Sheriff Defends Cops' Actions In RUSH Guitarist's Arrest

January 11, 2004

Don Hunter, the sheriff of Florida's Collier County, where RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson (a.k.a. Alex Zivojinovich) was arrested New Year's Eve on six charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and disorderly intoxication, has penned a "guest commentary" for the Jan. 11 edition of the Naples Daily News.

"I am writing this as an agency update on the arrest of Alex, Justin, and Michelle Zivojinovich on New Year's Eve," he begins.

"The arrest of these individuals gained national publicity because of Alex Zivojinovich's (aka Alex Lifeson) involvement in the music industry. Some of Alex Zivojinovich's 'fans' have spoken out on his behalf and in doing so have attacked this agency, the individual deputies, and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, as well as the community in which we live and serve.

"None of the fans appear to have been present as witnesses.

"Premature, emotional, conclusive statements by the public, this agency or the media are ill-advised and frequently wrong. This agency is a nationally and state accredited law enforcement agency with proven policy and procedure in place (which is periodically exercised) to review this incident and provide a fair and just outcome. This event will receive the same proper and timely review as all others and is neither our first nor will it be our last, as we review many cases each year. I am personally reviewing reports of the incident, directing investigative follow-up and have conducted an extensive back brief with the active-duty deputies who were on scene." Read the rest of the commentary here.

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