My name is Rick Van Houten and I am the President of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association.

Police officers are drawn to this profession because they have an inherent desire to help people. No police officer ever wants to be in the position where they are forced to take a life even in a situation where it is in defense of themselves or another. It is truly tragic when, because of the actions of another person, a police officer has to react using their training and experience to protect themselves and others by using deadly force. On the night of February 28, 2011 Fort Worth Police Officer J.P. Romer was forced to use deadly force by and through the actions of Charal Thomas in order to save his own life and potentially the lives of three children who were in the back seat of Thomas' SUV. Charal Thomas made the decision to run over Officer Romer. Charal Thomas made the decision to roll up the SUV window on Officer Romers arm. Charal Thomas made the decision to drag Officer Romer with the SUV, as well as the decision to accelerate and drive towards the freeway. It was the actions of Thomas and Thomas alone that precipitated the tragic results of the incident on that day. Officer Romer was left with no other option but to shoot Charal Thomas in order to stop the vehicle to save his own life and potentially the lives of his children. This tragic incident was thoroughly investigated by the Fort Worth Police Department and it was determined that Officer Romers actions violated no FWPD policy or procedure as well as determined that he was justified in the use of deadly force. We would like to thank Chief Halstead for his leadership and assurance that throughout this investigation it would be conducted fairly and impartially. We support Chief Halstead in his desire and ability to reserve judgment in trying times, until after the investigation is completed and all of the facts are considered. District Attorney Joe Shannon and his seasoned staff, are to be commended as well, for the professionalism that has been displayed by his office. After a thorough review by the Tarrant County Grand Jury, a No Bill decision was returned. We thank the citizens of the Tarrant County Grand Jury. The judicial system has proven to work in Tarrant County, and we stand behind their decision.

When this tragic incident occurred, it generated an unwarranted backlash in a few communities against the Fort Worth Police Department and its officers. We sincerely hope that the leaders of our community will now stand with us in peaceful and constructive support of this decision. We look forward to the building of long held and meaningful relationships with all communities and community leaders. We will keep Officer Romer and his family in our thoughts and prayers, as well as the family of Mr. Thomas.

Thank you and god bless