was doing his job. Having said that, where is the PPD in all this. At some point the higher administration needs to stand by there officer and quit backing down to thugs. Since when did they trade in there blue uniforms for yellow. The incident, though unfortunate, was caused by the actions of Steen and Steen alone. Lets put the blame were it belongs, on the criminals. And the officers were they belong, on the streets. from Cantonment,Fl. by Tres

Comment: If Steen hadn't died the charges would've been filed against him. His death appeared to be an accident from trouble that he caused to himself. from Cantonment, FL by Carolyn

Comment: If anyone wants charges to be brought then bring them against the mother for not controling her "child"! from pensacola by mary

Comment: YES! there should be charges filed against Ard. It doesnt make sence for a child to be killed and this man still is walking around because hes an officer. Let alone STILL has a job. SOMETHING needs to be done to Ard. Afterall, of course he couldnt stop his car, his foot was on the gas pedal. from pensacola by summer

Comment: He was obviously up to no good or he would not have been running, he would have just stopped! It was an unfortunate accident. from Milton by cindy

Comment: he should have stop when told to, and should not have had a gun on him from JAY by David

Comment: They should not charge a deceased person even if he was fleeing and eluding and was in possession of a stolen gun. Time to let Victor rest in peace. from Navarre,Fl by Paul

Comment: This officer was doing his job and nothing more! The one that should end up in jail is steens mother for felony child neglect. She let him ride the roads at all hours for days committing who knows how many crimes! He could not ride his get away vehicle well enough to stay on it...that is on him and his mother! from Pensacola, Fl by Wendy

Comment: Don't run from the cops. Simple effective cure for these occurrences. Don not be in unauthorized spaces at dark. Whats so difficult about honest living? from Pensacola, Fl by Franklin

Comment: 1-at a construction site after hours 2-fled police after being pursued with lights on 3-refused to stop for police 4-stopping for police would had likely resulted in a citation 5-when the police turn on their lights on and ask you to pull over..........do it 6-did his parent(s)? know why he out that late at night. 7-take the bike off the pole, it's an eyesore. from cantonment/fl by planet

Comment: As an ex police/deputy Seriff I think Ard did the right thing. If Steen had listen to ard he would be alive today. Now Ard is being put in to duoble Jepordy by the Black Cummunity from Pensacola, Fl 32505 by Jack

Comment: Wear TV. Please go back to your old Analog System. YOUR NEW SOUND EFFECTS ARE DRIVING US CRAZY. MY KIDS EVEN HATE IT. IT'S SO SILLY !!! from Pensacola by Michelle

Comment: i believe something should be done i mean now days cops think they can do what they want because they are cops granted its not all cops but some i saw the video and in my opinion he could of done something to keep from hitting that kid not only that he didn't have to chase him like that i mean he was in a car the kid on a bike he could of just followed him he would of had to stop eventually i mean like i said he was on a bike if the cop had done things differently a 17 year old boy would still be alive today....it is a very sad sitiuation from pensacola, fl by crystal

Comment: Yes I do think that charges should be filed,because that dose not give him the right to take another person life just because he is a law officer plus where is the evidence about the construction site ? This just not justice at all , Are we telling the people that you can get away with crime just because you are a law officer? That is the message that we are sending to our people!!!!!!!!!!! from Pensacola/Florida by Sharon

Comment: he was told to stop over and over. he was out at 3 am, i feel it was a tragic accident, what was he doing at that hour in the morning, he put hisself in the situation, from pensacola fl by pam

Comment: he did this on accident it doesnt seem like he did it on purpose anyways it is the bicyclist fault he trip or fell and like he fell under the police are and it seems like the police was speeding up cause if he wasnt he would have stop just in time but he couldnt

Comment: Its clear that Officer Ard did not commit any criminal act in the incident. from milton, FL by Charles

Comment: I read that in Oakland Cal. a officer fired a taser from his car at a teenager that was on a bike, they made all officers turn in their taser guns until they can be retrained on how to use them from Pensacola florida by Anita

Comment: Its time to move on...the census has been proved from Pensacola,FL by Flower

Comment: Zero evidence has been presented that the boy was "acting suspiciously" just ARD's word. That is very convenient for him, police are supposed to uphold the law and protect its citizens, that includes Victor Steen. Ard failed him, and he failed the people of pensacola, when he fired his taser from a moving vehicle. Maybe Ard thinks the wild west is how to play this game, in fact, it is renegade actions like his that get innocent people killed. I have no doubts Steen was probably up to no good, and should have complied. But did he deserve a death sentence for his actions, i hope i am on the jury for this wrongful death case. then maybe justice will be served. from pensacola by Concerned

Comment: the man didn't heed the commands of the officer in persuit. the officer was doing his job to stop him when he decided to run(for what ever reason) the family is gold-digging to get some money from the city. his was a hood thug and nothing more. he should have done what the officer said and this would have never happened. from pensacola by cliff

Comment: The office did not even have probable cause to be chasing the young man. With all the racism prevalent in todays society, its no wonder that a young black man was afraid to stop for LEO, especially when he had not done anything, and had no criminal history. from Gulf Breeze, FL by S

Comment: No. This kind of thing happens all the time. If you're innocent OR guilty, for that matter, you shouldn't run. If you run, you are putting yourself and OTHERS in danger as well. What is it about, "Don't run from the cops", that they just don't understand? Or is it that they were taught by mom and pop to resist the man? Hmmmmm? Maybe there should be a commercial on TV that would teach these....things. from P-cola, FL by Beaux