HIGH SPEED is inherently dangerous (Shutterstock).

Good intentions can have tragic results.

I am a firm supporter of good law enforcement, and I honor those who have chosen a path that can be full of stress, long hours and even danger.

But in seeking to uphold the law and protect the public there is a limit that needs to be placed on zeal, and we’ve recently had one example of that.

On Dec. 18, the pursuit of a suspect accused of stealing a bag of Legos from an Albertson’s Supermarket in Fullerton ended with a bitter result that cannot be considered a triumph of justice.

The suspect, identified as Anthony Michael Hank, 43, of Anaheim, left the scene in his car, followed by a plainclothes officer in an unmarked car and then a marked police vehicle.

But the suspect refused to yield to police and sped off on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 90 miles an hour through Buena Park and La Palma, according to the Orange County District Attorney.

At La Palma Avenue and Moody Street, the suspect’s car allegedly ran a red light and struck another car, resulting in the death of Marianne Mildred Casey, 67.

Of course, the principal blame is to be placed on the alleged thief. But was the apprehension of a man sought for stealing a few children’s toys worth the danger to all from a supremely dangerous chase on city streets?

A vehicle traveling at 90 miles an hour needs 584 feet to stop, according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, allowing for 198 feet of reaction time and 386 feet of braking. That’s about 39 to 40 car lengths.

How could any vehicle stop safely on a city street if a child or a stalled vehicle suddenly appeared in the roadway? There’s great danger to the pursuing police car as well as to the pursued suspect and the public at those speeds.

I’m not advocating for letting thieves go free. But I don’t want to risk the lives of officers or the public or even a fleeing suspect over a bag of Legos.

In a certain 90s police TV show, there was a saying: “Let’s be careful out there.” Please. Please.