As a retired mental health professional, I was stunned to learn that authorities released a man who attacked a fellow bus rider with a hatchet (“Man seriously injured in hatchet attack on bus,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 9).

The bogus explanation for the alleged perpetrator’s release was because the victim refused to press charges. Every state in the union (including Hawaii) has mental-health laws that allow detainment of an individual who exhibits imminent behavior dangerous to self or others.

If attacking a person with an ax in a bus full of witnesses doesn’t meet probable cause for detainment, what does?

Dennis Reinke

Eau Claire, Wis.

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.