Probe needed of sheriff ride-alongs

I’m concerned about reports of DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba’s 18 year old son, Patrick Zaruba, riding along in sheriff cars on patrol. There’s been a disturbing dash cam video leaked out to the media in which Patrick is in a sheriff’s car chasing a motorist driving recklessly.

At one point the fleeing motorist exits his vehicle with Patrick chasing him on foot. It was reported that Patrick regularly goes on ride alongs, disclosed by an unnamed official source.

What in the world is going on at the sheriff’s department? It appears out of control. The implications are huge with Sheriff John Zaruba condoning such irresponsible actions. Am I wrong in thinking that our sheriff should be very concerned about his lack of regard to the county’s exposure to liability because of his lack of judgment?

What is frightening is that Sheriff Zaruba is fine with having his son ride along on patrol while wearing and carrying equipment normally used by sheriff deputies.

As taxpayers, we should all be appalled.

A thorough investigation of the sheriff’s policies is in order, to stave off the potential of unnecessary lawsuits caused by non department personnel playing cop.

Paula McGowen

Glen Ellyn