Op-ed views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

The law enforcement veteran and InVest USA founder discusses the deadly hit and run that took the life of Andreas Probst – and shows why a lot of social media has it wrong about police.

Some people will do anything for attention on social media. And I mean anything.

Like a delivery driver that had no qualms about spraying food with pepper spray. Or the infamous “DoorDash girl” that filmed someone in an unwanted state after breaking into their home (and, oddly enough, pleading “not guilty” despite evidence saying otherwise). Or just anyone that goes looking for trouble, just for the sake of some precious views.

This leaves a harrowing effect on people these days. Especially impressionable youths who think people that do this sort of thing on YouTube or TikTok is “cool.” I assure you, it’s not.

But I don’t think there’s any more of a deplorable example that I’ve seen as of late than what happened to former California police chief Andreas Probst, who was needlessly murdered after being run down by two kids.

The incident actually took place back in August 2023, but sentencing just took place this week. But first let me tell you what these two young adults – 20-year old Jesus Ayala and 18-year old Jzamir Keys, actually did.

Back in that time, the two were in their car when they initially used their car to sideswipe someone, and then proceed to reportedly hit a 72-year old bicyclist. He managed to survive. But the person they went after next – Probst – did not.

What’s worse, they were recording the entire incident to post later to their friends on Instagram. I’m not kidding.

I won’t share the video for the sake of this man’s family, but I’m hearing the duo’s actions are unbelievably bad. They first lined up Probst in their sights before they began giggling, and then the driver simply asked, “Ready?” To which the other responded, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, hit his ***.” And just when Probst pulled over to the side of the road, they struck him and kept going.

They would later post the video, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, acting very quickly, arrested them. And Ayala, showing no remorse for his actions, simply said that he would get a “slap on the wrists.”

Thankfully, the two men will never get the chance to hurt someone again. Ayala will have a sentence of 20 years to life behind bars, while Keys has a sentence of 18 years to life.

It’s the latest actions taken against a police officer as of late, which we’ve seen a lot more of lately. Ambushes, attacks and even protests have led to some being injured – or being killed – while the attackers boast about their progress on social media. Some have even gone as far as to offer bounties for police officers and ICE agents, insisting that they’re the danger to the country.

It’s completely tone deaf. The video featuring these two kids brutally running down and killing a former police chief serves as the proof. You’ve got these people who insist they’re the victims or, even worse, justified in their horrific actions. And that’s far from the case.

And because of this, the family not only has to deal with the loss of Andreas, but also the thought that people have actually seen what happened to him on social media. It’s impossible to shake.

I’m just going to reiterate the same thing that I have said in the past. And I’ll keep yelling it until the point is understood. Police officers are not your enemy. ICE agents are not your enemy. These fine men and women have families. Friends. Lives outside of work. They pay bills just like you and me. They try to live their lives like you and me. 

And some of them are robbed of the ability to live that life or see their loved ones ever again just because someone is sick and demented enough to hold a grudge and boast about it on their given social media channels.

They deserve better. Far better. And, with the new year approaching, all I can hope is that it truly does get better. But, sadly, even with the sentence these two kids got, I can’t help but think some young punk is going to try to get into trouble, just for the sake of those precious views.

Don’t. Just don’t.

About Michael Letts:

Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.

• About
• Latest Posts

Michael Letts

Michael A. Letts, Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bullet-proof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs.

Latest posts by Michael Letts (see all)

• With a new trial beginning this week, we’ll finally get answers about the ‘secret’ Chinese police station in New York - May 9, 2026
• The arrest of former FBI Director James Comey shows just how seriously social media can make an impact - May 2, 2026
• Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger says it’s not a sanctuary state, but her suspicious actions say otherwise - April 13, 2026

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.