If Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman's view of the world gained currency, America would be a scary place for those who cherish the democratic ideals of a free press and the people's right to know whether their government is following the laws of the land.



The police chief of the state's second largest city took to Facebook and Twitter this week to attack a Beacon-News reporter who had the audacity to seek information when a man wound up dead after a police stop and chase.



Aurora police reported that Anthony Martell, 18, shot himself after first shooting at an officer and trying to flee into a nearby house. Reporter Hannah Leone then had the nerve to file a Freedom of Information Act request to view the dashcam video of the mysterious traffic stop that preceded the youth's death. She also had the gumption to ask whether the department had any history with the young man or the driver of the car in which he was riding.