David Chanen has an end of the year story commenting on crime trends over the past year. Apparently we should be happy that although violent crime is up, the rate of increase is slowing. The report is upbeat with Chief Dolan explaining a few of the steps his department has taken since he arrived in office.
One quote with a robbery victim stood out--a guy was getting leftovers from a relative's house on Christmas eve and got mugged by his car. He is quoted as saying that he shouldn't have been out walking on Christmas eve because muggers know that "people carry a lot of money" at that time.
I guess that's one way of looking at it. The other way is that not even Christmas eve are we allowed to walk around our neighborhoods safely carrying money.
12.29.2006
"I just got mugged"
This report was emailed to me last night after I went to bed.
The emailer said that the attack took place near 53rd and 3rd in South Minneapolis. When I looked at the map this appears to in the Southwest corner of the 3rd precinct in the Page neighborhood. Tucked in by Diamond Lake and Minnehaha creek. Just the other side of Tangletown. Not a whole lot of robberies down there. Hopefully this is an outlier and not a trend, although that is little consolation to this guy.
Less than an hour ago I was mugged in front of my house while carrying in a bag of groceries from my car.
Two black males, 18-30 yrs. old, 5'-10 to 6'-0, in full baggy jacketed regalia; they never said a word, just came at me from behind a parked minivan across the street and began working me over.
I lost my wallet to them. I called 911 immediately upon getting into the house. 15-20 minutes before MPD arrived. Two women.
I fought off the perps and made some noise, but as I said, lost my wallet, i.e., credit cards, driver's license, check book, SS card, etc., etc.
The emailer said that the attack took place near 53rd and 3rd in South Minneapolis. When I looked at the map this appears to in the Southwest corner of the 3rd precinct in the Page neighborhood. Tucked in by Diamond Lake and Minnehaha creek. Just the other side of Tangletown. Not a whole lot of robberies down there. Hopefully this is an outlier and not a trend, although that is little consolation to this guy.
12.27.2006
Police Looking For NE Robber
Police are seeking help in identifying a robber who is suspected of holding up both the Stop-N-Go at 1847 Johnson St. NE on December 23, and the Walgreens on 27th and Central, NE on December 24. The man was wearing a blue and white bandana to cover his face, a black trench coat, a dark stocking cap and grey gloves. From the video it also appears the perp is light skinned with dark hair, although those details were not included in the report. The man have been armed and certainly gave that appearance, although no gun is visible in the video.
The same Stop-N-Go was robbed again the next night, December 24th, but police believe that robbery was done by a different suspect.
This is the same convenience store where an employee, Eric Pearson was fatally shot almost 4 years ago.
The story, and a video report including the surveillance footage can be found at KMSP (Fox9) .
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Robbery Unit of the Minneapolis Police Department, at 612-673-3856.
This is one of my two usual spots for filling up. I saw the KMSP truck parked across from the Stop-N-Go on my way home tonight. I stopped in to talk with the clerk and grab a soda, but she didn't know why the news crew was there or at least didn't want to talk about it.
I hope the story stirs up some good leads. If this man has already gotten away with hitting at least two spots, there's good likelihood he'll try another.
The same Stop-N-Go was robbed again the next night, December 24th, but police believe that robbery was done by a different suspect.
This is the same convenience store where an employee, Eric Pearson was fatally shot almost 4 years ago.
The story, and a video report including the surveillance footage can be found at KMSP (Fox9) .
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Robbery Unit of the Minneapolis Police Department, at 612-673-3856.
This is one of my two usual spots for filling up. I saw the KMSP truck parked across from the Stop-N-Go on my way home tonight. I stopped in to talk with the clerk and grab a soda, but she didn't know why the news crew was there or at least didn't want to talk about it.
I hope the story stirs up some good leads. If this man has already gotten away with hitting at least two spots, there's good likelihood he'll try another.
Minneapolis to start charging people with security systems
The city of minneapolis is considering a change in policy that would make homeowners with monitored security systems pay a $15 fee to the city and business owners $40. The city officials say it is to recoup the cost of false alarms. (It is my recollection that the current policy is to allow 2 or 3 false alarms per year and then charge a $200 fee per alarm. After 5 alarms, the police may no longer respond to an unconfirmed alarm.) According to this article, the fees the city collects for false alarms do not cover the cost of the response and so the city is looking to alarm owners to make some more money to do that.
There's a higher level of response for alarm systems in the city," said Minneapolis licenses and consumer services deputy director Ricardo Cervantes. "A higher level service that not all citizens choose or can afford. So, I think it's a real fair way of collecting the revenue."
The one thing that Mr. Cervantes doesn't seem to get is that some people don't see a security system as a "higher level of service." Depending on where you live in Minneapolis, it's necessary. In the long lists of "things you can do" to prevent crime that the MPD SAFE zone coordinators publish in each and every crime alert relating to home invasion or robbery, there's an admonition to make sure you turn on your security system every time you leave, if you have one.
I can understand the argument to recoup a cost through a fee. But I am ticked about the fact that increasing numbers of people feel the need to have this kind of service, to spare themselves the pain of coming home to a ransacked apartment or wondering about the bump in the night. If this fee passes, they'll have to pay a little more, to keep their present level of service.
Bus Driver beaten in North Minneapolis
This happened last Friday and is only now being reported, on WCCO, for some reason. Passengers rescued the unfortunate operator and called police after the driver was pulled from the bus and beaten. The thugs were protesting getting ejected for obnoxious behavior, including loud and obscene language.
According to the charges, Theodore Bogan, 20, and Isaac Jackson, 19, were also imitating a sex act while riding with an unnamed female in the back of the bus.
The two argued with the bus driver after he told them to exit at the intersection of 27th Avenue North and Emerson Avenue North. After they got off the bus, Jackson threw a chunk of ice into the bus, hitting both the driver and a 2-year-old baby in the face.
According to the complaint, Bogan then demanded the driver get off the bus to get "whooped." The driver attempted to close the door, but the two defendants then grabbed him and threw him to the ground outside the bus.The driver was punched in the face and body, but passengers were able to pull him back to safety and alert authorities.
U to offer party van to prevent street attacks on students
The U has decided to combat crime against students by ferrying them to and from locations on weekends, when bus service is light and most of the violent attacks have been happening.
To help combat growing crime, the Minnesota Student Association will soon provide a free service to students on Friday and Saturday nights. It is expected to start running in February, staffed by volunteer members of MSA.
"Curb-to-curb pick up, we decided, is the only real way to make an impact. We came up with the idea of a van service with a simple cell phone students will be able to call," said Minnesota Student Association president Max Page.
From 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., the shuttle will travel to bars, restaurants, parties and wherever it's needed. There will always be a driver and passenger on board for safety reasons. The van will pick up in a one-mile radius of campus. All students have to do is show a valid U of M ID.
12.24.2006
2 Police Officers survive shooting in southern MN
Two police officers were shot Saturday night in Amboy, and are recovering. StarTribune has the story here. The suspect barricaded himself in his home with a gun, and when the swat entry team went in, he shot two officers in the head. One was apparently protected by a ballistic helmet, and the other suffered a "serious head injury" and underwent several hours of surgery. He is in serious condition. The suspect apparently killed himself.
Remember and pray for all law enforcement officers this Christmas--they are out working so that you and your family can be safe during the holidays.
Remember and pray for all law enforcement officers this Christmas--they are out working so that you and your family can be safe during the holidays.
Why crime in Mpls matters, if you live in St. Louis Park
My spouse and I frequent Excelsior and Grand, the relatively new development in St. Louis Park. He loves Trader Joes and one of my favorite restaurants is McCoy's;
Residents living in a trendy section of a west metro city were warned Saturday about a string of armed robberies. St. Louis Park police are telling people living in the Excelsior and Grand area to be on alert. They say there have been a number of robberies in the city in the past two weeks.
Investigators have a suspect description and a good idea of how the crimes are happening. No arrests have been made and Saturday police are warning people who live and shop in the area. Excelsior and Grand in St. Louis Park has become one of the hottest and trendiest places to live, eat and shop.
...Police say there have been several armed robberies in the area recently, the crimes usually happening at night with two to three suspects.
...The warning does not say what kind of weapon is used, nor does it say exactly where the robberies happened. It does however give a vague suspect description, two black men, 20 years old, 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch tall with a medium build.
...Police have said there is a third suspect, but their warning does not give a description...
Shot Spotter does what it is supposed to
and police nab guy on weapons charge.
I am thinking it might be this guy because the age mentioned in the article and the booking time looks about right as does the charge. According to MN Criminals, this guy has a rap sheet for aiding and abetting manslaughter 2nd degree (felony) in 2002, for which he was sentenced and giving a false name to a police officer (misdemeanor) in 2004. He was sentenced for 5 years for the manslaughter charge, but obviously didn't serve it all, or got some time shaved off for some reason. It will be interesting to see what happens to Mr. Berry even if he isn't the guy caught by shot spotter, since he is a felon with a gun and obviously violated his parole.
I am thinking it might be this guy because the age mentioned in the article and the booking time looks about right as does the charge. According to MN Criminals, this guy has a rap sheet for aiding and abetting manslaughter 2nd degree (felony) in 2002, for which he was sentenced and giving a false name to a police officer (misdemeanor) in 2004. He was sentenced for 5 years for the manslaughter charge, but obviously didn't serve it all, or got some time shaved off for some reason. It will be interesting to see what happens to Mr. Berry even if he isn't the guy caught by shot spotter, since he is a felon with a gun and obviously violated his parole.
12.23.2006
Two arrested in robbery/beating of pregnant woman
WCCO is reporting that an adult and a juvenile have been arrested in a robbery and beating of a pregnant woman in the St. Paul Midway Cub Foods lot. WCCO has the story here. The details are in the report. There's not much I can say about this story, except that the fact that this crime even occurred is pretty disturbing--the woman was 7 months pregnant, and they beat her with a glass bottle etc. when she wouldn't give up her purse and car keys. It must have occurred during the day or evening, as there were several bystanders who intervened.
I can only hope that the juvenile is charged and convicted as an adult, and both are sentenced to the maximum sentence. This type of crime indicates that the suspects will likely repeat with future crimes of this or an increased level of violence.
I can only hope that the juvenile is charged and convicted as an adult, and both are sentenced to the maximum sentence. This type of crime indicates that the suspects will likely repeat with future crimes of this or an increased level of violence.
12.22.2006
Woman attacked in Uptown
KSTP is reporting that a woman was attacked while walking home in the Lyn-Lake area. Here's the clip from the news that has an on camera inteview with the victim who bravely shows her face to the camera, in which she sports a black eye.
Washburn High Fights
Sorry for the low volume of posts, I think all of us here at MSP crimewatch are busy with holiday prep, exams, etc. I've also finally gotten an old laptop working with a new hardrive and have moved from one with power supply problems to this new-old one. Crime hasn't slowed down with the holidays.
One item brought to my attention that I missed was the huge fight that broke out at Washburn High in South Minneapolis.
At the heart of this conflict seems to be a clash between Somali and African American students. Is this a conflict between groups of students or between gangs who hang out at the school and have some school members? There's nothing in the media mentioning gangs but...
Today it was reported that Washburn and other Minneapolis schools are requiring students and adults to show ID in order to attend school sports events. That suggests that they are worried about non-students hanging out at the shools or using them as fighting venues.
One item brought to my attention that I missed was the huge fight that broke out at Washburn High in South Minneapolis.
A group of 100 teenagers engaged in a violent after-school brawl at Washburn High School in Minneapolis last week, using bats and belt buckles.The rest of the story is an attempt at positive spin. Apparently some student leaders have tried to calm people down and have posted signs with postive messages about peace and understanding around the school.
"I heard some people got their head hurt, bloody with baseball bats," said senior student leader Omar Hassan. "Someone could have died of that."
At the heart of this conflict seems to be a clash between Somali and African American students. Is this a conflict between groups of students or between gangs who hang out at the school and have some school members? There's nothing in the media mentioning gangs but...
Today it was reported that Washburn and other Minneapolis schools are requiring students and adults to show ID in order to attend school sports events. That suggests that they are worried about non-students hanging out at the shools or using them as fighting venues.
Highlights from the NECP weekly roundup
I will generally post all of these updates from the NECP in their entirety except for their weekly listing of public arrest records (too long!). If you'd like to get those too, be sure to get on their list directly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast Citizen Patrol crime stats and news 12.22.06
Copyright NECP 2006. Permission granted to freely reprint/forward this information in its entirety. If the information is to be edited, altered or changed in any way from its original content and/or format, we require that the following disclosure be included:
If you are not receiving this information directly from the Northeast Citizen Patrol, please be aware that it may have been edited, altered or changed from its original content and/or format. To subscribe directly and receive the information in its entirety, contact info@nepatrol.org.
1. Burglary/Theft alert!
2. New NECP initiative: R.A.T. (Report Alley Trawlers)
3. Citizens' Academy
4. Links
5. Who's been arrested?
6. Crime stats
1. Burglary/Theft alert!
Residential burglaries are continuing at an extraordinary rate in the 2nd Precinct. For the reporting period of Dec. 12 - 18, there were 25 total in the 2nd Precinct, with 16 of them concentrated in Audubon, Waite Park and Windom Park. Many burglaries occur during the daytime hours. Communicate with your neighbors; let them know when you will be away. Leave outdoor lights on all night. Report alley trawlers (see next item).
2. New NECP initiative: R.A.T. (Report Alley Trawlers)
As mentioned above, there have been an extraordinary amount of burglaries and thefts occurring over the past several weeks. Some of these thefts may be crimes-of-opportunity committed by the multitude of alley trawlers that traverse the alleys of Northeast. On any given week, I personally witness between 3 - 8 trawlers in the alleys of the Waite Park neighborhood alone (and those are only the ones I happen to see).
Persons who drive though alleys and steal recyclables are thieves and trespassers. Not only are they stealing revenue from the city (which, in turn, gives the city one more excuse to raise our taxes), but these thieves may be stealing other items within easy reach, or may be casing the area for burglary, etc. When you see alley trawlers, try to get a vehicle description and plate number, as well as occupant descriptions, and call 911 immediately (suspicious vehicle/persons, theft of recyclables, trespassing).
The NECP is developing a 911 phone tree in response to this escalating problem. The R.A.T. phone trees will be set up by neighborhood. Those who volunteer for the R.A.T. phone tree will be given the phone numbers of other R.A.T. phone tree volunteers in their immediate neighborhood. When one person spots a trawler, they call 911 to report the incident. Then that person calls the next person on the list to report the description of the person/vehicle; the second person calls a third person, etc. Within minutes, many people in the neighborhood will be watching for the trawler. When/if the other persons spot the trawler, they call 911 with the new location of the trawler. To volunteer for the R.A.T. phone tree, contact 612.708.2781 or email info@nepatrol.org with your name, address and phone number. Each person will only be required to call one other person on the phone tree. Share this info with others on your block and in your neighborhood. Let's work to eliminate alley trawlers from Northeast.
How to spot alley trawlers:
· Become familiar with the vehicles of your neighbors, and you will quickly be able to spot vehicles that don't belong in your alley.
· When you see vehicles come out of an alley and then proceed to the next alley, chances are that they are alley trawlers.
· Based upon my experience, the alley trawlers tend to drive vans or trucks, and, more often than not, they have loud mufflers. When you hear a loud muffler, look out the window.
· Be aware of vehicles stopping to remove items from recycle bins, alleys or driveways.
Pertinent statute:
244.355. Collection of recyclable materials.(a) Purpose: This section is designed to prevent and discourage unauthorized collection of recyclable materials which are set out by city residents as part of the city's designated recycling program. Unauthorized collection or "scavenging" may reduce the volumes of material collected as part of the city's designated program and thereby threaten the economic viability of the program. Scavenging may also cause confusion among participating residents and thereby disrupt the publicity and educational processes of the city's designated recycling program.
(b) Ownership: Ownership of recyclables stays with the person or household that originally purchased the item until that person relinquishes his/her rights of ownership through specific action of giving or selling said materials to a recyclables collection program. Nothing in this section shall abridge the right of the individual or household to give or sell his/her materials to any recyclables material collection program.
Recyclable materials placed at the solid waste collection point (SWCP), as defined in section 225.670 of the Code, shall be collected only by the city's recycling crews, or the city's designated agents. Upon removal from a SWCP, ownership of properly prepared recyclable material set out for the collection program designated by the city engineer shall be vested in the City of Minneapolis or its designated hauling agents. Ownership of recyclable materials remains with the person or household until picked up by the city's designated collection program. Furthermore, materials not prepared according to reasonable cleaning and sorting specifications shall remain the responsibility and property of the individuals or household from which the materials originated.
(c) Unauthorized persons not to collect. No unauthorized person shall collect recyclable material set out at the solid waste collection point (SWCP), a defined in section 225.670 of the Code, or otherwise intended for city authorized collection. (82-Or-094, § 2, 5-28-82; 96-Or-047, § 2, 5-24-96)
3. Spring Citizens Academy
The police will offer another session of the Citizens Academy which will begin March 19th. Applications will need to be submitted by February 19th. Contact Carol Oosterhuis at 612.673.2874 for additional information and for the application. Several NECPers just graduated from the fall Citizens Academy, and we highly recommend the course for everyone. It's an eye-opening look at police training and the legal system. You won't be disappointed.
4. Links
University police work closely with Mpls police., but citizens are the real key. The following excerpt is from the story, and it follows exactly what we've been saying in these NECP newsletters: ".neither the university nor any municipality can staff and police its way to optimal safety. True partnerships with an organized community are absolutely essential. A demoralized community ceases to look out for their neighbors, call 911 or serve as the eyes and ears of your police department. Policing is no long just law enforcement. Crime prevention, community organizing, and education are also necessary public safety strategies. More police officers alone will not produce safe neighborhoods." http://www.readthebridge.info/node/1160
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast Citizen Patrol crime stats and news 12.22.06
Copyright NECP 2006. Permission granted to freely reprint/forward this information in its entirety. If the information is to be edited, altered or changed in any way from its original content and/or format, we require that the following disclosure be included:
If you are not receiving this information directly from the Northeast Citizen Patrol, please be aware that it may have been edited, altered or changed from its original content and/or format. To subscribe directly and receive the information in its entirety, contact info@nepatrol.org.
1. Burglary/Theft alert!
2. New NECP initiative: R.A.T. (Report Alley Trawlers)
3. Citizens' Academy
4. Links
5. Who's been arrested?
6. Crime stats
1. Burglary/Theft alert!
Residential burglaries are continuing at an extraordinary rate in the 2nd Precinct. For the reporting period of Dec. 12 - 18, there were 25 total in the 2nd Precinct, with 16 of them concentrated in Audubon, Waite Park and Windom Park. Many burglaries occur during the daytime hours. Communicate with your neighbors; let them know when you will be away. Leave outdoor lights on all night. Report alley trawlers (see next item).
2. New NECP initiative: R.A.T. (Report Alley Trawlers)
As mentioned above, there have been an extraordinary amount of burglaries and thefts occurring over the past several weeks. Some of these thefts may be crimes-of-opportunity committed by the multitude of alley trawlers that traverse the alleys of Northeast. On any given week, I personally witness between 3 - 8 trawlers in the alleys of the Waite Park neighborhood alone (and those are only the ones I happen to see).
Persons who drive though alleys and steal recyclables are thieves and trespassers. Not only are they stealing revenue from the city (which, in turn, gives the city one more excuse to raise our taxes), but these thieves may be stealing other items within easy reach, or may be casing the area for burglary, etc. When you see alley trawlers, try to get a vehicle description and plate number, as well as occupant descriptions, and call 911 immediately (suspicious vehicle/persons, theft of recyclables, trespassing).
The NECP is developing a 911 phone tree in response to this escalating problem. The R.A.T. phone trees will be set up by neighborhood. Those who volunteer for the R.A.T. phone tree will be given the phone numbers of other R.A.T. phone tree volunteers in their immediate neighborhood. When one person spots a trawler, they call 911 to report the incident. Then that person calls the next person on the list to report the description of the person/vehicle; the second person calls a third person, etc. Within minutes, many people in the neighborhood will be watching for the trawler. When/if the other persons spot the trawler, they call 911 with the new location of the trawler. To volunteer for the R.A.T. phone tree, contact 612.708.2781 or email info@nepatrol.org with your name, address and phone number. Each person will only be required to call one other person on the phone tree. Share this info with others on your block and in your neighborhood. Let's work to eliminate alley trawlers from Northeast.
How to spot alley trawlers:
· Become familiar with the vehicles of your neighbors, and you will quickly be able to spot vehicles that don't belong in your alley.
· When you see vehicles come out of an alley and then proceed to the next alley, chances are that they are alley trawlers.
· Based upon my experience, the alley trawlers tend to drive vans or trucks, and, more often than not, they have loud mufflers. When you hear a loud muffler, look out the window.
· Be aware of vehicles stopping to remove items from recycle bins, alleys or driveways.
Pertinent statute:
244.355. Collection of recyclable materials.(a) Purpose: This section is designed to prevent and discourage unauthorized collection of recyclable materials which are set out by city residents as part of the city's designated recycling program. Unauthorized collection or "scavenging" may reduce the volumes of material collected as part of the city's designated program and thereby threaten the economic viability of the program. Scavenging may also cause confusion among participating residents and thereby disrupt the publicity and educational processes of the city's designated recycling program.
(b) Ownership: Ownership of recyclables stays with the person or household that originally purchased the item until that person relinquishes his/her rights of ownership through specific action of giving or selling said materials to a recyclables collection program. Nothing in this section shall abridge the right of the individual or household to give or sell his/her materials to any recyclables material collection program.
Recyclable materials placed at the solid waste collection point (SWCP), as defined in section 225.670 of the Code, shall be collected only by the city's recycling crews, or the city's designated agents. Upon removal from a SWCP, ownership of properly prepared recyclable material set out for the collection program designated by the city engineer shall be vested in the City of Minneapolis or its designated hauling agents. Ownership of recyclable materials remains with the person or household until picked up by the city's designated collection program. Furthermore, materials not prepared according to reasonable cleaning and sorting specifications shall remain the responsibility and property of the individuals or household from which the materials originated.
(c) Unauthorized persons not to collect. No unauthorized person shall collect recyclable material set out at the solid waste collection point (SWCP), a defined in section 225.670 of the Code, or otherwise intended for city authorized collection. (82-Or-094, § 2, 5-28-82; 96-Or-047, § 2, 5-24-96)
3. Spring Citizens Academy
The police will offer another session of the Citizens Academy which will begin March 19th. Applications will need to be submitted by February 19th. Contact Carol Oosterhuis at 612.673.2874 for additional information and for the application. Several NECPers just graduated from the fall Citizens Academy, and we highly recommend the course for everyone. It's an eye-opening look at police training and the legal system. You won't be disappointed.
4. Links
University police work closely with Mpls police., but citizens are the real key. The following excerpt is from the story, and it follows exactly what we've been saying in these NECP newsletters: ".neither the university nor any municipality can staff and police its way to optimal safety. True partnerships with an organized community are absolutely essential. A demoralized community ceases to look out for their neighbors, call 911 or serve as the eyes and ears of your police department. Policing is no long just law enforcement. Crime prevention, community organizing, and education are also necessary public safety strategies. More police officers alone will not produce safe neighborhoods." http://www.readthebridge.info/node/1160
12.20.2006
Weekly Highlights for Precinct 4, Safe zone 3
Here are the highlights from my precinct and safe zone for Dec. 12-18, from CPS Tim Hammett. I especially liked the Girard N one. It's a heartwarming tale, just in time for Christmas.
----------------------------
41XX Fremont Ave N
Victim maced while her vehicle and purse were taken. Officers later received info about 3 males going through a purse in front of 14XX 45th Ave N. Victim's purse recovered, 2 arrested for Robbery & 1 for outstanding felony warrant.
45th & Emerson Ave N
Threating with a gun Suspect demanded Victim's wallet. Struggle ensued and the Suspect fired several shots, none hitting the Victim. During the struggle Suspect bit Victim's ear biting a piece of it off which was recovered for DNA testing.
18XX Thomas Ave N
SWAT Team called out on reports of shots fired. Upon entry a gun was seen in plain site so a warrant was drafted and the gun was recovered. 1 person arrested.
Girard Ave N
7 year old reported missing. K9 tracked & state patrol helicopter checked area ponds for newly formed holes in the ice. During the search info was collected which raised suspicion on the family. Brooklyn Center PD then called saying the boy had walked 4 miles to Target where he'd filled out a gift card for $10,000 and loaded up a cart full of toys. All children transported to St. Joes.
35XX Girard Ave N
CRT/DP Officers recovered a gun & received info during a traffic stop which lead to a search warrant where a Tech 9, SKS rifle, small amount of heroin, 177 grams of marijuana and a bullet proof vest were recovered. 3 booked on Probable Cause for Weap & Narc.
CRT/DP assisted K9 on a traffic stop where 2 guns and 2 ounces of crack were recovered. After debriefing arrested person a search warrant was executed at 49XX Abbott Ave S where they recovered 2,500 pills of ecstasy, one rifle, one shotgun, and over $22,000.00 in cash. The case went federal.
----------------------------
41XX Fremont Ave N
Victim maced while her vehicle and purse were taken. Officers later received info about 3 males going through a purse in front of 14XX 45th Ave N. Victim's purse recovered, 2 arrested for Robbery & 1 for outstanding felony warrant.
45th & Emerson Ave N
Threating with a gun Suspect demanded Victim's wallet. Struggle ensued and the Suspect fired several shots, none hitting the Victim. During the struggle Suspect bit Victim's ear biting a piece of it off which was recovered for DNA testing.
18XX Thomas Ave N
SWAT Team called out on reports of shots fired. Upon entry a gun was seen in plain site so a warrant was drafted and the gun was recovered. 1 person arrested.
Girard Ave N
7 year old reported missing. K9 tracked & state patrol helicopter checked area ponds for newly formed holes in the ice. During the search info was collected which raised suspicion on the family. Brooklyn Center PD then called saying the boy had walked 4 miles to Target where he'd filled out a gift card for $10,000 and loaded up a cart full of toys. All children transported to St. Joes.
35XX Girard Ave N
CRT/DP Officers recovered a gun & received info during a traffic stop which lead to a search warrant where a Tech 9, SKS rifle, small amount of heroin, 177 grams of marijuana and a bullet proof vest were recovered. 3 booked on Probable Cause for Weap & Narc.
CRT/DP assisted K9 on a traffic stop where 2 guns and 2 ounces of crack were recovered. After debriefing arrested person a search warrant was executed at 49XX Abbott Ave S where they recovered 2,500 pills of ecstasy, one rifle, one shotgun, and over $22,000.00 in cash. The case went federal.
12.19.2006
Drugs, guns, home invasion, assaults part II
It now appears that the guy identified as the suspect shot by police was not Reggie Sykes but another guy Abdirizak Dirie Yusuf. Apparently Sykes ID was in Yusuf's car for some reason. I can't think of a reason.
The story so far seems to be Mr. Yusuf got himself involved in some criminal activity and, after being chased by police got shot. Although there was some confusion about his ID, There seems to be little doubt about anything else.
I checked the participants named so far in this drama with the MN Criminals database
Reggie Sykes: 2 Assaults-2nd degree with a dangerous weapon.
Abdirizak Yusuf: Domestic Assault
Undraius Holland: 5th degree drugs only one charge and it was back in 1999.
It looks like Sykes was taking a night off to spend with his new baby and the other two were looking to upgrade their rap sheets.
More: The Star Tribune is reporting a few more lurid details about the home invasion. Sykes is quoted as criticizing police procedure and Yusuf's relatives are already complaining that their guy was shot in the back by the cops.
Yusuf has been unconscious and in intensive care at Hennepin County Medical Center since he was shot by police on Sunday after an alleged home invasion that included robbery and sexual assaulted.
It's been two or three days," said Fatima Yusuf, the suspect's sister. "We need to know what's going on, and someone needs to come forward and come out with this information."
..."Minneapolis Police have not confirmed it to me that it's him, but no one is willing to give me information on anything. We want closure to this. We're still being kept in the dark," said Sabah Yusuf, another sister.
The story so far seems to be Mr. Yusuf got himself involved in some criminal activity and, after being chased by police got shot. Although there was some confusion about his ID, There seems to be little doubt about anything else.
I checked the participants named so far in this drama with the MN Criminals database
Reggie Sykes: 2 Assaults-2nd degree with a dangerous weapon.
Abdirizak Yusuf: Domestic Assault
Undraius Holland: 5th degree drugs only one charge and it was back in 1999.
It looks like Sykes was taking a night off to spend with his new baby and the other two were looking to upgrade their rap sheets.
More: The Star Tribune is reporting a few more lurid details about the home invasion. Sykes is quoted as criticizing police procedure and Yusuf's relatives are already complaining that their guy was shot in the back by the cops.
Attention Shoppers and Store Employees
[A crime alert from Precinct 5, safe zone 1. Includes robbery on elderly Lake of the Isles couple I posted on awhile ago.--Margaret]
From December 6th -17th, there have been five robberies of persons and one assault/possible attempted robbery, all of shoppers and employees near area businesses.
All of these robberies have occurred after 5:30pm when it is starting to get dark. Please use caution in parking lots and walking home from businesses.
Some information on the reported incidents:
06-342710;12/6/2006 at 7:40pm at 24xx Humboldt Av S. Suspect (B/M, 5’6-5’7, 20-24yrs, light blue hooded winter coat) grabbed victim as she walked home from grocery store. He stole her purse and cash from her pockets, and then fled on foot.
06-346283; 12/10/2006 at 10:35pm at 30xx Knox Av S. The victim, a store employee, was walking home from work when he was approached by two suspects (W/Ms 5’4-5’7, 18-21yrs, dark hooded clothing) asking for the time. The victim became suspicious and took off running. The suspects chased him and hit him over the head with a metal object. No loss was reported.
06-347690; 12/12/2006 at 5:40pm near 50th and France Av S. Victim was walking to her vehicle in the parking lot behind a local business when the suspect (W/M, 5’6-5’8, 25-30yrs, blue jeans, hat, dark-colored jacket) ran up to her. The suspect asked for victim’s purse, sprayed mace in her face, and fled with the purse.
06-347827; 12/12/2006 at 8:50pm on 28xx Lake of the Isles Pkwy W. After arriving home from a grocery shopping trip, the victims were confronted in the garage of their home. The suspects (2 B/Ms, 5’10-5’11, 28-30yrs, hooded winter coats) shoved one of the victims to the ground, took his wallet, and fled.
06-351347; 12/16/2006 around 6pm at 38th and Aldrich Av S. Victim was walking home from the grocery store when she was followed by two B/M suspects (S1-5’9-6’0, 15-16yrs, blk hooded sweatshirt, S2- 5’6-5’7, 15-16yrs, light-colored hooded sweatshirt). One suspect approached the victim and grabbed for her. The victim swung her groceries and screamed. The suspects fled. No loss reported.
06-352267; 12/17/2006 at 8:40pm at 28xx Humboldt Av S. Two victims were walking home from the grocery store when suspect (B/M, 5’10-6’0, 25-35yrs, dark jacket, dark pants, dark hat) ran up from behind and grabbed V1’s purse. A struggle for the purse ensued between the victims and the suspect. The suspect fled with the purse. The victims did not notice a weapon during the struggled but found out later that they had been injured by a knife.
From December 6th -17th, there have been five robberies of persons and one assault/possible attempted robbery, all of shoppers and employees near area businesses.
All of these robberies have occurred after 5:30pm when it is starting to get dark. Please use caution in parking lots and walking home from businesses.
Some information on the reported incidents:
06-342710;12/6/2006 at 7:40pm at 24xx Humboldt Av S. Suspect (B/M, 5’6-5’7, 20-24yrs, light blue hooded winter coat) grabbed victim as she walked home from grocery store. He stole her purse and cash from her pockets, and then fled on foot.
06-346283; 12/10/2006 at 10:35pm at 30xx Knox Av S. The victim, a store employee, was walking home from work when he was approached by two suspects (W/Ms 5’4-5’7, 18-21yrs, dark hooded clothing) asking for the time. The victim became suspicious and took off running. The suspects chased him and hit him over the head with a metal object. No loss was reported.
06-347690; 12/12/2006 at 5:40pm near 50th and France Av S. Victim was walking to her vehicle in the parking lot behind a local business when the suspect (W/M, 5’6-5’8, 25-30yrs, blue jeans, hat, dark-colored jacket) ran up to her. The suspect asked for victim’s purse, sprayed mace in her face, and fled with the purse.
06-347827; 12/12/2006 at 8:50pm on 28xx Lake of the Isles Pkwy W. After arriving home from a grocery shopping trip, the victims were confronted in the garage of their home. The suspects (2 B/Ms, 5’10-5’11, 28-30yrs, hooded winter coats) shoved one of the victims to the ground, took his wallet, and fled.
06-351347; 12/16/2006 around 6pm at 38th and Aldrich Av S. Victim was walking home from the grocery store when she was followed by two B/M suspects (S1-5’9-6’0, 15-16yrs, blk hooded sweatshirt, S2- 5’6-5’7, 15-16yrs, light-colored hooded sweatshirt). One suspect approached the victim and grabbed for her. The victim swung her groceries and screamed. The suspects fled. No loss reported.
06-352267; 12/17/2006 at 8:40pm at 28xx Humboldt Av S. Two victims were walking home from the grocery store when suspect (B/M, 5’10-6’0, 25-35yrs, dark jacket, dark pants, dark hat) ran up from behind and grabbed V1’s purse. A struggle for the purse ensued between the victims and the suspect. The suspect fled with the purse. The victims did not notice a weapon during the struggled but found out later that they had been injured by a knife.
Drugs, guns, home invasion, assaults
Over the weekend there was a home invasion in South Minneapolis. Since I had a busy weekend, I didn't get around to posting on it. Since then details have become clearer anyway.
WCCO, for example is reporting the incident thusly:
I can readily imagine this situation since something like it took place a year and a half ago a block away from us. In our new, well sealed house we actually heard nothing and saw nothing in that incident but heard plenty from the neighbors the next day. And we saw the results--doors kicked in, windows broken. Apparently there was someone threatening someone on the front lawn with a gun. Screaming, etc. Most of us were guessing drug debt collection.
In the case of the house near us, the tenants were summarily evicted. There must have been some clause in the lease about illegal activity being grounds for eviction. It is my understanding that you can be summarily evicted for drug dealing in Public Housing.
(Aside: I remember when this law went into effect because I lived in Ann Arbor, MI and it being a college town, there was a tremendous hoo haw about grannies being evicted because grandson was selling drugs out of granny's public housing apartment. It came to naught because it was federal law. Marshalls not the AAPD were doing the drug busts. In the end, the grannies got taken care of by horrified law abiding relatives and friends, or by churches. Hopefully grandson at least got the familial opprobrium he deserved along with his jail time. I can readily imagine if Granny got to keep said apartment, grandson would be back there after his sentence selling drugs again.)
What I do not know is whether Section 8 housing leases have the same type of clauses. If so, it is just one more example of landlords not following the law and the law not being enforced.
WCCO, for example is reporting the incident thusly:
Minneapolis Police said the man two officers shot in Minneapolis early Sunday morning was fleeing from an apartment robbery.
Police said Reggie Sykes, 27, invaded an apartment building on the 2700 block of Bloomington Avenue South, where four people were robbed and three sexually assaulted.
Officers responded to a 911 call at about 2:45 a.m. and pursued Sykes after he fled through an apartment window. A confrontation occurred, the nature of which police have not elaborated on, and officers shot Sykes.
I can readily imagine this situation since something like it took place a year and a half ago a block away from us. In our new, well sealed house we actually heard nothing and saw nothing in that incident but heard plenty from the neighbors the next day. And we saw the results--doors kicked in, windows broken. Apparently there was someone threatening someone on the front lawn with a gun. Screaming, etc. Most of us were guessing drug debt collection.
The early-morning commotion woke up neighbors, including Nicole Blanchard, the apartment building caretaker."I heard a lot of shots, four or five," she said. "I guess they shot somebody right behind my apartment building. There's another apartment building right behind, and they jumped over the fence and shot him."
Blanchard went on to say that she took cover on her apartment floor when she heard gunfire. She also commented that the building is a magnet for drug dealers."If it's up to me, I'd put them all out today," Blanchard said, adding she feels drug use in the neighborhood isn't going to stop anytime soon.
In the case of the house near us, the tenants were summarily evicted. There must have been some clause in the lease about illegal activity being grounds for eviction. It is my understanding that you can be summarily evicted for drug dealing in Public Housing.
(Aside: I remember when this law went into effect because I lived in Ann Arbor, MI and it being a college town, there was a tremendous hoo haw about grannies being evicted because grandson was selling drugs out of granny's public housing apartment. It came to naught because it was federal law. Marshalls not the AAPD were doing the drug busts. In the end, the grannies got taken care of by horrified law abiding relatives and friends, or by churches. Hopefully grandson at least got the familial opprobrium he deserved along with his jail time. I can readily imagine if Granny got to keep said apartment, grandson would be back there after his sentence selling drugs again.)
What I do not know is whether Section 8 housing leases have the same type of clauses. If so, it is just one more example of landlords not following the law and the law not being enforced.
12.18.2006
Arrests Made in I-94 Shooting
Three arrests have been made in the I-94 shooting that critically wounded Pedro Marcellino Simon on 12/10. Arrested were Jorge A. Quijada, 23 (address unknown) and Claudia Lauderville, 25 and Israel Flores, 16 of St. Paul.
Quijada is believed to be the shooter while the other two have been charged as accomplices after the fact. For now, Flores is being processed as a juvenille, but authorities are seeking to try him as an adult.
This was a pretty quick turn. As details are made public, it will be interesting to see what tips led to the arrest and where the information came from. I don't know if Simon was well enough to relay information about his shooter or if the tips came from witnesses or people that knew either the victim or the accused. As was stated in an earlier post (here and here), police suspected that this was not a random shooting, but a specifically directed attack. That indeed appears to be the case.
UPDATE:
A Star Tribune report this morning has a few more details.
It appears the alleged perps were flashing "gang signs" and thus presumably gang members (though that is not explicitly stated in the report). According to court documents the victim began laughing and picked up a cell phone. Police believe the shooting was retaliation for being "disrespected".
Witnesses stated that the supects and the victim exchanged words between the moving vehicles prior to Quijada firing two shots.
At this point, there is nothing to indicate the victim, Marcelino Simon, was in a gang. According to family members he was on his way home from the grocery store at 4:00 pm.
Isai Flores, 19, believed to be the driver of the car from which Quijada fired the shots is STILL WANTED in the case. Flores is 5 feet 10, 176 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Two days after the shooting, police received a tip about who may have shot the victim. When investigators arrived to search Launderville's home, three juveniles came out of the house and one of them had a gun, according to charging documents. Israel Flores was among them and said he planned to hide the gun, police said.
Quijada is believed to be the shooter while the other two have been charged as accomplices after the fact. For now, Flores is being processed as a juvenille, but authorities are seeking to try him as an adult.
This was a pretty quick turn. As details are made public, it will be interesting to see what tips led to the arrest and where the information came from. I don't know if Simon was well enough to relay information about his shooter or if the tips came from witnesses or people that knew either the victim or the accused. As was stated in an earlier post (here and here), police suspected that this was not a random shooting, but a specifically directed attack. That indeed appears to be the case.
UPDATE:
A Star Tribune report this morning has a few more details.
It appears the alleged perps were flashing "gang signs" and thus presumably gang members (though that is not explicitly stated in the report). According to court documents the victim began laughing and picked up a cell phone. Police believe the shooting was retaliation for being "disrespected".
Witnesses stated that the supects and the victim exchanged words between the moving vehicles prior to Quijada firing two shots.
At this point, there is nothing to indicate the victim, Marcelino Simon, was in a gang. According to family members he was on his way home from the grocery store at 4:00 pm.
Isai Flores, 19, believed to be the driver of the car from which Quijada fired the shots is STILL WANTED in the case. Flores is 5 feet 10, 176 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Two days after the shooting, police received a tip about who may have shot the victim. When investigators arrived to search Launderville's home, three juveniles came out of the house and one of them had a gun, according to charging documents. Israel Flores was among them and said he planned to hide the gun, police said.
12.17.2006
The Corner Store and Crime
When people talk about "problem properties" it's not only rentals with bad, lawbreaking tenants but corner stores and bars that attract drug dealers, gangs and violent criminals. In better neighborhoods these function as gathering places for the community, where neighbors gather to socialize, exchange information and even plan and support other activities.
The Spokesman-Recorder had a couple of interesting articles on the struggle to get corner stores to stop acting as drug dealer supply stores and hangouts last spring by Lauretta Dawolo. Since then, a series of conditions are being imposed for licencing to make the area around these stores cleaner, brighter and safer. The point is to make them less of a magnet area for criminal activity.
The activist group ACORN, (otherwise famous for allegations of stuffing the voter registration rolls with false information) has made bad corner stores another one of it's campaigns. Not content to picket outside the stores, ACORN activists have gone to the suburban homes of store owners in order to make a point. Given the complexity of urban economic and social dynamics some of these stores are owned by immigrant entrepreneurs. It's looking like Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" all over again, with multiple parties wrecking the neighborhood while trying to succeed in this hostile environment. Shuttering a problem business may be a great short term solution but if the neighborhood is too crime ridden, blighted and poor to attract viable, healthy businesses, the problem will just continue in another form.
The store nearest us is Uncle Bill's on Sheridan and Plymouth, mentioned but not profiled in the Spokesman-Recorder stories. Discussion of this store was brought up at the last 4th precinct meeting. It had been appealing it's licence revocation, last I heard. I asked for an update from our CPS and he sent me the following info:
He also included a copy of the Uncle Bill's operating conditions (abbreviated for clarity):
1) “No Trespassing” signs will remain clearly posted on the exterior of the business. Grocery store staff will immediately ask people that are observed loitering in the immediate vicinity of the store to leave. If the loitering activity persists, staff will call 9-1-1 and request police assistance to alleviate the loitering activity. The business agrees to cooperate fully in the prosecution of criminal activity.
2) The business will have a minimum of (2) staff employees working from 3:00 p.m. until the close of business each day to ensure monitoring of the exterior and to reduce negative behaviors.
3) The business agrees not to sell single cigars, or single cigarettes.
4) The business agrees not to sell items which are commonly used by drug users and drug dealers. These items include glass pipes (sometimes with roses inside), Brillo Pads or Chore Boy products, tobacco pipes, small zip lock bags also known as jewelry bags, and single use tobacco products to include rolling papers. The business will also agree not to supply matches to non-tobacco customers.
5) The business agrees to keep all exterior and interior lights illuminated and functioning properly.
6) All windows will be free of signs and other items that block the view in and out, as is specified in Minneapolis Ord. 543.350.
7) Owner shall comply with the Surveillance Camera Ordinance.
8) The owner agrees not to install temporary advertising banners or signs on the exterior of premises, including the fences, walls, or other fixtures of the property.
11) The business agrees to clean the property, and all areas within 100 feet of the property line of litter and trash twice daily. The business shall maintain a litter receptacle in front of the business that is convenient for customer use.
12) Refuse shall be stored in a regularly serviced, closed container (dumpster) that shall be screened from view as is required by Minneapolis Codes. At no time shall this refuse container be overfilled so that the cover cannot be completely closed at all times.
13) The business will have maximum operating hours as follows: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week.
14) The business will stock a variety of common staple food items such as milk, bread, canned and frozen vegetables, soups, fruit juice, and cereals, etc. Food items shall be removed from stock when the printed shelf life date has expired.
----------------------
I can't say for sure what the store stocks or not since I would never go in the place. The store owner does appear to have tried to make some improvements since last summer, installing super-bright mercury vapor lights. The provision that people be able to see into the store was circumvented when the store owner decided to dissuade loitering by putting up 4' tall no loitering signs in the windows. The lights and the signs seemed to quell activity for awhile. It continues to draw traffic in the evening hours. It's been robbed a couple of times in the last few months and there was a homicide on that block in November.
The Spokesman-Recorder had a couple of interesting articles on the struggle to get corner stores to stop acting as drug dealer supply stores and hangouts last spring by Lauretta Dawolo. Since then, a series of conditions are being imposed for licencing to make the area around these stores cleaner, brighter and safer. The point is to make them less of a magnet area for criminal activity.
The activist group ACORN, (otherwise famous for allegations of stuffing the voter registration rolls with false information) has made bad corner stores another one of it's campaigns. Not content to picket outside the stores, ACORN activists have gone to the suburban homes of store owners in order to make a point. Given the complexity of urban economic and social dynamics some of these stores are owned by immigrant entrepreneurs. It's looking like Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" all over again, with multiple parties wrecking the neighborhood while trying to succeed in this hostile environment. Shuttering a problem business may be a great short term solution but if the neighborhood is too crime ridden, blighted and poor to attract viable, healthy businesses, the problem will just continue in another form.
The store nearest us is Uncle Bill's on Sheridan and Plymouth, mentioned but not profiled in the Spokesman-Recorder stories. Discussion of this store was brought up at the last 4th precinct meeting. It had been appealing it's licence revocation, last I heard. I asked for an update from our CPS and he sent me the following info:
...the court upheld the City's licensing restrictions, including the restricted hours (must close by 8:00 PM). They can still remain open pending their appeal of the City's license revocation, but they must operate under the restrictions imposed by licensing....If you observe any violation of these restrictions document the violation and contact the licensing inspector, Dan Jacobs at 673-3909. The final decision on their license revocation probably won't happen for several more months.
He also included a copy of the Uncle Bill's operating conditions (abbreviated for clarity):
1) “No Trespassing” signs will remain clearly posted on the exterior of the business. Grocery store staff will immediately ask people that are observed loitering in the immediate vicinity of the store to leave. If the loitering activity persists, staff will call 9-1-1 and request police assistance to alleviate the loitering activity. The business agrees to cooperate fully in the prosecution of criminal activity.
2) The business will have a minimum of (2) staff employees working from 3:00 p.m. until the close of business each day to ensure monitoring of the exterior and to reduce negative behaviors.
3) The business agrees not to sell single cigars, or single cigarettes.
4) The business agrees not to sell items which are commonly used by drug users and drug dealers. These items include glass pipes (sometimes with roses inside), Brillo Pads or Chore Boy products, tobacco pipes, small zip lock bags also known as jewelry bags, and single use tobacco products to include rolling papers. The business will also agree not to supply matches to non-tobacco customers.
5) The business agrees to keep all exterior and interior lights illuminated and functioning properly.
6) All windows will be free of signs and other items that block the view in and out, as is specified in Minneapolis Ord. 543.350.
7) Owner shall comply with the Surveillance Camera Ordinance.
8) The owner agrees not to install temporary advertising banners or signs on the exterior of premises, including the fences, walls, or other fixtures of the property.
11) The business agrees to clean the property, and all areas within 100 feet of the property line of litter and trash twice daily. The business shall maintain a litter receptacle in front of the business that is convenient for customer use.
12) Refuse shall be stored in a regularly serviced, closed container (dumpster) that shall be screened from view as is required by Minneapolis Codes. At no time shall this refuse container be overfilled so that the cover cannot be completely closed at all times.
13) The business will have maximum operating hours as follows: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week.
14) The business will stock a variety of common staple food items such as milk, bread, canned and frozen vegetables, soups, fruit juice, and cereals, etc. Food items shall be removed from stock when the printed shelf life date has expired.
----------------------
I can't say for sure what the store stocks or not since I would never go in the place. The store owner does appear to have tried to make some improvements since last summer, installing super-bright mercury vapor lights. The provision that people be able to see into the store was circumvented when the store owner decided to dissuade loitering by putting up 4' tall no loitering signs in the windows. The lights and the signs seemed to quell activity for awhile. It continues to draw traffic in the evening hours. It's been robbed a couple of times in the last few months and there was a homicide on that block in November.
12.15.2006
Housing and Crime
Folwell neighborhood activist Roberta Englund has a blog on the Star Tribune Buzz site, their new attempt at supplementing local neighborhood newspapers for a 24/7 world, using the web and a decentralized structure. Her latest post is about the systemic, historical problems of the Northside along with the most recent problems, like the deluge of forclosures. The analysis is good, I am not sure I understand what kind of solution she is proposing, other than less crime, better housing.
The better housing is one I can sympathize with. Although I am sure that there are good affordable housing builders, but when we built our house we had to stand in line and attend meetings with some people who were obviously scam builders, who brought plans that meant for some suburban plot and would have stood out like a sore thumb in an urban neighborhood if they were built. We watched the NRCC ream some builders who were there with semi-completed houses that were of inferior quality and in some cases didn't even meet code. Code, we discovered is a minimal standard but many builders treat it like it like it is a maximum. Sometimes the inspectors catch them at it. Sometimes they don't.
Not every building that results in a crappy house is due soley to scam builders. You can see the builder side is that it's expensive to build in Minneapolis and at the end of the day, you may take a bath on the house. Yes, you might get cheap land or a subsidy. But if you do get a subsidy there are a lot of rules to be followed and more hoops to jump through. So you don't really get the best builders in the state, you often get less experienced, undercapitalized ones. The better builders stay away where the only limitations are the descriminating higher end buyers.
I remember the North News had a few articles on a builder who built something like 20 homes in North and Northeast Minneapolis which were of the "modular" variety. That is, they were factory built homes that were assembled in pieces on site. The builder offered inexpensive homes put up rather quickly. It seemed like the exact ticket for affordable housing. But there were lots of problems with the houses. I can't really recall what they were but I remember the biggest one was in spite of being brand new, they had inadequate storage space, no basement, garages or anywhere to keep a snowshovel or lawnmower. You get what you pay for.
Unfortunately, not only the homeowners but the neighborhood, the city and the rest of its residents pay the price. If you make an entire area of the city over with cheap, crappy housing stock, high density housing and subsidized housing, what you are doing is creating an area with the intention of concentrating the poor and driving out middle class folks who pay taxes and are resources for the city that make it thrive. And when you build a house, you are determining the economics for that block for the next 10-20 years by the kind of house you build. Multiply that by the number of cheap modular houses and scam builder houses built over the last ten years and you've got a picture of the negative economic consequences for the city.
One of the only people who seems to understand the relationship between housing stock, strong neighborhoods, lack of crime and economic prosperity is Don Samuels, our councilmember for Ward 5. But in city government, he's a voice crying in the wilderness.
The better housing is one I can sympathize with. Although I am sure that there are good affordable housing builders, but when we built our house we had to stand in line and attend meetings with some people who were obviously scam builders, who brought plans that meant for some suburban plot and would have stood out like a sore thumb in an urban neighborhood if they were built. We watched the NRCC ream some builders who were there with semi-completed houses that were of inferior quality and in some cases didn't even meet code. Code, we discovered is a minimal standard but many builders treat it like it like it is a maximum. Sometimes the inspectors catch them at it. Sometimes they don't.
Not every building that results in a crappy house is due soley to scam builders. You can see the builder side is that it's expensive to build in Minneapolis and at the end of the day, you may take a bath on the house. Yes, you might get cheap land or a subsidy. But if you do get a subsidy there are a lot of rules to be followed and more hoops to jump through. So you don't really get the best builders in the state, you often get less experienced, undercapitalized ones. The better builders stay away where the only limitations are the descriminating higher end buyers.
I remember the North News had a few articles on a builder who built something like 20 homes in North and Northeast Minneapolis which were of the "modular" variety. That is, they were factory built homes that were assembled in pieces on site. The builder offered inexpensive homes put up rather quickly. It seemed like the exact ticket for affordable housing. But there were lots of problems with the houses. I can't really recall what they were but I remember the biggest one was in spite of being brand new, they had inadequate storage space, no basement, garages or anywhere to keep a snowshovel or lawnmower. You get what you pay for.
Unfortunately, not only the homeowners but the neighborhood, the city and the rest of its residents pay the price. If you make an entire area of the city over with cheap, crappy housing stock, high density housing and subsidized housing, what you are doing is creating an area with the intention of concentrating the poor and driving out middle class folks who pay taxes and are resources for the city that make it thrive. And when you build a house, you are determining the economics for that block for the next 10-20 years by the kind of house you build. Multiply that by the number of cheap modular houses and scam builder houses built over the last ten years and you've got a picture of the negative economic consequences for the city.
One of the only people who seems to understand the relationship between housing stock, strong neighborhoods, lack of crime and economic prosperity is Don Samuels, our councilmember for Ward 5. But in city government, he's a voice crying in the wilderness.
From the Chief of the U of MN Police Dept
Greg Hestness, chief of the University of Minnesota Police Department has an article in this week's Bridge, the neighborhood weekly for Southeast Minneapolis. It's a good read.
The first part of the article focuses on the cooperation and coordination between the Minneapolis Police Department and the U of M Police Department. Chief Hestness goes into some good specifics about how the two coordinate and share or link resources and technology. In general, the integration is very strong.
The second part goes into the importance of community relations and community involvement in assisting the police with reducing crime. Chief Hestness makes a lot of the same observations we touch on frequently in this blog. Go read the rest.
The first part of the article focuses on the cooperation and coordination between the Minneapolis Police Department and the U of M Police Department. Chief Hestness goes into some good specifics about how the two coordinate and share or link resources and technology. In general, the integration is very strong.
The second part goes into the importance of community relations and community involvement in assisting the police with reducing crime. Chief Hestness makes a lot of the same observations we touch on frequently in this blog. Go read the rest.
12.14.2006
If it sounds crazy it probably is
I've received a couple of bulletins from various sources saying that there's an internet rumor going around that if you are abducted and taken to an ATM to use your card, if you punch in your PIN number backwards, the machine will dispense your money AND summon police.
It would be nice to think that someone thought about a kind of failsafe for victims of abduction-robberies (which appear to be all too common these days, with most people not carrying large amounts of cash, only plastic). Unfortunately IT'S NOT TRUE. I suppose the rumor could be dangerous if someone actually tried this with an impatient robber.
It would be nice to think that someone thought about a kind of failsafe for victims of abduction-robberies (which appear to be all too common these days, with most people not carrying large amounts of cash, only plastic). Unfortunately IT'S NOT TRUE. I suppose the rumor could be dangerous if someone actually tried this with an impatient robber.
12.13.2006
Stop the presses! Lake of the Isles Robbery
Sorry about that snide title. Still, I know I'm not reading my weekly neighborhood CODEFOR map when I see nothing but map, no dots whatsoever. Or maybe just a few larcenies. That's what the Lake of the Isles area usually looks like. I wish my neighborhood looked like that. Instead, Lake of the Isles is getting a taste of what it's like to live in my neighborhood, at least crime-wise. Tonight WCCO is reporting that an elderly couple, both in their eighties were robbed as they drove into their garage around 9pm in their home near Lake of the Isles. The article also cites the stat that robberies are up citywide 20% over 2005 and 35% over 2004. It's not a blip.
The couple's daughter was interviewed for the story and had some interesting things to say:
The couple's daughter was interviewed for the story and had some interesting things to say:
"I think they're just really saddened by the level of -- as my mother-in-law put it -- villainy, that is happening in younger and younger kids...We have taken any discussion of moral absolutes out of our education system. And this kind of thing is the result..."
North Minneapolis angle to St. Cloud abduction and rape
I have noticed a few times in the past that when people get abducted or carjacked somehow they and/or the car ends up in North Minneapolis. I can think of one case off the top of my head, one a victim was forced to drive from the parking lot of a casino in Hinckley to North Minneapolis where the thug got out and ran off. I can see from the weekly CODEFOR data that stolen vehicles are recovered all over my neighborhood. I guess North Minneapolis is like a kind of badlands where some criminals feel safe. Either that, or they just happen to live around here.
Today WCCO reported an abduction and rape of 21 year old St. Cloud woman who was forced into her car, beaten, raped and driven to North Minneapolis, so that the criminal could use her ATM card. After the ordeal, the perp drove back to St. Cloud and left her with her vehicle. St. Cloud police are saying that there may be another crime that follows this same pattern.
Today WCCO reported an abduction and rape of 21 year old St. Cloud woman who was forced into her car, beaten, raped and driven to North Minneapolis, so that the criminal could use her ATM card. After the ordeal, the perp drove back to St. Cloud and left her with her vehicle. St. Cloud police are saying that there may be another crime that follows this same pattern.
Introducing Shotspotter
The sensor that can detect gunfire within 2 miles is being installed in South Minneapolis and will be operational in North Minneapolis in about a month according to this Star Tribune article. According to the story, they are hoping to cover the 4 square miles of the city are responsible for 50% of the more than 5000 shots fired calls each year.
Another Home Intruder Shooting in Wright County
This appears to be a similar situation and a different outcome to the murder in Washington County. In this case, an ex-boyfreind apparently broke into his former girlfreind's place and was shot to death by a male freind of hers. The dead guy apparently was in violation of a conditional release agreement. Once again, It will be interesting to see how this plays out, whether there is any prosecution, what line the victims/shooter take in explaining the shooting.
Crime Alert 4th Precinct: Robberies Yesterday 12/12
Robbery Of Person 12-13-2006
FACTS: On December 12th 2006 there were three Robbery Of Persons they occurred form 5:55pm and 8:00 pm Two of the victims were robbed at gunpoint while walking down the street and the other was in a vehicle and was maced.
Locations of incidents:
44th Girard
45th Emerson
45th Ave N
The police are in the process of identifying suspects at this time
FACTS: On December 12th 2006 there were three Robbery Of Persons they occurred form 5:55pm and 8:00 pm Two of the victims were robbed at gunpoint while walking down the street and the other was in a vehicle and was maced.
Locations of incidents:
44th Girard
45th Emerson
45th Ave N
The police are in the process of identifying suspects at this time
Highlights from the 4th precinct Dec 5-11
In this week's update from CPS Tim Hammett:
Penn & Plymouth Ave N
3 juvenile males arrested after foot chase - officers recovered arrested parties' jackets and 6 victims' property inside a house. AP's possibly involved in recent robberies of Lincoln School employees.
36XX Bryant Ave N
While officers were breaking up a party neighbors came outside & began fighting with those leaving the party. Shots were then fired from the rear of the house and the occupants then refused to come out. On duty SWAT officers arrived & a police negotiator talked parties out. Shell casings were found @ the back door. Officers conducted a search warrant which recovered a .40 cal handgun, a shotgun & bullets for all weapons. 2 males were arrested. Residents of the house have a violent history including threats against officers in the past with a current alert on this address for those threats.
8XX 42nd Ave N
Masked suspect entered through unlocked door & shot one of 5 occupants in the leg. Suspect then let 2nd suspect in & they took plasma TV off of the living room wall. Victim's gunshot wound traveled from his buttocks to his knee causing severe damage and a large amount of blood loss. Victim is recovering. K-9 track unsuccessful.
13XX Washburn Ave N
While inside his house elderly male victim struck in the arm by bullet which he thinks was intended for a relative.
35XX Girard Ave N
While conducting a welfare check on the occupants of a house damaged by shots officers found a small HONDA auto parts store in the basement including bumpers, doors, fenders, engines, exhaust pipes and wheels. Also recovered were a stolen Honda w/switched VIN & 2 other stolens. House secured & PC drafted a WT. House occupied by Asian Gang members.
Directed Patrol Officers drafted 4 search warrants for houses in close proximity of each other and connected to numerous violent crimes. Officers were greatly assisted by State Gang Task Force. Recovered were 4 guns including an SKS rifle and evidence of multiple crimes from the area.
-----------
The state gang taskforce was busy last week in addition to the mentions above they served four search warrants at 16xx Penn Ave N, 16xx Upton, 14xx Russell, and 16xx Sheridan Ave N. They recovered 3 guns from the targeted houses including a SKS assault rifle, that has been rumored to have been used in several drivebys and also some crack cocaine.
According to latest CODEFOR stats arrests are up 47 % in the 4th Precinct. It's good news, if these busts actually lead to convictions and serious sentences.
Penn & Plymouth Ave N
3 juvenile males arrested after foot chase - officers recovered arrested parties' jackets and 6 victims' property inside a house. AP's possibly involved in recent robberies of Lincoln School employees.
36XX Bryant Ave N
While officers were breaking up a party neighbors came outside & began fighting with those leaving the party. Shots were then fired from the rear of the house and the occupants then refused to come out. On duty SWAT officers arrived & a police negotiator talked parties out. Shell casings were found @ the back door. Officers conducted a search warrant which recovered a .40 cal handgun, a shotgun & bullets for all weapons. 2 males were arrested. Residents of the house have a violent history including threats against officers in the past with a current alert on this address for those threats.
8XX 42nd Ave N
Masked suspect entered through unlocked door & shot one of 5 occupants in the leg. Suspect then let 2nd suspect in & they took plasma TV off of the living room wall. Victim's gunshot wound traveled from his buttocks to his knee causing severe damage and a large amount of blood loss. Victim is recovering. K-9 track unsuccessful.
13XX Washburn Ave N
While inside his house elderly male victim struck in the arm by bullet which he thinks was intended for a relative.
35XX Girard Ave N
While conducting a welfare check on the occupants of a house damaged by shots officers found a small HONDA auto parts store in the basement including bumpers, doors, fenders, engines, exhaust pipes and wheels. Also recovered were a stolen Honda w/switched VIN & 2 other stolens. House secured & PC drafted a WT. House occupied by Asian Gang members.
Directed Patrol Officers drafted 4 search warrants for houses in close proximity of each other and connected to numerous violent crimes. Officers were greatly assisted by State Gang Task Force. Recovered were 4 guns including an SKS rifle and evidence of multiple crimes from the area.
-----------
The state gang taskforce was busy last week in addition to the mentions above they served four search warrants at 16xx Penn Ave N, 16xx Upton, 14xx Russell, and 16xx Sheridan Ave N. They recovered 3 guns from the targeted houses including a SKS assault rifle, that has been rumored to have been used in several drivebys and also some crack cocaine.
According to latest CODEFOR stats arrests are up 47 % in the 4th Precinct. It's good news, if these busts actually lead to convictions and serious sentences.
Update on Courtroom Drama
The Star Tribune has a follow up to the story I posted the other day sent to me by someone watching the trial. Jonard McDaniel was convicted in the first degree murder of Christopher Lynch last May in the 600 block of Thomas Ave. N. He was also convicted of crime committed in benefit of a gang.
It looks like more gang members were involved in this murder so a couple more trials can be expected this winter.
It looks like more gang members were involved in this murder so a couple more trials can be expected this winter.
St. Paul Crime Alert
Update on I-94 Shooting
Drivers can rest a little easier. It appears that there is no I-94 Freeway shooter or rash of Holiday road rage. The victim of Sunday's attack while driving I-94 appears to have been the target of a private beef. I guess you still have to be careful not to get between a shooter and his target while driving.
12.12.2006
Links on the sidebar
I've been posting links on the sidebar for awhile now and I just got this request:
I've added a category under guns/second amendment since gun groups have some obvious overlap of interest with crime, law enforcement and the justice system. I personally support the second amendment and people's right to possess and carry a gun, with some restrictions (a backround check and non-onerous fees or bureaucratic red tape). Obviously the idea that the answer to the crime problem is for citizens to arm themselves is controversial but so is everything else related to crime.
I am the Chairman of the Twin Cities chapter of the Pink Pistols. ...our website is: http://www.pinkpistolstc.org/ and we also have a link to our Yahoo group from the webpage. We are affiliated with the national Pink Pistols, of which there are now over 35 chapters in many States.Our group typically gets together the second Saturday of every month, usually assembling at one of the local coffee shops or cafes before members head to a local indoor or outdoor shooting range for target practice. Followed by a meeting immediately afterward. Quarterly, we have a more in-depth meeting and potluck type dinner at one of our members homes...
Brent Saba
ChairmanPPTC@yahoo.com
I've added a category under guns/second amendment since gun groups have some obvious overlap of interest with crime, law enforcement and the justice system. I personally support the second amendment and people's right to possess and carry a gun, with some restrictions (a backround check and non-onerous fees or bureaucratic red tape). Obviously the idea that the answer to the crime problem is for citizens to arm themselves is controversial but so is everything else related to crime.
12.11.2006
Shoot, Don't Shoot
I got a notice a couple of weeks ago that the MPD was offering a seminar to reporters to explain the MPD's policy on use of deadly force, complete with a training simulator.
Lisa Kiava of WCCO went and here's the story and film.
Lisa Kiava of WCCO went and here's the story and film.
2nd Amendment Supporters Get Together - 12/16/06
I first caught this announcement over at Mitch Berg's Shot In The Dark. Regular reader and commenter, Joel Rosenberg and other 2nd Amendent activists and supporters are getting together for a little discussion, a little camaraderie and a good deal of fun.
The event will be held on December 16th, 6PM on, Stub and Herb's, 227 Oak St., SE Minneapolis. See more here.
Quite a few people who read this blog are 2nd Amendment / carry permit supporters, so if you're interested in learning more about the issues and meeting others with similar interests feel free to stop by.
I hope I captured it all. Joel, feel free to add more or correct anything I may have missed. You're usually not shy about getting in a worthwhile plug.
The event will be held on December 16th, 6PM on, Stub and Herb's, 227 Oak St., SE Minneapolis. See more here.
Quite a few people who read this blog are 2nd Amendment / carry permit supporters, so if you're interested in learning more about the issues and meeting others with similar interests feel free to stop by.
I hope I captured it all. Joel, feel free to add more or correct anything I may have missed. You're usually not shy about getting in a worthwhile plug.
News roundup
WCCO has 3 different short crime related stories this morning:
1. The man convicted of shooting Alan Reitter, the guy from Minnetonka in one of the notorious Block E murders has been sentenced to life in Prison. Derrick Holliday was trying to shoot someone else that he had a beef with outside the movie theater.
2. A Dakota county jail employee has been sentenced to 6 months in jail and $10,000 restitution for stealing $120,000 in funds belonging to prisoners. She was supposed to deposit the money in a bank but instead used it to pay for her gambling habit
3. A traffic accident turned out to be a shooting yesterday. Around 4pm Sunday, Police were called to a single car crash on I-94 near 694 in Brooklyn Park. Later it was discovered that the victim had a gunshot wound. It is believed that he was shot while driving. He is in critical condition.
1. The man convicted of shooting Alan Reitter, the guy from Minnetonka in one of the notorious Block E murders has been sentenced to life in Prison. Derrick Holliday was trying to shoot someone else that he had a beef with outside the movie theater.
2. A Dakota county jail employee has been sentenced to 6 months in jail and $10,000 restitution for stealing $120,000 in funds belonging to prisoners. She was supposed to deposit the money in a bank but instead used it to pay for her gambling habit
3. A traffic accident turned out to be a shooting yesterday. Around 4pm Sunday, Police were called to a single car crash on I-94 near 694 in Brooklyn Park. Later it was discovered that the victim had a gunshot wound. It is believed that he was shot while driving. He is in critical condition.
12.08.2006
Followup to Nov. 17 homicide in Northeast
The Strib is reporting that charges have been filed in a case involving a homicide in Northeast that we posted on back in November.
So far there has been nothing mentioned about Gabby's (which many people, including myself speculated might have been the site of an earlier conflict between these individuals) given it's proximity.
Here is Mr. Paige's rap sheet from MNcriminals.com
Paige, Taporius Dywayne; Paige, Toporius Dawann; Paige, Toprius Dawann; Paige, Taporius Dywann
Conviction Number:
001
Case Number:
02358558
Court File Number:
KX02103621
Disposition Date:
04/22/2003
Controlling Agency:
Minneapolis Police Department
Court Agency:
Hennepin County District Court
Assigned Custodial Agency:
MN Dept Corrections - St Paul
Assigned Probation Agency:
Count Number:
001
General Offense:
Statute Description:
Obstruct Legal Process, Arrest or Firefighting
Statute Number:
609.50
Disposition:
Convicted
Pronounced Fine:
$0
Stayed Fine:
$0
Court Cost Amount:
$0
Restitution Amount:
$0
Assessment Amount:
$0
Pronounced Sentence:
90 Days
Probation Sentence:
Conditional Confinement:
Conviction Level:
Misdemeanor
Conviction Number:
001
Case Number:
02358558
Court File Number:
KX02103621
Disposition Date:
04/22/2003
Controlling Agency:
Minneapolis Police Department
Court Agency:
Hennepin County District Court
Assigned Custodial Agency:
MN Dept Corrections - St Paul
Assigned Probation Agency:
Count Number:
002
General Offense:
Statute Description:
Unlawful Possession of Pistol/Assault Weapon
Statute Number:
624.713
Disposition:
Convicted
Pronounced Fine:
$9000
Stayed Fine:
$9000
Court Cost Amount:
$0
Restitution Amount:
$0
Assessment Amount:
$0
Pronounced Sentence:
48 Months
Probation Sentence:
Conditional Confinement:
Conviction Level:
Felony
Conviction Number:
001
Case Number:
02358558
Court File Number:
KX02103621
Disposition Date:
04/22/2003
Controlling Agency:
Minneapolis Police Department
Court Agency:
Hennepin County District Court
Assigned Custodial Agency:
MN Dept Corrections - St Paul
Assigned Probation Agency:
Count Number:
003
General Offense:
Statute Description:
Assault-4th Deg-Peace Off-Demonstrable Bodily Harm
Statute Number:
609.2231.1
Disposition:
Convicted
Pronounced Fine:
$0
Stayed Fine:
$0
Court Cost Amount:
$0
Restitution Amount:
$0
Assessment Amount:
$0
Pronounced Sentence:
1 Years
Probation Sentence:
Conditional Confinement:
Conviction Level:
Gross Misdemeanor
Conviction Number:
002
Case Number:
02046275
Court File Number:
K502001858
Disposition Date:
10/04/2005
Controlling Agency:
St Paul Police Department
Court Agency:
Ramsey District Court
Assigned Custodial Agency:
Ramsey County Workhouse
Assigned Probation Agency:
Ramsey County Court - St Paul
Count Number:
001
General Offense:
Statute Description:
Drugs-5th Degree
Statute Number:
152.025
Disposition:
Convicted
Pronounced Fine:
$0
Stayed Fine:
$0
Court Cost Amount:
$0
Restitution Amount:
$0
Assessment Amount:
$0
Pronounced Sentence:
1 Years 1 Days
Probation Sentence:
Conditional Confinement:
Conviction Level:
Felony
Taporius Paige, 24, had been suspected almost from the start of being the man who leaned out the front passenger window and fired the shots that killed Jason L. Hatcher, 24, of Minneapolis, and wounded two others, charges say.
Police have said that the shooting Nov. 17 appeared to be gang-related.
So far there has been nothing mentioned about Gabby's (which many people, including myself speculated might have been the site of an earlier conflict between these individuals) given it's proximity.
Here is Mr. Paige's rap sheet from MNcriminals.com
Paige, Taporius Dywayne; Paige, Toporius Dawann; Paige, Toprius Dawann; Paige, Taporius Dywann
Conviction Number:
001
Case Number:
02358558
Court File Number:
KX02103621
Disposition Date:
04/22/2003
Controlling Agency:
Minneapolis Police Department
Court Agency:
Hennepin County District Court
Assigned Custodial Agency:
MN Dept Corrections - St Paul
Assigned Probation Agency:
Count Number:
001
General Offense:
Statute Description:
Obstruct Legal Process, Arrest or Firefighting
Statute Number:
609.50
Disposition:
Convicted
Pronounced Fine:
$0
Stayed Fine:
$0
Court Cost Amount:
$0
Restitution Amount:
$0
Assessment Amount:
$0
Pronounced Sentence:
90 Days
Probation Sentence:
Conditional Confinement:
Conviction Level:
Misdemeanor
Conviction Number:
001
Case Number:
02358558
Court File Number:
KX02103621
Disposition Date:
04/22/2003
Controlling Agency:
Minneapolis Police Department
Court Agency:
Hennepin County District Court
Assigned Custodial Agency:
MN Dept Corrections - St Paul
Assigned Probation Agency:
Count Number:
002
General Offense:
Statute Description:
Unlawful Possession of Pistol/Assault Weapon
Statute Number:
624.713
Disposition:
Convicted
Pronounced Fine:
$9000
Stayed Fine:
$9000
Court Cost Amount:
$0
Restitution Amount:
$0
Assessment Amount:
$0
Pronounced Sentence:
48 Months
Probation Sentence:
Conditional Confinement:
Conviction Level:
Felony
Conviction Number:
001
Case Number:
02358558
Court File Number:
KX02103621
Disposition Date:
04/22/2003
Controlling Agency:
Minneapolis Police Department
Court Agency:
Hennepin County District Court
Assigned Custodial Agency:
MN Dept Corrections - St Paul
Assigned Probation Agency:
Count Number:
003
General Offense:
Statute Description:
Assault-4th Deg-Peace Off-Demonstrable Bodily Harm
Statute Number:
609.2231.1
Disposition:
Convicted
Pronounced Fine:
$0
Stayed Fine:
$0
Court Cost Amount:
$0
Restitution Amount:
$0
Assessment Amount:
$0
Pronounced Sentence:
1 Years
Probation Sentence:
Conditional Confinement:
Conviction Level:
Gross Misdemeanor
Conviction Number:
002
Case Number:
02046275
Court File Number:
K502001858
Disposition Date:
10/04/2005
Controlling Agency:
St Paul Police Department
Court Agency:
Ramsey District Court
Assigned Custodial Agency:
Ramsey County Workhouse
Assigned Probation Agency:
Ramsey County Court - St Paul
Count Number:
001
General Offense:
Statute Description:
Drugs-5th Degree
Statute Number:
152.025
Disposition:
Convicted
Pronounced Fine:
$0
Stayed Fine:
$0
Court Cost Amount:
$0
Restitution Amount:
$0
Assessment Amount:
$0
Pronounced Sentence:
1 Years 1 Days
Probation Sentence:
Conditional Confinement:
Conviction Level:
Felony
Crime Alert 4th Precinct: Suspicious Person Luring Children
SUSPICIOUS PERSON LURING CHILDREN December 8, 2006
Facts:
On 12/04/2006 at approximately 5:00 PM, two young school children were getting off a school bus at 17th and Queen Avenues North when they noted an unidentified black male watching them from behind a tree. On12/06/2006 this same male approached the children telling the one he was going to rape her, and her friend as well. The child then informed her parent, who reported the matter at the 4th Precinct Station the following day (12/07/2006).
Please be aware that 4th Precinct personnel are reporting that there have been a number of calls to the Station regarding an unidentified black male of unknown age in a white van, cruising the area and watching younger children as they board and exit buses.
Updated!: Suspect Description:
The suspect is a black male, 5” 7” medium build, and was seen wearing a brown knit cap, and a blue jacket.
What you can do:
Call 911 to report any suspicious activity. Be alert to adults showing inappropriate attention to children or loitering near school bus stops Should anyone have information that might be relevant to this matter/suspect, please call the Sex Crimes Unit at (612) 673-3081.
Facts:
On 12/04/2006 at approximately 5:00 PM, two young school children were getting off a school bus at 17th and Queen Avenues North when they noted an unidentified black male watching them from behind a tree. On12/06/2006 this same male approached the children telling the one he was going to rape her, and her friend as well. The child then informed her parent, who reported the matter at the 4th Precinct Station the following day (12/07/2006).
Please be aware that 4th Precinct personnel are reporting that there have been a number of calls to the Station regarding an unidentified black male of unknown age in a white van, cruising the area and watching younger children as they board and exit buses.
Updated!: Suspect Description:
The suspect is a black male, 5” 7” medium build, and was seen wearing a brown knit cap, and a blue jacket.
What you can do:
Call 911 to report any suspicious activity. Be alert to adults showing inappropriate attention to children or loitering near school bus stops Should anyone have information that might be relevant to this matter/suspect, please call the Sex Crimes Unit at (612) 673-3081.
Courtroom Drama
I got a first person account from someone (H/T) observing a court proceeding the other day downtown involving a murder and alleged gang members and with a cast of characters unremarkable for the setting. Here are some of the highlights:
Jonard Mcdaniel is on trial for the murder. The victim, Corey Lynch, was chased and then shot 11 times right next to a new house on the 800 block of Sheridan. The shooting was likely the result of a gang feud, given the location and identity of the individuals involved.
The other suspect's mother got in scuffle in the gallery and had to be wrestled to the ground by three deputies.
Paris Patton, a suspect in three murders is now in the Federal joint and was testifying. While he was on the stand Willie "Ill Will" Watkins makes the trigger finger sign at him. Paris screams out "F**k you N**er" and the court room erupts.
Sgt. Jeff Jindra, a member of the Gang Strike Force (who has commented on this blog previously, btw) was scheduled to testify about the history and feud between the 19 Dipset gang, the Lowry/Lyndale boys and Emerson Murder Boys. The Judge ruled it predjudicial so he didn't. The Prosecutor had to have a conference with the judge to even allow Jindra to say in front of the jury that he was assigned to the Gang Strike Force.
This story is a good example of how hard it is to move from busting criminals to convicting them and then actually getting them off the street for an appreciable length of time. (Enough time so that they might actually take more than a brief vacation from their life of crime). In conjunction with the account given by the Plymouth Insider, it shows that Shelley's idea of throwing a spotlight on judicial process and sentencing is an excellent idea.
Jonard Mcdaniel is on trial for the murder. The victim, Corey Lynch, was chased and then shot 11 times right next to a new house on the 800 block of Sheridan. The shooting was likely the result of a gang feud, given the location and identity of the individuals involved.
The other suspect's mother got in scuffle in the gallery and had to be wrestled to the ground by three deputies.
Paris Patton, a suspect in three murders is now in the Federal joint and was testifying. While he was on the stand Willie "Ill Will" Watkins makes the trigger finger sign at him. Paris screams out "F**k you N**er" and the court room erupts.
Sgt. Jeff Jindra, a member of the Gang Strike Force (who has commented on this blog previously, btw) was scheduled to testify about the history and feud between the 19 Dipset gang, the Lowry/Lyndale boys and Emerson Murder Boys. The Judge ruled it predjudicial so he didn't. The Prosecutor had to have a conference with the judge to even allow Jindra to say in front of the jury that he was assigned to the Gang Strike Force.
This story is a good example of how hard it is to move from busting criminals to convicting them and then actually getting them off the street for an appreciable length of time. (Enough time so that they might actually take more than a brief vacation from their life of crime). In conjunction with the account given by the Plymouth Insider, it shows that Shelley's idea of throwing a spotlight on judicial process and sentencing is an excellent idea.
Free Home Security Workshop offered by CCP/SAFE in the 4th Precinct
REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF EXPERIENCING A HOME BURGLARY.
THIS WORKSHOP INCLUDES MANY LOW COST OR NO COST SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE THE SECURITY OF YOUR HOME.
A presentation on What You Can Do Before the Burglar Comes.
Monday, December 18th, 2006
Minneapolis Urban League
2000 Plymouth Ave N
(Plymouth Ave. at Penn)
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Questions, call:
CPS Tim Hammett at (612) 673-2866 or
CPS Carol Oosterhuis at (612) 673-2874
This workshop is presented by:
Community Crime Prevention/SAFE
Tim Hammett
Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department
1925 Plymouth Ave N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 673-2866
timothy.hammett@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
THIS WORKSHOP INCLUDES MANY LOW COST OR NO COST SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE THE SECURITY OF YOUR HOME.
A presentation on What You Can Do Before the Burglar Comes.
Monday, December 18th, 2006
Minneapolis Urban League
2000 Plymouth Ave N
(Plymouth Ave. at Penn)
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Questions, call:
CPS Tim Hammett at (612) 673-2866 or
CPS Carol Oosterhuis at (612) 673-2874
This workshop is presented by:
Community Crime Prevention/SAFE
Tim Hammett
Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department
1925 Plymouth Ave N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 673-2866
timothy.hammett@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
NECP update
Here are the highlights from Shelley Leeson's latest newsletter :
1. October crime stats released
The October crime stats have been released. The stats show Audubon, Waite Park and Holland to be the top three in Northeast, respectively, in incidents of crime for the month. Audubon and Holland typically hold the honor of ranking in the top three every month, but Waite Park saw a significant increase in burglary and theft for the month of October taking it up to number two.
In Southeast, the neighborhoods of U of M, Marcy-Holmes and Prospect Park rank as the top three for October, as they consistently do, with U of M and Marcy-Holmes always competing for the top spot. These three neighborhoods experience very high numbers of theft and burglary, with a fair amount of robbery, assault and motor vehicle theft thrown in. Keep in mind, the number of citations issued for nuisance crimes such as loud parties, underage drinking and prostitution, which number in the hundreds, are not included in these crime numbers.
[For a recent article on robberies in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhoood, take a look at this MN Daily article, H/T Sou'wester--Margaret]
For the period of January - October 2006, violent crime in the 2nd Precinct is up 39.7% over the same period in 2005. For that same period, crime overall in the 2nd Precinct is up 8.2%.
Rather than attaching the spreadsheet for everyone, let me know if want to receive the 2nd Precinct crime stat breakdown by neighborhood in spreadsheet format. Contact me at shelley@nepatrol.org.
2. Citizens' Academy highlights
A number of us NECPers just finished the 10-week Citizens' Academy class put on by the Minneapolis Police Dept. It was an eye-opening look at the legal system, and we highly recommend you sign up for the next class in the spring.
We were congratulated on the last day of class by 2nd Precinct commander Inspector Robert Skomra and 2nd Precinct Sector Lt. Ike DeLugo (and Chief Tim Dolan who had to leave early). Both Skomra and DeLugo made a point to commend those of us participating in the citizen patrol, and encouraged others to participate with us or in similar efforts in their own neighborhoods (Chief Dolan has previously stated his support of citizen patrols).
Inspector Skomra also made the comment, as we've heard him say previously, that while we continue to hold the police department accountable, we should also be focusing our attention and efforts on examining the judicial system, and holding judges accountable for their sentencing decisions. Skomra said that he believes the judicial system is the weakest link in our legal system (paraphrased). We couldn't agree more. As you see in the arrest records we print each week, many of the same people keep getting arrested over and over, oftentimes never seeing any significant jail time. Many of them also have serious criminal histories, and yet they are free to roam our streets.
(If you have an interest in helping us examine the judicial/court system, please consider participating in the NECP's judge watch/court watch task force. We need help researching the judges' records, following cases through court, researching sentencing guidelines and more. Contact info@nepatrol.org to help.)
The various presenters throughout the Citizens' Academy class included representatives from narcotics, homicide and sex crimes, as well as representatives from the offices of the city attorney and the county attorney.
Much of the information that we learned, while fascinating, was pretty distressing. To start, many of the police investigative departments are sorely understaffed, and law enforcement is outnumbered by the sheer number of criminals and the amount of crime happening. If the alleged criminal actually makes it past the charging phase, the criminal prosecution phase is often lengthy and cumbersome, and very often results in plea bargains with little or no jail time.
From the sex offender notification coordinator we learned that 45% of sex crimes are committed upon family members, 45% are committed upon persons with whom the offender is acquainted and 10-12% are committed upon strangers. We also learned that many sex offenders seek out single moms, and that the offenders learn to identify certain social behaviors that indicate a woman may be a single mom. And, maybe not so surprising, this presenter told us that he has often seen his "clients" at the freeway exit ramps panhandling with their cardboard signs.
For information on the next Citizens' Academy class, contact Carol Oosterhuis at the 2nd Precinct, 612.673.2874. Class meets once per week for 3 hours for 10 weeks.
3. Police Academy seeking applicants
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/recruiting/
4. Prospect Park walking group
In response to safety concerns around campus areas, a U of M student, who is also one of our crime stat volunteers, is organizing some neighborhood walking groups. Two are scheduled in the coming week: Tuesday 1 - 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 - 10 p.m. If you live in Prospect Park or a nearby neighborhood, and would like to participate contact info@nepatrol.org for specific information.
5. NECP Network & Nosh opportunities
During the winter months, the NECP will announce various social opportunities for neighbors to meet and greet and stay connected. Please attend any that your schedule allows, we'd like to meet you and hear about your neighborhood. Open to all who read this newsletter. No need to RSVP, just show up, we'll be there:
· Friday, December 8, Shaw's Bar & Grill, 8:30 p.m. until ?? Blues singer Lisa Wenger will perform at 9:30 p.m. Come any time and stay as long as you'd like. Shaw's menu includes the Sun Burger, from the old Central Avenue Sun Drive-In, http://www.shawsbarandgrill.com/, located at 1528 University Ave. NE.
· Thursday, December 14, 7 - 9:30 p.m., billiards night at Fat Boy Billiards, 1920 Central Ave. NE. We'll have the 2nd floor private room reserved. Unlimited billiards and darts and light appetizers for $5 per person, bring a friend. Lessons available for beginners. Smoke-free. No need to RSVP, but if you know that you will attend, we'd appreciate a heads-up so we can plan the snacks.
· Thursday, December 21, 7 - 10 p.m., Columbia Grounds Coffee Shop, 3301 Central Ave. NE. Local musician Paul Metsa will play his 8th annual concert to benefit the Northeast Senior Citizen Resource Center (NESCRC). Donations of cash and non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit NESCRC. You can begin dropping your food donations at Columbia Grounds anytime.
1. October crime stats released
The October crime stats have been released. The stats show Audubon, Waite Park and Holland to be the top three in Northeast, respectively, in incidents of crime for the month. Audubon and Holland typically hold the honor of ranking in the top three every month, but Waite Park saw a significant increase in burglary and theft for the month of October taking it up to number two.
In Southeast, the neighborhoods of U of M, Marcy-Holmes and Prospect Park rank as the top three for October, as they consistently do, with U of M and Marcy-Holmes always competing for the top spot. These three neighborhoods experience very high numbers of theft and burglary, with a fair amount of robbery, assault and motor vehicle theft thrown in. Keep in mind, the number of citations issued for nuisance crimes such as loud parties, underage drinking and prostitution, which number in the hundreds, are not included in these crime numbers.
[For a recent article on robberies in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhoood, take a look at this MN Daily article, H/T Sou'wester--Margaret]
For the period of January - October 2006, violent crime in the 2nd Precinct is up 39.7% over the same period in 2005. For that same period, crime overall in the 2nd Precinct is up 8.2%.
Rather than attaching the spreadsheet for everyone, let me know if want to receive the 2nd Precinct crime stat breakdown by neighborhood in spreadsheet format. Contact me at shelley@nepatrol.org.
2. Citizens' Academy highlights
A number of us NECPers just finished the 10-week Citizens' Academy class put on by the Minneapolis Police Dept. It was an eye-opening look at the legal system, and we highly recommend you sign up for the next class in the spring.
We were congratulated on the last day of class by 2nd Precinct commander Inspector Robert Skomra and 2nd Precinct Sector Lt. Ike DeLugo (and Chief Tim Dolan who had to leave early). Both Skomra and DeLugo made a point to commend those of us participating in the citizen patrol, and encouraged others to participate with us or in similar efforts in their own neighborhoods (Chief Dolan has previously stated his support of citizen patrols).
Inspector Skomra also made the comment, as we've heard him say previously, that while we continue to hold the police department accountable, we should also be focusing our attention and efforts on examining the judicial system, and holding judges accountable for their sentencing decisions. Skomra said that he believes the judicial system is the weakest link in our legal system (paraphrased). We couldn't agree more. As you see in the arrest records we print each week, many of the same people keep getting arrested over and over, oftentimes never seeing any significant jail time. Many of them also have serious criminal histories, and yet they are free to roam our streets.
(If you have an interest in helping us examine the judicial/court system, please consider participating in the NECP's judge watch/court watch task force. We need help researching the judges' records, following cases through court, researching sentencing guidelines and more. Contact info@nepatrol.org to help.)
The various presenters throughout the Citizens' Academy class included representatives from narcotics, homicide and sex crimes, as well as representatives from the offices of the city attorney and the county attorney.
Much of the information that we learned, while fascinating, was pretty distressing. To start, many of the police investigative departments are sorely understaffed, and law enforcement is outnumbered by the sheer number of criminals and the amount of crime happening. If the alleged criminal actually makes it past the charging phase, the criminal prosecution phase is often lengthy and cumbersome, and very often results in plea bargains with little or no jail time.
From the sex offender notification coordinator we learned that 45% of sex crimes are committed upon family members, 45% are committed upon persons with whom the offender is acquainted and 10-12% are committed upon strangers. We also learned that many sex offenders seek out single moms, and that the offenders learn to identify certain social behaviors that indicate a woman may be a single mom. And, maybe not so surprising, this presenter told us that he has often seen his "clients" at the freeway exit ramps panhandling with their cardboard signs.
For information on the next Citizens' Academy class, contact Carol Oosterhuis at the 2nd Precinct, 612.673.2874. Class meets once per week for 3 hours for 10 weeks.
3. Police Academy seeking applicants
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/recruiting/
4. Prospect Park walking group
In response to safety concerns around campus areas, a U of M student, who is also one of our crime stat volunteers, is organizing some neighborhood walking groups. Two are scheduled in the coming week: Tuesday 1 - 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 - 10 p.m. If you live in Prospect Park or a nearby neighborhood, and would like to participate contact info@nepatrol.org for specific information.
5. NECP Network & Nosh opportunities
During the winter months, the NECP will announce various social opportunities for neighbors to meet and greet and stay connected. Please attend any that your schedule allows, we'd like to meet you and hear about your neighborhood. Open to all who read this newsletter. No need to RSVP, just show up, we'll be there:
· Friday, December 8, Shaw's Bar & Grill, 8:30 p.m. until ?? Blues singer Lisa Wenger will perform at 9:30 p.m. Come any time and stay as long as you'd like. Shaw's menu includes the Sun Burger, from the old Central Avenue Sun Drive-In, http://www.shawsbarandgrill.com/, located at 1528 University Ave. NE.
· Thursday, December 14, 7 - 9:30 p.m., billiards night at Fat Boy Billiards, 1920 Central Ave. NE. We'll have the 2nd floor private room reserved. Unlimited billiards and darts and light appetizers for $5 per person, bring a friend. Lessons available for beginners. Smoke-free. No need to RSVP, but if you know that you will attend, we'd appreciate a heads-up so we can plan the snacks.
· Thursday, December 21, 7 - 10 p.m., Columbia Grounds Coffee Shop, 3301 Central Ave. NE. Local musician Paul Metsa will play his 8th annual concert to benefit the Northeast Senior Citizen Resource Center (NESCRC). Donations of cash and non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit NESCRC. You can begin dropping your food donations at Columbia Grounds anytime.
12.07.2006
It's hard out here for a felon. Discuss.
As many of you may know, today the St. Paul Mayor's office announced that it will no longer require ex-cons to reveal their records when applying for city jobs. Obviously this excludes some areas like people who work with children and vulnerable adults will still be screened so that those government agencies won't be hiring sex offenders.
I can see at least two different points of view here. On the one hand, an ex-con ought to have an opportunity to get a job and change their life for the better after they've served their time. Otherwise, the alternative is just keep getting back into the old life and back into jail. On the other, a government job isn't a right, it's a privilege and the public should expect that the people they have no choice but to deal with should be free of proven scammers, drug addicts, dealers and people who've committed violent acts. But there are plenty of city jobs that don't involve dealing with the public so the only problem there would be the city's liability as an employer. What if Conner ex-con who has a problem with the ladies decides to turn violent with his co-worker Penny Pencilpusher? Can Penny sue the city for allowing a convicted rapist into her workplace? I'm not a lawyer so I have no idea whether this is a issue or not.
Coincidently today, I received in the mail some materials from a group called Community Justice Partners, whose offices are on Plymouth near Penn in North Minneapolis. This non-profit works with individual ex-cons before they even leave jail to try to get a team effort going with community, employers, faith groups, etc. to reduce the chances that they will go back to the old life.
Here are some statistics that this group cites about released inmates:
I can see at least two different points of view here. On the one hand, an ex-con ought to have an opportunity to get a job and change their life for the better after they've served their time. Otherwise, the alternative is just keep getting back into the old life and back into jail. On the other, a government job isn't a right, it's a privilege and the public should expect that the people they have no choice but to deal with should be free of proven scammers, drug addicts, dealers and people who've committed violent acts. But there are plenty of city jobs that don't involve dealing with the public so the only problem there would be the city's liability as an employer. What if Conner ex-con who has a problem with the ladies decides to turn violent with his co-worker Penny Pencilpusher? Can Penny sue the city for allowing a convicted rapist into her workplace? I'm not a lawyer so I have no idea whether this is a issue or not.
Coincidently today, I received in the mail some materials from a group called Community Justice Partners, whose offices are on Plymouth near Penn in North Minneapolis. This non-profit works with individual ex-cons before they even leave jail to try to get a team effort going with community, employers, faith groups, etc. to reduce the chances that they will go back to the old life.
Here are some statistics that this group cites about released inmates:
- 3 out of 4 have substance abuse problems, only 10% receive formal treatment prior to release from jail
- 55% have children under 18
- 2 out of 3 lack a high school diploma, 40% do not have a diploma or GED.
- 1 out of 3 gets vocational training at any time during incarceration.
- Half of those in jail earned less than $600/month just prior to incarceration
- 1 out of 3 report some physical or mental disability
12.06.2006
Crime wave spills over into Northern Suburbs
Fox 9 News tonight had a story about how northern suburbs are feeling the same crime wave that Minneapolis is, and the rate of increase in crime over last year is more alarming than Minneapolis where we are starting to get use to a murder and a dozen robberies just about every night.
The story profiles one style of crime, robbery of a lone individual in an office setting. It also mentioned that police are changing their tactics. Rather than having just two cops in a patrol car, they are having 6 or 7 officers in an area to take down bad guys. It's assuming the worst and treating the situation like the execution of a hostile warrent, a SWAT situation or a crack house raid. It's a worrying trend for a couple of reasons. One is, there is a lot more risk involved, for a greater number of officers and for the community when you are talking about a potential shootout or violent takedown. Also, the highly trained manpower and recources necessary for this type of thing is way more than your basic community policing system. It may be that the costs of this style of law enforcement are outweighed by the benefits in cracking the urban crime problem but it's bound to be controversial. H/T Sou'wester
Robberies are occurring at record rates in the north metro. Brooklyn Park reports an 87-percent increase, Brooklyn Center 66-percent, Crystal has remained even and robberies in Minneapolis has seen a 20-percent surge over the same time last year. It’s a troubling trend, with no particular patterns or common suspects.
The story profiles one style of crime, robbery of a lone individual in an office setting. It also mentioned that police are changing their tactics. Rather than having just two cops in a patrol car, they are having 6 or 7 officers in an area to take down bad guys. It's assuming the worst and treating the situation like the execution of a hostile warrent, a SWAT situation or a crack house raid. It's a worrying trend for a couple of reasons. One is, there is a lot more risk involved, for a greater number of officers and for the community when you are talking about a potential shootout or violent takedown. Also, the highly trained manpower and recources necessary for this type of thing is way more than your basic community policing system. It may be that the costs of this style of law enforcement are outweighed by the benefits in cracking the urban crime problem but it's bound to be controversial. H/T Sou'wester
More Robberies on Lake Street
I got this crime alert e-mail this morning from SAFE 5.2 but I actually thought that they were referring to the robberies that Max posted on yesterday. They weren't. These are some totally new and different robberies. H/T for pointing out my mistake. Sou'wester--Margaret
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Last night, December 5, 2006 we had two robberies along Lake Street.
Lake St and Stevens at about 6:30 pm. Female victim was approached by a group of 7 black youths. Victim was then assaulted and struck in the face while suspects attempted to grab her purse. Suspects are described as;
First one, Black male, about 15 years old, 5' 5" tall wearing dark clothing. Second one, Black male, about 15 years old, 5' 5" tall, wearing dark clothing, third suspect, Black female, 15 years old, about 5' 5" tall, wearing a brown fur coat. The other 4 were not described.
Lake St and Harriet Av S at about 8:15 pm. 2 victims were walking near Lake St and Harriet Av when they passed by 2 black males. After the victims passed by, the 2 black males confronted the victims and one suspect pulled out a handgun. Suspects demanded the victims belongings. The victims complied.
Suspect one, black male, 22-25 years old, about 5' 6" tall. Suspect two, black male, 22-26 years old, about 5' 6" tall. No further suspect info.
If you have any information about either of these cases please call the MPD tips line at; 612-692-8477
Here's some information to keep you and your neighbors informed on events in the area;
Please alert your neighbors to this information if they do not receive these e-mails. Also let your neighbors know how to sign up for these alerts. Send a message to safe5.2-on@ccpsafe.org
Please let your block club members know about these events.
Be aware and call 911 with suspicious person calls, if you see suspicious activity/persons.
Keep an eye out for people on the street before exiting your home/vehicle.
When you get into your car, lock your doors and do not just sit in the vehicle parked.
Don't carry excessive extra cash, credit cards or other items.
Write down the numbers and contact information of all your credit/debit cards so you can call and cancel them immediately should they be taken/lost. Keep this in a safe location.
Get involved with (or start) your neighborhoods Crime & Safety committee
CARAG meets the 2nd Monday of each month, Call Scott Engle 823-2520 for more information
East Harriet meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Java Jacks, contact Matt Perry 839-3320 for more information.
Kingfield meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at MLK Park, contact Joanna at 823-5980 for more information.
Lyndale meets the first Monday of each month at the 5th Pct, contact Mark at 824-9402 for more information.
Get involved with the Stroll Patrols for your neighborhood, contact the above people for more information on when/where these groups meet.
If confronted by someone, comply with what they demand.
If you have any information on this or any other crime please call the MPD Tips line at 612-692-8477
Again, please call 911 with suspicious person/activity complaints if you see something out of the ordinary.
Thanks
Tom
CPS Tom Thompson
Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, 5th Precinct
3101 Nicollet Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 55408
thomas.thompson@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
(612) 673-2823
Serving the neighborhoods of;
CARAG, East Harriet, ECCO, Kingfield, Linden Hills, Lyndale, West Calhoun
-----------------------------------------------
Last night, December 5, 2006 we had two robberies along Lake Street.
Lake St and Stevens at about 6:30 pm. Female victim was approached by a group of 7 black youths. Victim was then assaulted and struck in the face while suspects attempted to grab her purse. Suspects are described as;
First one, Black male, about 15 years old, 5' 5" tall wearing dark clothing. Second one, Black male, about 15 years old, 5' 5" tall, wearing dark clothing, third suspect, Black female, 15 years old, about 5' 5" tall, wearing a brown fur coat. The other 4 were not described.
Lake St and Harriet Av S at about 8:15 pm. 2 victims were walking near Lake St and Harriet Av when they passed by 2 black males. After the victims passed by, the 2 black males confronted the victims and one suspect pulled out a handgun. Suspects demanded the victims belongings. The victims complied.
Suspect one, black male, 22-25 years old, about 5' 6" tall. Suspect two, black male, 22-26 years old, about 5' 6" tall. No further suspect info.
If you have any information about either of these cases please call the MPD tips line at; 612-692-8477
Here's some information to keep you and your neighbors informed on events in the area;
Please alert your neighbors to this information if they do not receive these e-mails. Also let your neighbors know how to sign up for these alerts. Send a message to safe5.2-on@ccpsafe.org
Please let your block club members know about these events.
Be aware and call 911 with suspicious person calls, if you see suspicious activity/persons.
Keep an eye out for people on the street before exiting your home/vehicle.
When you get into your car, lock your doors and do not just sit in the vehicle parked.
Don't carry excessive extra cash, credit cards or other items.
Write down the numbers and contact information of all your credit/debit cards so you can call and cancel them immediately should they be taken/lost. Keep this in a safe location.
Get involved with (or start) your neighborhoods Crime & Safety committee
CARAG meets the 2nd Monday of each month, Call Scott Engle 823-2520 for more information
East Harriet meets the 3rd Monday of each month at Java Jacks, contact Matt Perry 839-3320 for more information.
Kingfield meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at MLK Park, contact Joanna at 823-5980 for more information.
Lyndale meets the first Monday of each month at the 5th Pct, contact Mark at 824-9402 for more information.
Get involved with the Stroll Patrols for your neighborhood, contact the above people for more information on when/where these groups meet.
If confronted by someone, comply with what they demand.
If you have any information on this or any other crime please call the MPD Tips line at 612-692-8477
Again, please call 911 with suspicious person/activity complaints if you see something out of the ordinary.
Thanks
Tom
CPS Tom Thompson
Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, 5th Precinct
3101 Nicollet Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 55408
thomas.thompson@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
(612) 673-2823
Serving the neighborhoods of;
CARAG, East Harriet, ECCO, Kingfield, Linden Hills, Lyndale, West Calhoun
Your freindly neighborhood panhandlers
Here's a crime alert from SAFE zone 5.3 which entails a panhandler who apparently has given up on downtown and is working in some south minneapolis neighborhoods. I've had some experience with this sort of thing on the Northside. Sometime when I have the archives of Our House up and running, I'll have to link to my account of the "bad weather beggar." In addition, there have been phoney sounding school field trips, church group trips and other mumbled needs and crumpled pieces of paper offered to me at the door. When it snows, you'll get people showing up obstensively to offer to shovel snow but sometimes they'll just be looking to see who is home so that they can kick in the door and burglarize the place.
------------------------------------
Hello everyone,
There have been several recent accounts of a man knocking on the front door of homes. I have heard two main scenarios so far and wanted to let the neighbors know that this is happening in different blocks.
Ambulance/sick daughter story
There is a black male in his 30s or so who sometimes introduces himself as Charles Johnson, and who primarily seems to be going along 56th to 58th, across Armatage, Kenny and Windom, though he has also been seen up in Sector 2. He is asking for money. He has a long story which generally involves a daughter who has an asthma attack, and an ambulance that took her to the hospital, his wife is in Canada and has all the credit cards, he needs to pay for the ambulance and/or a prescription for his daughter. He sometimes also says he met the neighbor the year before and needs money. He also generally says he lives a few blocks over. He may be connected to a suspicious newer model blue or green Ford Bronco, but that has only been seen once in connection to him. This is a scam. This man has been walking around giving the same spiel to several neighborhoods; he is just soliciting for money. There is no way he can 'live nearby' down at 56th/57th and also up in the 38th block.
If you see suspicious activity or feel uncomfortable when someone like "Charles Johnson" comes by, call 911 immediately for suspicious activity/suspicious person.
Jones residence
Note that within the last two weeks there were also accounts of a black male who knocked on the front door and asked if it is the Jones residence, because he was looking for his son or daughter. This type of ploy is typical of burglars but could also be indicative of other criminal activity.
If this happens to you, call 911 immediately if it seems suspicious.
Helpful descriptions for 911/the police:
People: Look for estimated height, weight, build, age, race, gender, distinguishing features, and their clothing.
Vehicle: Look for the make, model, year, and license plate number.
For both people and vehicles: Try to track the time they came/left, and what direction they were last seen headed.
I am looking for any information anyone has regarding what exactly "Charles Johnson" looks like, what age he is, the times and dates he has been seen, and where.
Be aware that he may come to your door looking for money. So far there have been no accounts of him being harmful; he just asks for money and if the neighbor says no, he has left. He seems to be a panhandler, and generally they are not harmful people.
However, if a stranger comes to your door, be on guard; you do not know who they are or what they want, and you should listen to your instincts as to what you do. If you feel uncomfortable or anything is suspicious, call 911. Do not let people you don't know into your home unless you are positive they are legitimate or you are completely comfortable with them.
I am looking into the recent door knocking to see if I can get any more information, so if anyone could tell me where he's been and when, I would appreciate it. The same goes for the Jones residence incidents.
Emails work best, but you can also call me at (612) 673-2815.
Thank you,
Chelsea
CPS Chelsea Adams
Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, 5th Precinct
3101 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
chelsea.adams@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
(612) 673-2815
------------------------------------
Hello everyone,
There have been several recent accounts of a man knocking on the front door of homes. I have heard two main scenarios so far and wanted to let the neighbors know that this is happening in different blocks.
Ambulance/sick daughter story
There is a black male in his 30s or so who sometimes introduces himself as Charles Johnson, and who primarily seems to be going along 56th to 58th, across Armatage, Kenny and Windom, though he has also been seen up in Sector 2. He is asking for money. He has a long story which generally involves a daughter who has an asthma attack, and an ambulance that took her to the hospital, his wife is in Canada and has all the credit cards, he needs to pay for the ambulance and/or a prescription for his daughter. He sometimes also says he met the neighbor the year before and needs money. He also generally says he lives a few blocks over. He may be connected to a suspicious newer model blue or green Ford Bronco, but that has only been seen once in connection to him. This is a scam. This man has been walking around giving the same spiel to several neighborhoods; he is just soliciting for money. There is no way he can 'live nearby' down at 56th/57th and also up in the 38th block.
If you see suspicious activity or feel uncomfortable when someone like "Charles Johnson" comes by, call 911 immediately for suspicious activity/suspicious person.
Jones residence
Note that within the last two weeks there were also accounts of a black male who knocked on the front door and asked if it is the Jones residence, because he was looking for his son or daughter. This type of ploy is typical of burglars but could also be indicative of other criminal activity.
If this happens to you, call 911 immediately if it seems suspicious.
Helpful descriptions for 911/the police:
People: Look for estimated height, weight, build, age, race, gender, distinguishing features, and their clothing.
Vehicle: Look for the make, model, year, and license plate number.
For both people and vehicles: Try to track the time they came/left, and what direction they were last seen headed.
I am looking for any information anyone has regarding what exactly "Charles Johnson" looks like, what age he is, the times and dates he has been seen, and where.
Be aware that he may come to your door looking for money. So far there have been no accounts of him being harmful; he just asks for money and if the neighbor says no, he has left. He seems to be a panhandler, and generally they are not harmful people.
However, if a stranger comes to your door, be on guard; you do not know who they are or what they want, and you should listen to your instincts as to what you do. If you feel uncomfortable or anything is suspicious, call 911. Do not let people you don't know into your home unless you are positive they are legitimate or you are completely comfortable with them.
I am looking into the recent door knocking to see if I can get any more information, so if anyone could tell me where he's been and when, I would appreciate it. The same goes for the Jones residence incidents.
Emails work best, but you can also call me at (612) 673-2815.
Thank you,
Chelsea
CPS Chelsea Adams
Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, 5th Precinct
3101 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
chelsea.adams@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
(612) 673-2815
SE Como Area to Add Safety Group
The Minnesota Daily reports that the Southeast Como Improvement Association (SECIA) is forming a safety committee to address crime issues in the area. Of particular concern is the rising number of assults and robbiers along the 15th Avenue corridor, a main route for students going to and from the University. From the article...
"The biggest issue is the crimes do seem to be becoming more violent." Currently, the association has a Safety and Livability committee, but the committee has focused on improving livability aspects in the neighborhood, De Sota said.
The new committee, he said, will focus on communication and education to help notify residents about crime alerts, statistics and tips to prevent crimes.
Lt. Reinhardt of the MPD states that some of the crime increase may be due to an increase in rental vs. owned property in the area. Our friend Shelley from the NECP is also quoted, pointing out that with all the foot traffic in the area, there are plenty of opportunities where a criminal can wait for a convenient momenet to take advantage of an unsuspecting victim.
It's good to see yet another neighborhood stepping up and taking action to help keep residents safe. Increased awareness and hopefully some eyes and ears on the street paying attention can only help to make it just a little more difficult for the bad guys. Good luck SECIA.
"The biggest issue is the crimes do seem to be becoming more violent." Currently, the association has a Safety and Livability committee, but the committee has focused on improving livability aspects in the neighborhood, De Sota said.
The new committee, he said, will focus on communication and education to help notify residents about crime alerts, statistics and tips to prevent crimes.
Lt. Reinhardt of the MPD states that some of the crime increase may be due to an increase in rental vs. owned property in the area. Our friend Shelley from the NECP is also quoted, pointing out that with all the foot traffic in the area, there are plenty of opportunities where a criminal can wait for a convenient momenet to take advantage of an unsuspecting victim.
It's good to see yet another neighborhood stepping up and taking action to help keep residents safe. Increased awareness and hopefully some eyes and ears on the street paying attention can only help to make it just a little more difficult for the bad guys. Good luck SECIA.
NECP story in the Twin Cities Daily Planet
There is a year in review story in the Twin Cities Daily Planet, a citywide online newsletter that syndicates stories from different neighborhood and city newspapers. The story is originally from the Northeaster. John Schulte and Shelley Leeson are both interviewed for the story. Nice work, guys!
Update on Willard-Hay Burglaries
I've been watching this pretty closely since this is my neighborhood. The weekly "highlights" email from SAFE zone 4.3 notes the following:
-------------------------------------------
Burglary of Dwelling in Progress 23XX Upton Ave N
Witness 1 reported 5 Suspects kicked in a garage & house doors & were inside the house. Officers observed Suspects & could hear them running inside the house. Suspects fled out the front door and were caught within minutes with Victim's property in their possession. One Arrested Party's shoe matched shoe print on both doors. BURGS IN AREA CAME TO A HALT AFTER THE ARRESTS. Kudos to the Officers who established a perimeter and caught all 5 suspects, and to the citizen who made the 911 call!!
Sounds like good news to me. Even if they weren't responsible for all the burglaries in the area the sheer volume of burglaries in very close proximity to one another suggested that we were being worked over by one group moving through the neighborhood.
Let's hope that the HC attorney's office and the judge take seriously the way that these thugs have terrorized the community.
-------------------------------------------
Burglary of Dwelling in Progress 23XX Upton Ave N
Witness 1 reported 5 Suspects kicked in a garage & house doors & were inside the house. Officers observed Suspects & could hear them running inside the house. Suspects fled out the front door and were caught within minutes with Victim's property in their possession. One Arrested Party's shoe matched shoe print on both doors. BURGS IN AREA CAME TO A HALT AFTER THE ARRESTS. Kudos to the Officers who established a perimeter and caught all 5 suspects, and to the citizen who made the 911 call!!
Sounds like good news to me. Even if they weren't responsible for all the burglaries in the area the sheer volume of burglaries in very close proximity to one another suggested that we were being worked over by one group moving through the neighborhood.
Let's hope that the HC attorney's office and the judge take seriously the way that these thugs have terrorized the community.
12.05.2006
Good news for the Northeast-University areas
I've talked to Northeast residents and a police officer over the last few weeks who gave me to understand that the 2nd precinct had been hollowed out over the past year, with officers being sent over to the Northside to shore up efforts there. Eight new officers are being sent to the second to patrol specific areas around the University and parts of Northeast to combat the surge in robberies and assaults. Particularly disturbing have been the seemingly motive-less assaults near the university, with young people being viciously beaten with weapons like metal pipes and two by fours. Hopefully the enhanced police presence will curtail this wave of crime. WCCO has the story and an interview with one of the victims.
#60?
The victim of what I believe is homicide #60 for Minneapolis in 2006 is a 44 year old woman who died in an apartment on Spruce Place near Loring Park. Apparently she was alone and not discovered for a few days but Police found her condition to be suspicious and are investigating it as a homicide. See stories from WCCO and the Strib, who is calling it #59.
12.04.2006
Robbery spree--Lake and Chicago Area
KSTP is reporting that Minneapolis Police are investigating a string of street robberies in the area of Chicago Avenue around Lake Street to 32nd Street. These robberies are being committed by a group of 16 to 25 year old males. They have used/brandished weapons, and haven't been caught.
I have noticed the pattern that these robberies, as well as a number around the Universities in St. Paul are occurring at or just after sunset. Please be aware of this when in the area. Stay on the lookout, and call the Police if you see anything suspicious.
I have noticed the pattern that these robberies, as well as a number around the Universities in St. Paul are occurring at or just after sunset. Please be aware of this when in the area. Stay on the lookout, and call the Police if you see anything suspicious.
Star Tribune comments on Mpls forclosure spike
Their (predictable) response is to regulate the loan industry some more, which will have the effect of keeping some people from getting mortgages in the future. You could argue that they are better off "protected." But what is the real problem here? It's that some people's investment (their house) is costing them more than they can afford. What's the solution? Sell the house and move somewhere cheaper. Admit you made a mistake or that your situation has changed and downsize. The problem that many people face is that their investment has declined in value. Some of it may be bad luck or bad timing: they bought during a bubble. In my neighborhood, some of it is due to a bunch of houses going on the market at the same time as crime has gotten worse. If my part of the city were a more attractive place to live at the moment, some of these people might not sell at all or they might not be so desperate to get out that they are willing to ruin their credit and let the bank take it.
The state might still want to address predatory lending practices but the city needs to think about the complete picture about what affects housing prices and consequent neighborhood stability.
The state might still want to address predatory lending practices but the city needs to think about the complete picture about what affects housing prices and consequent neighborhood stability.
Poor planning may constitute emergency on our part
(Lest those have no sense of humor accuse me of fearmongering some more, see your nearest customer service window at doctors offices, university offices, etc. for the original quote).
The Southwest Journal, the community newspaper for the neighborhoods of that part of Minneapolis published an article on Friday about the MPD's budgetary deficit. It makes for depressing reading. The city council members are shocked (shocked!) that the MPD is running out of money and wants to make sure it won't happen again, despite a committment to spending more money on technology (cameras, "shot-spotters") and man/woman power in the force.
The city council and the Mayor's response is to add an "administrative assistant" to keep the city council more informed of the MPD budget. A bigger problem may be that the City Council doesn't communicate well with the Police Department unless there is some kind of public safety crisis and then it makes a lot of demands without actually thinking about what kind of department resources this will require. It may be that this is just part and parcel of the chaos that Chief McManus left in his wake and that now that Chief Dolan is now permanently at the helm he will be able to lead the department by making sure that when the city council says "jump," the department can say not "how high" but "how much (are you willing to give us to make it happen?)."
The Southwest Journal, the community newspaper for the neighborhoods of that part of Minneapolis published an article on Friday about the MPD's budgetary deficit. It makes for depressing reading. The city council members are shocked (shocked!) that the MPD is running out of money and wants to make sure it won't happen again, despite a committment to spending more money on technology (cameras, "shot-spotters") and man/woman power in the force.
The city council and the Mayor's response is to add an "administrative assistant" to keep the city council more informed of the MPD budget. A bigger problem may be that the City Council doesn't communicate well with the Police Department unless there is some kind of public safety crisis and then it makes a lot of demands without actually thinking about what kind of department resources this will require. It may be that this is just part and parcel of the chaos that Chief McManus left in his wake and that now that Chief Dolan is now permanently at the helm he will be able to lead the department by making sure that when the city council says "jump," the department can say not "how high" but "how much (are you willing to give us to make it happen?)."
12.03.2006
Personal responsibility in your neighborhood
(This is also a bit late. This is from the latest NECP newsletter. Shelley posted it on Friday. Most of the crime alerts and other info has already been up here but I thought that this message is applicable to most parts of the city---Margaret)
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Many of you have endured my speeches in person or in this newsletter over the last few months. Here comes another one. And, I know I'm preaching to the choir for the most part, but use this to motivate your neighbors.
Last Friday, the evening after Thanksgiving, eleven of us met at Central & Lowry to patrol for a couple of hours. Even though none of us in the group that night lived in Holland, we decided to split into two groups and patrol in Holland - a neighborhood not unfamiliar with nefarious activity.
The group I was with wasn't one-hundred feet into the neighborhood, on 26th Ave. NE, when a woman pulled up in front of her house after running some errands. She saw us and immediately began commenting on how the neighborhood had returned to "just terrible conditions" since most of the NECP walking groups had wrapped up for the season.
We were regaled with tales of drug dealers, thugs and hookers. We listened, and then told her that we had very few volunteers from the Holland neighborhood, and would she join us some time to walk in her neighborhood? The excuses started flying fast and furiously as to why she couldn't possibly find one hour per week to walk with us in her neighborhood. Nary a pause occurred when she launched into a another story about how just a half hour earlier, when she was leaving to run her errands, six guys were at the vacant house four doors down trying to kick in the front door (a house currently in foreclosure where they undoubtedly wanted to set up their own pharmacy, have a drug party, steal the scrap metal, or just move in - rent-free). We asked her if, while the break in attempt was occurring, she had called 911? She said, "Well, no," and indicated that she had just gotten in her car to go about her business. The five of us just looked at her in stunned silence. The greatest quote I've heard lately played in my head while I looked at her, "You get what you are willing to tolerate." (Thank you, Mark, I will be using that one for quite some time).
If this woman wasn't willing to take responsibility in her own neighborhood - her own block - just who does she think is going to take responsibility? If she doesn't care enough about her home and the safety of her neighborhood to call the police when a break in attempt is occurring right in front of her, four doors from her own home, why on earth would anyone else care?
Everybody is busy. I'm busy. But we are all going to have to get comfortable with the fact that our neighborhoods are our responsibility. Stop waiting for someone else to come and fix what's wrong with your neighborhood. It will be literally years before the police staffing levels are anywhere near adequate. And even if staffing levels were increased, the police cannot fix the problems occurring in our neighborhoods. Nor do any of us want to live in a police-state, with armed guards on every corner. Yes, greater police presence will help, but it is not the complete answer. You and I and your neighbor down the block need to create a no-tolerance zone for crime and livability issues in Northeast. We do that by forming organized walking groups that send a message of watchfulness and no-tolerance for criminal activity. We do that by organizing with our neighbors to send a message of no-tolerance to slumlords and neglectful, absentee property owners who do not maintain their property and do not conduct background checks on renters. We do that by calling 911 when crimes are occurring. The police might not come as fast as we'd like, or at all, but that call needs to be made, or it's as if that incident never occurred. The fastest way to NOT get more cops in the 2nd Precinct is to NOT call 911 for incidents of crime, or by NOT reporting crimes that have already occurred. The police have told us outright, "If you don't call, it didn't happen." Police staffing levels are based partially on the number of police calls-for-service.
Lastly, the participants in the NECP are not mercenaries. We are out there because we care about our own neighborhoods. Those of us from other neighborhoods may come into your neighborhood, but YOU need to care enough about your own neighborhood to get out there, too. We will help you. We will join you. But YOU have to care enough to do something yourself.
The crime and criminal element infestation that we are suffering did not happen overnight, and it's not going to go away overnight. This is going to take a sustained effort and persistence on many levels. Although we believe we've made huge progress in just one year, we believe that it will take a solid 5-year effort to really begin to reverse this train, and continued vigilance thereafter. We need to be stronger than the criminals. We need to keep exerting so much pressure, that they move out and the word spreads that Northeast has become a no-tolerance zone for crime and livability degradation.
Although about 2,000 people currently receive this newsletter each week, only 100 people actively participate in walking groups, and about another 30 volunteer in some way to help with other projects. We know a number of you are watching, calling police and acting to help curb crime, but we need hundreds more eyes out on the street on every block during every hour of the day. Over 36,000 people live in Northeast (2000 census data). We ask every law-abiding resident of Northeast to find one hour per week to walk with an organized group in their own neighborhood. Contact us, we'll help you get started in your neighborhood.
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Many of you have endured my speeches in person or in this newsletter over the last few months. Here comes another one. And, I know I'm preaching to the choir for the most part, but use this to motivate your neighbors.
Last Friday, the evening after Thanksgiving, eleven of us met at Central & Lowry to patrol for a couple of hours. Even though none of us in the group that night lived in Holland, we decided to split into two groups and patrol in Holland - a neighborhood not unfamiliar with nefarious activity.
The group I was with wasn't one-hundred feet into the neighborhood, on 26th Ave. NE, when a woman pulled up in front of her house after running some errands. She saw us and immediately began commenting on how the neighborhood had returned to "just terrible conditions" since most of the NECP walking groups had wrapped up for the season.
We were regaled with tales of drug dealers, thugs and hookers. We listened, and then told her that we had very few volunteers from the Holland neighborhood, and would she join us some time to walk in her neighborhood? The excuses started flying fast and furiously as to why she couldn't possibly find one hour per week to walk with us in her neighborhood. Nary a pause occurred when she launched into a another story about how just a half hour earlier, when she was leaving to run her errands, six guys were at the vacant house four doors down trying to kick in the front door (a house currently in foreclosure where they undoubtedly wanted to set up their own pharmacy, have a drug party, steal the scrap metal, or just move in - rent-free). We asked her if, while the break in attempt was occurring, she had called 911? She said, "Well, no," and indicated that she had just gotten in her car to go about her business. The five of us just looked at her in stunned silence. The greatest quote I've heard lately played in my head while I looked at her, "You get what you are willing to tolerate." (Thank you, Mark, I will be using that one for quite some time).
If this woman wasn't willing to take responsibility in her own neighborhood - her own block - just who does she think is going to take responsibility? If she doesn't care enough about her home and the safety of her neighborhood to call the police when a break in attempt is occurring right in front of her, four doors from her own home, why on earth would anyone else care?
Everybody is busy. I'm busy. But we are all going to have to get comfortable with the fact that our neighborhoods are our responsibility. Stop waiting for someone else to come and fix what's wrong with your neighborhood. It will be literally years before the police staffing levels are anywhere near adequate. And even if staffing levels were increased, the police cannot fix the problems occurring in our neighborhoods. Nor do any of us want to live in a police-state, with armed guards on every corner. Yes, greater police presence will help, but it is not the complete answer. You and I and your neighbor down the block need to create a no-tolerance zone for crime and livability issues in Northeast. We do that by forming organized walking groups that send a message of watchfulness and no-tolerance for criminal activity. We do that by organizing with our neighbors to send a message of no-tolerance to slumlords and neglectful, absentee property owners who do not maintain their property and do not conduct background checks on renters. We do that by calling 911 when crimes are occurring. The police might not come as fast as we'd like, or at all, but that call needs to be made, or it's as if that incident never occurred. The fastest way to NOT get more cops in the 2nd Precinct is to NOT call 911 for incidents of crime, or by NOT reporting crimes that have already occurred. The police have told us outright, "If you don't call, it didn't happen." Police staffing levels are based partially on the number of police calls-for-service.
Lastly, the participants in the NECP are not mercenaries. We are out there because we care about our own neighborhoods. Those of us from other neighborhoods may come into your neighborhood, but YOU need to care enough about your own neighborhood to get out there, too. We will help you. We will join you. But YOU have to care enough to do something yourself.
The crime and criminal element infestation that we are suffering did not happen overnight, and it's not going to go away overnight. This is going to take a sustained effort and persistence on many levels. Although we believe we've made huge progress in just one year, we believe that it will take a solid 5-year effort to really begin to reverse this train, and continued vigilance thereafter. We need to be stronger than the criminals. We need to keep exerting so much pressure, that they move out and the word spreads that Northeast has become a no-tolerance zone for crime and livability degradation.
Although about 2,000 people currently receive this newsletter each week, only 100 people actively participate in walking groups, and about another 30 volunteer in some way to help with other projects. We know a number of you are watching, calling police and acting to help curb crime, but we need hundreds more eyes out on the street on every block during every hour of the day. Over 36,000 people live in Northeast (2000 census data). We ask every law-abiding resident of Northeast to find one hour per week to walk with an organized group in their own neighborhood. Contact us, we'll help you get started in your neighborhood.
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