11/15/2005

The Saratogian

Regan case serves as a wake-up call

The investigation into accused abductor John Regan paints a chilling portrait, and the fear strikes close to home. Just two weeks ago, he was charged with grabbing a Saratoga Springs High School girl after cross country practice, trying to drag her into his van.

The 17-year-old senior did everything right - fought, shouted and slipped his grasp. She saved herself and should be proud of doing so.

Thanks to the valor of assistant coach Raymond Rogers-Harrington and coach Arthur Kranick who respectively approached and followed Regan; he was arrested a few blocks away. They had no idea whether he was armed, but they acted quickly to protect someone in their charge. The school board has already publicly recognized their heroism, but they truly deserve medals.

It was great to see the school's runners show their talent in the aftermath of such turmoil.

Congratulations to the girls and boys teams for their superb showing this weekend. Both brought home state titles. They're champions in spirit as well as in skill.

Since the Oct. 31 attempted kidnapping, the city school district has made plans to beef up security, which was already heightened in the post-Columbine era.

More patrols and a more visible police presence, cameras and basic self-defense lessons are all likely options. Other area districts have taken note of the tragedy that Saratoga Springs sidestepped, and they, too, are talking of increased security.

It's not just a school concern, though. Police said they found a tarp and rope in Regan's van, as well as photos he took of women on the street in Saratoga Springs. He's facing charges of attempted rape, kidnapping and stalking in his home state of Connecticut. Now he's under investigation for a series of rapes and disappearances in New England going back about 20 years.

Whether Regan is a serial rapist or whether he's proved innocent, someone is responsible for all the missing women and girls in the as-yet-unsolved cases. This incident is a wake-up call that echoes across several states. There are sexual predators circling the community, and we all must be alert to danger. Every precaution is warranted and every act of heroism, such as that of Kranick's and Rogers-Harrington's, is deeply appreciated.