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Kara couldn’t see the phone but she had already read Juan’s report and pictured his description.
“That’s not under review, Officer. We’re all entitled to use our sick leave or personal time as we wish.”
“I was walking from the department to the dentist, which is a couple blocks away, when I heard two gunshots in rapid succession. I was already out of uniform, didn’t have my service weapon, but I knew it had come from the park and I thought someone would need help. I didn’t see anyone down at first, but I was looking farther south, toward the edge of the park.” He pointed to the map, and Kara knew he was referencing a spot near the parking structure. “Then I heard three more shots and that’s when I saw Violet running. I noticed her here—” he indicated a path that went diagonal through the park toward the street “—and she was running through the park, toward the southeast corner.”
“You recognized her, though she was fifty yards away?”
“Yes. I’ve seen her often at the Fifth Street Park where there is a homeless encampment. She volunteers there, and—” He hesitated.
“And?”
“Her mother used to live there. I kept an eye on her, when she was around.”
“Where is her mother now?” Matt asked.
“She died. Drug overdose. Will Lattimer told me last time I saw him.”
Kara felt for Violet. She’d really been through the wringer this year. But she was tough, and she hadn’t backed down, even when she saw Colangelo kill. That took guts.
“You volunteer for First Contact?” Elena asked Juan.
“Not a lot, not like Violet, who’s out every weekend, but a few times. Will has a good group, his approach makes sense. He’s a veteran, I’m a veteran.”
“Did you see anyone else fleeing the scene?”
“No. I’m kicking myself. I was watching Violet. She was running fast, I thought she was terrified—most people are when they hear gunfire. A lot of people were running, some dropped to the grass. Then I turned to see what she’d been running from, and that’s when I saw two men down on the sidewalk.”
“Did you see the shooter?”
“No, ma’am, no one was standing near them. I went over to the two fallen men while I pulled out my phone to call in the shooting, but ultimately I didn’t call because several cops in uniform were running my way.” He paused. “I stated all this, twice. I know what I saw and what I didn’t see.”
“We’re not doubting your statement, Officer,” Elena said. “How long have you worked with Officer Steven Colangelo?”
“For the last eight months, since I transferred to days.”
“And you often respond to calls together?”
“Yes.”
“How often?”
“At least once per shift most days.”
“Do you socialize outside of work with Officer Colangelo?”
He looked at his rep, who asked, “Is this relevant?”
“Yes,” Elena said.
Juan replied, “No, we don’t.”
“Do you socialize with anyone in the department outside of work?”
“Yeah, all the time. Most of my friends are cops. My dad was a cop, my mom was a dispatcher, my sister is a deputy sheriff. We rag her about that,” he added with a nervous smile.
Elena smiled. “I would, too. But not Officer Colangelo?”
“I don’t see why that’s important.”
