LAWMAN SEES GROWING ANTI-POLICE SENTIMENT — A leading figure in law enforcement fears that police may soon be engulfed by a mounting wave of unpopularity. Quinn Tam, former assistant FBI chief, says, “We’re being psychologically and physically cudgeled to the point where we may soon become ineffectual.” Tam believes that disrespect for the law and its officers is being raised to an alarming level by militant civil rights forces, abetted by some journalists. “I am not at all embarrassed to say that the police of this country need help,” he declared. Tam said a survey by the Police Chiefs Association indicates police are suffering from verbal abuse, provocation, defiance and interference as they never have before.
CATTLE DRIVEN DOWN CHOWCHILLA’S MAIN STREET — Palm lined Robertson Boulevard, the main thoroughfare of Chowchilla, took on the appearance of a television western today as the Chowchilla Western Stampede committee held its annual trail drive through town. Approximately 1,500 townspeople lined the sidewalks of the business section of town and stood in the doorways of its establishments as cowboys trailed 300 Mexican Longhorn steers down the street to the fairgrounds. The parade was led by a dozen colorfully attired cowgirl barrel racers. The Western Stampede, a three-day event, attracts the elite of the roping fraternity, calf ropers, and barrel racers.
YOUTH SHOT IN NECK — A 13-year-old Madera youth is in serious condition today at a local hospital after being shot in the throat by an “unloaded” rifle. Enoch Chavarria was shot as his father, Florentino and brother Nephtali, 18, admired a new .22 rifle the older boy had just acquired. After their evening meal Wednesday, Nephtali brought the weapon into the kitchen to show it off. While he pointed it around the room, it discharged, sending a slug into the young boy as he sat at the dinner table. The bullet hit the boy in the neck just below the chin and penetrated down to his rib cage. An ambulance rushed the boy to Dearborn Hospital, where he was listed as being in serious condition.
COPPER WIRE THIEVES HIT FARMERS — Sheriff Marlin L. Young issued an alert today to farmers to be on guard against an increasing rash of copper wire thefts in the county. Thieves have hit power lines serving homes, equipment, and irrigation pumps in the rural areas. Young said the only persons authorized to work on the power poles are Pacific Gas and Electric Company employees. They will be wearing bright, yellow hard hats and will have the familiar brown PG&E truck parked nearby. Farmers should be especially watchful after 4:30 p.m. After that hour, PG&E crews are involved in emergency work only. Most thefts of wire occur after that time...
