DEMAND FULL ACCOUNTABILITY: UNMASK THE TRUTH IN THE DEATH OF 18-YEAR-OLD JOHN CALDWELL.

51

Let’s get to 100 signatures!
Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Issue

On a distressing day in Denver, a preventable tragedy unfolded, claiming the life of my 18-year-old son. As he lay trapped in a burning vehicle, bystanders and civilians valiantly attempted a rescue, but their efforts were thwarted. The Denver Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office intervened, halting the rescue and employing intimidation tactics such as threatening these brave bystanders with tasers. Witnesses reported that the police declared a 'stop order,' preventing any aid. Instead of assisting in the rescue, they watched as the vehicle erupted into flames, ultimately resulting in my son's untimely and horrific death. My son was so close to being rescued. He had almost been pulled out of the vehicle, according to eyewitnesses. Yet, the authorities chose not to act and failed to release any footage that could clarify their decisions at the scene. We, as a community and as a society, cannot turn a blind eye to such misconduct. It is not merely a question of procedural failure; it is a moral failing that shakes the faith we place in those meant to protect and serve. Transparency is crucial, and the lack of it suggests a blatant disregard for the accountability that governs police operations in such critical situations. It is essential to ensure that this incident does not get buried under bureaucratic silence. We demand a full investigation into this tragic event and that all footage and police reports be released to the public. The actions taken by the involved police departments need to be scrutinized, and those responsible must be held accountable. Moreover, we call on the lawmakers of Denver and the state to implement policies that prevent such incidents from happening in the future—policies that prioritize life-saving measures over stringent protocols in emergencies. We owe it to the memory of my son and to every individual who relies on the integrity of police services. Let us come together to demand justice and ensure systemic changes that will safeguard our loved ones from similar fates. Sign this petition to urge the relevant authorities to take necessary action and institute reforms for a safer and more accountable policing framework.

The Decision Makers

Michael Johnston
Denver City Mayor

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates