I would greatly appreciate your office looking into the death of Lynn Thornton in Clear Lake a year ago. As a Coast Guard licensed captain I instruct new boaters in the operation of their vessels. One point that I repeatedly stress is personal responsibility for safe operation of the boat.
It is clear to me that off-duty Lake County Deputy Sheriff Perdock was grossly violating the basic rules of the road by operating his boat at an estimated 55 mph on pitch black Clear Lake. This is proven by the fact that his boat slammed into a stationary sailboat with all its sails up.
I will not insult your intelligence by quoting all of the codes that back up my assertion. My strength is in common sense and I believe that it is a disgrace to her service to the state that the reckless person responsible for her death isn”t being held responsible. I also believe that it undermines the efforts of many, including myself, to get boaters to operate responsibly if they are shown that the rules are relative.
There is no disputing of the facts, just a recommendation that the Deputy Perdock not be charged. I am willing to believe that Deputy Perdock is an asset to the community who just made error in judgment, but just like if he was a civilian, he should be held accountable and not shift blame to one of the victims. Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Captain Glenn Twitchell
Newport Beach
