LAKEWOOD — The president of the union for Lakewood police says the man identified as the suspect in the slayings of four of his fellow officers should never have been on the street.

The suspect, 37-year-old Maurice Clemmons, has an extensive violent criminal history from Arkansas and was recently charged in Washington with assaulting a police officer and rape of a child. He was released from jail last week after posting bail. Despite an extensive manhunt, he remains at large.

Union president Brian Wurts said such people must be held accountable. He said if attempts are made to rehabilitate them, they should be made in prison.