Sanford, Fla., explains why George Zimmerman was not arrested

“Zimmerman provided a statement claiming he acted in self defense, which at the time was supported by physical evidence and testimony,” the letter, signed by Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte Jr., says. “By Florida Statute, law enforcement was PROHIBITED from making an arrest based on the facts and circumstances they had at the time.” (Caps are theirs.)

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The letter also addresses the 911 calls released this past weekend, in which Zimmerman tells the dispatcher he is going to follow Martin and the dispatcher responds: “You don’t need to do that.” Many people have asked whether that exchange can be used in the investigation. According to the letter, the dispatcher’s suggestion is not a lawful order that Zimmerman would have been required to follow.

Finally, the letter seeks to assuage some of the anger directed at Sanford. Many have accused the city of racism.

“As a father, I can only image the pain Trayvon’s family must be going though,” writes Bonaparte. “Although the Police Department is the target of the troubling questions, let me assure you we too feel the pain of this senseless tragedy that has dramatically affected our community.”

THE LETTER (read & weep):
http://www.sanfordfl.gov/investigation/docs/Zimmerman_Martin_shooting.pdf
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/sanford-fla-posts-letter-about-why-zimmerman-has-not-been-arrested-in-teens-death/2012/03/21/gIQAdm1ISS_blog.html