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Residents urge review of police response after Buena High School incident during council public comment
Summary
Multiple residents used the council’s call-to-the-public to ask Sierra Vista leaders to review police handling of a confrontation at a Buena High School basketball game that led to a coach being handcuffed; speakers included a colleague of the coach, two acquaintances, and other community members.
Several Sierra Vista residents urged the City Council on March 27 to review a recent police response to an incident at a Buena High School basketball game that resulted in coach Sahib Books being handcuffed in front of players and family.
Dan Macomber, who identified himself as the coach’s employer on Fort Huachuca, said he had reviewed video footage and a police release and asked the council and the police chief to review the matter “with the same high standards and accountability” the department’s public materials promise. Macomber described Books as “one of the most calmest, most collected guys that I know” and said he was concerned about the rapid escalation that led to Books’ being handcuffed.
Other speakers echoed Mr. Macomber’s concerns. Mona Persimia said she had known and worked with officer Rebecca Bucks for many years and had watched the video; she called the police reaction “more force than what needed to be done” and said the response escalated the situation. Diana Donovan said she believed the officer acted inappropriately after watching video footage and described both Becky Bucks and Coach Books as “wonderful people” who have served the community.
At the same meeting, Eric Peterman offered a separate comment praising a recent traffic stop response by the police department and expressing support for Officer Bucks as a professional. Council members did not take formal action during the call to the public; the speakers asked the council and the police chief to review the incident and apply departmental standards and accountability.
