Police chief owes apology to Christian motorcyclists

OFF THE WIRE
Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

The Manteca Police officers who asked the Christian Motorcycle Club to leave the Pumpkin Fair were obviously totally unaware of the many good things this club has done for people. They hold motorcycle events to help children and people in general. They have performed charity for many people for a good many years. Some churches couldn’t even come close to doing what this organization has done for people.

It is a shame that some in the Manteca Police Department stereotype this organization with other rowdy clubs. This organization passes through Manteca and spends their money, but they are not considered good enough to attend a fair. I have personally talked to the pastor of this group and know them to be good people.

I think Police Chief Dave Bricker should invite this club to Manteca and apologize openly to this club. The act his officers performed was a clear-cut act of discrimination. This is not what this city is about. It is supposed to be the friendly Family City. The city is lucky this organization is a Christian organization or they surely have grounds to sue the police for this kind of treatment. The fact is, I haven’t seen any so-called rowdiness performed by any motorcycle organization visiting or passing through Manteca. I have seen them spend a lot of money at fuel stations and restaurants on East Yosemite.

I always thought people should be treated equal, unless their actions prove they shouldn’t be. When you step on good people, you are stepping on me.

Richard Fleener
Manteca

http://www.mantecabulletin.com/section/38/article/27974/