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COPS AND ROBBERS NEWS:

She loved life and lived it -- I love this second-day piece I wrote at a weekly paper. Not only is it one of my first attempts (1998) at journalistic narrative, but it represents what I believe should be seen more often in newspapers. Best of all ... IT WORKS!

Police officer shot to death -- On April 12, 2000 the newsroom scanners began squawking. A much loved local police officer had been shot to death during routine warrant service. The death of 50-year-old Jeff Azuar, who frequently appeared at  Vallejo school activities with his canine companion, Rondo, struck the community extra hard. It seemed everyone knew and loved Jeff.

Sparking Suspicion -- Fear reigned in the spring of 2001 as Vallejo suffered an arson spree. Although parked vehicles appeared to be the targets, the flames spread to claim three homes in the dark of night. With no suspect and few clues, an eventual death seemed certain.

     The reporting challenge: Local fire and police authorities stopped talking for fear of copycat acts. After several weeks of official silence we weren’t even sure of the number of fires attributed to the arsonist.

     While my editor battled with fire authorities regarding their lack of candidness, I circumnavigated the stonewalling bureaucrats. The resulting story profiles the likely suspect and his motives.  A sidebar interview with a high-level California fire official describes what actions the local investigators might take behind their veil of secrecy to catch the culprit.