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cyclist assaulted in the East End on Monday night?

surly-jason
2010-06-15 19:42:20

Lovely. I live in Edgewood and move through here on a regular basis.


rsprake
2010-06-15 19:44:27

Jeez. I used to live on Meade, just a couple blocks from there.


reddan
2010-06-15 19:47:29

Years ago (like 15ish?) there was a group of kids that were supposedly attacking mountain bikers in frick and stealing their bikes. It was always a group thing -- never one- or two-on-one but like a little mob of them.


More reason for us to meet new riding buddies and ride as a group.


surly-jason
2010-06-15 19:48:55

If this were Rio, there'd be books written, pictures taken, movies filmed, music recorded and awards given for all the aforementioned, but this ain't. It's a sad rift between communities, where each is culpable.


sloaps
2010-06-15 19:52:34

I logged in to try to post about this to let people know. It sounds similar to the attack in East Liberty a few weeks ago. He's my co-worker and he's been hospitalized, moving out of ICU today. Not good. Luckily a delivery driver saw the incident and called the security guard up from the store who found him unconscious on the street. Immediate steps will be made to try to light Meade better and get more police presence in the area and to get the bordering neighborhood police departments to cooperate. Some of his articles were stolen. It's obviously not an isolated incident. People should be careful to ride in pairs through the east end at night.


beebee
2010-06-15 20:06:26

8 attack bicyclist in North Point Breeze

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

By Anthony Fenech, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A man who was beaten last night in North Point Breeze while riding his bicycle home from work is recovering at UPMC Presbyterian's intensive care unit.


Ryan Ferrence, 26, is expected to make a full recovery and could be released from the hospital tomorrow.


The victim was identified as Mr. Ferrence by friend Matt Narvis.


Police spokeswoman Diane Richard said multiple units responded to a 10:30 p.m. assault call in the 7500 block of Meade Street in North Point Breeze, just in front of East End Food Co-Op.


Mr. Ferrence, who is an employee of the co-op, started to ride his bike home around 9:45, and was attacked by a group of eight people.


As a witness went to help the victim, the group fled, including a man who took the victim's backpack.


According to Ms. Richard, police searched the area for suspects, but were unsuccessful.


Mr. Narvis said the victim suffered a broken collarbone, has bumps and bruises, but "is in good spirits."


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10166/1065756-100.stm#ixzz0qxDuvnrs


caitlin
2010-06-15 20:07:04

another bike pgh member! Ferrence, please get well soon.


caitlin
2010-06-15 20:07:35

I rode to regent square last night but made the friend I was visiting promise to drive me home since I have to ride Hamilton and ELB to get there. God, I am so sorry to hear this happening again.


caitlin
2010-06-15 20:08:52

This is getting kinda ridiculous!


I'm so sorry to hear this! :(


bikeygirl
2010-06-15 20:20:41

I worked at the climbing gym in the same building as the Co-op for a long time, and we often dealt with stuff like this in the parking lot, since the gym is open 'til 11:00 PM. Usually there's a guard in the lot between Penn and Meade, but he can't be everywhere all the time. Same goes for the guard at the Co-op.


bjanaszek
2010-06-15 20:21:49

Happening again? When exactly did it stop? East Liberty and Wilkinsburg earned their reputations before either of us were even on this earth.


Total bummer on this. I don't even know what to say about it.


bradq
2010-06-15 20:22:50

When Rob was attacked the other year, the coop

had a camera. Hopefully this helps catch said kids.


steevo
2010-06-15 20:23:55

this shit constantly happened there when i worked at the coop forever ago. it sucks. i'd always ride penn at night for this reason


erok
2010-06-15 20:32:26

it sounds like he barely got out the door and up the street.


caitlin
2010-06-15 20:33:20

yeah, if the guard saw it. that sucks. i wonder if they were waiting for someone to come out of there.


the guard would frequently escort folks out of there during these times


erok
2010-06-15 20:40:21

I have lived in the east end for almost 20 years. This is worse than I remember. I want timito and his ulock to ride with me.


lyle
2010-06-15 20:42:40

i wonder if it's worse, or you're finding out about them more easily because of the internet. many of these assaults weren't even reported to the police (but they are reported here), so the chance that an article even happens is slim.


erok
2010-06-15 20:44:54

Get well please.


All, what are we going to do?

I'm scared to ride my bike anywhere near there once I get better!


justinc
2010-06-15 20:45:03

@lyle I have lived in the east end for almost 20 years. This is worse than I remember.


My impression is the East End is a lot safer than 20 years ago, when the crack businerss was starting and the gangs were having turf wars. Not just a little safer, a lot.


The only negative difference I see is that now bikes are being targeted. Twenty years ago a bike was so unexpected that bike travelers went under the radar. Now bikes are expected and muggers know better techniques for attacking them.


mick
2010-06-15 21:00:08

Unfortunately that building and immediate area have always been targets for this kind of stuff. Ugh.


Best healing vibes to Ryan!


kbrooks
2010-06-15 21:02:14

Have any of the people attacked remembered what any of the attackers look like? If so, have they been able to look at a Peabody or Schenley yearbook? If we can recognize ONE person, he'll probably rat everybody else out.


sgtjonson
2010-06-15 21:18:51

Expect this kind of crap to increase - the last day of school for pittsburgh public is the 16th. I'm not sure when Wilkinsburg is done. Someone needs to whip one of these fucks in the face with a bike chain. Then they can see how funny it is when they're trying to cause trouble with only one eye...


ckrobinson
2010-06-15 21:36:17

I just saw this on WPXI's 5:00. They mentioned the attack on Justin and other vague statements like "people in the neighborhood say this isn't the first time". They also didn't really make it seem like it was about cyclists being targeted.


Really upsetting to hear about.


tabby
2010-06-15 21:46:02

I think these crimes on cyclists are increasing simply becuase the number of cyclists are increasing. I was pulling weeds at my dad's house on Braddock Ave the other day and probably saw at least 8 cyclists in a matter of 2 hours - when I was a kid/teen you would be lucky to see 8 in a day. While 8 doesn't seem like a lot, it was the middle of a work day and that section of Braddock Ave is really shitty (coming up the hill into the Regent Square business district). In addition, there are lots of people that cycle as thier primary mode of transportation, and not just recreationally like 10-20 years ago, which sometimes dictates that they're out late at night by themselves.


ckrobinson
2010-06-15 21:46:13

I dont know my way around very well so I am wondering if riding down penn to the strip about 11 at night after bike polo is a safe trip? Am I passing by any of these trouble areas?


willie
2010-06-15 21:49:57

Wow, hit one of these fucks with a bike chain, wouldn't that negatively impact the public's perception of the cycling community. Or maybe it'd be a guy sticking up for himself.

I do hope Ryans going to be OK.

Sounds like the police are doing the best they can, eight suspects that all most likely live within walking distance, they can't be found. Just like they couldn't find a stolen bike that the thief was riding a few blocks from where it was stolen, I guess they're probably busy with real crimes, they have more important things to do.


timito
2010-06-15 21:50:50

Check the KDKAs, I saw a promo showing the guy in the hospital.


sloaps
2010-06-15 21:55:31

I just spoke to kdka reporter. They're coming to my house at 7 pm. I'm a little freaked. But will be ok. Anyone live in lville and have a story relating to this to tell to reporters to show this isn't isolated and they're connected pm me for my number and address if you can get here in an hour.


justinc
2010-06-15 22:00:12

I live in Lawrenceville, I'll come right over, I'm kidding. Just relax and keep it brief cause they'll edit it down to the one sentence or two that sounds the best for TV. good luck man


timito
2010-06-15 22:06:09

Thanks.

You're welcome to come by.

I just want them to know this isn't isolated and maybe it'll bring the issue more attention and these kids will get caught if more people are aware it's HAPPENING instead of something that HAPPENED. You know?


justinc
2010-06-15 22:12:27

I think if more people know this is happening it might put a bit more pressure on the Police to actually look for these kids. I think if one or two of these kids get arrested it would make the others hesitate. I assume your physically OK and Ryans gonna be alright, May I ask, How are the bikes?


timito
2010-06-15 22:17:45

Although Dowd is aware of this, isn't this Burgess's council district? Is he aware? Perhaps this will be an opportunity for him to receive badly needed funds for youth programs.


You have to get to the root; don't stop riding and don't call for some form of street justice. Kids with these tendencies become adults with no want or desire to respect themselves or their community.


sloaps
2010-06-15 22:26:47

When I say "lived in the east end", I mean "lived within two to ten blocks of the EEFC". My first housing was sharing space with the hippies that founded the thing. During the gang wars, most of the victims were involved. There were a few stray bullets, but there weren't a lot of these random assaults. And I biked *everywhere*. I felt safer in the Hill than Fox Chapel. And until last week, I was never threatened by a pedestrian. Okay, anecdotes aren't data, granted, but it's not just the internet. I saw tha flashing lights last night, I just didn't know what it was.


lyle
2010-06-15 22:45:24

I guess they're probably busy with real crimes, they have more important things to do


hopin that was sarcasm... because assault is a real crime. as is what happens when it goes further than that.


caitlin
2010-06-15 23:56:46

First, hope everyone is ok and is able to stay safe from now on.


The Pittsburgh Police have bicycle units. Is there any way to have the officers used in these areas? I would think that these mobs would tend to think twice if they either mistakenly jumped out in front of officers or saw that the police were in the area.


My thoughts are that the bicycle unit would be more effective than a patrol car. It is quite easy to notice a slow moving police car. It's not as simple to tell if someone on a bike is a cop or not.


buzz1980
2010-06-16 00:16:16

Yeah, Night time cops in the area would be a great idea.


igo
2010-06-16 00:46:13

I moved to Pittsburgh 5 months ago from Los Angeles, where it is not uncommon for cyclists get shot and shot at, beaten and robbed.

As a bike messenger for 10 years in San Francisco and Los Angeles, I spend at least 8 hours on a bike, 5 days a week and have learned how not to be a victim.

I learned Krav Maga. I carry pepper spray and learned how to use it. I have one of these: http://www.karatedepot.com/ot-ke-30.html . I try to always be acutely aware of my surroundings, and just like riding in traffic, always set yourself up for a way out when you see groups of people. It is better to avoid a situation that get involved in one. Do not listen to music when riding. Exude confidence. The only one who is going to protect you is you. It sucks to have to do all this just to ride a bike, but that is reality.


In cities where I lived before, when a messenger was robbed or hurt, it was taken care of quick and brutal. And it worked, the cretins moved on to easier targets. But I think the best thing to do in this situation is to make yourselves visible. Have weekly rides asap in your neighborhood with at least 20 people and just cruise the area and dont cause trouble, no hard words or eyes, just ride.


demigod
2010-06-16 00:50:34

@Ryan - I am very sorry to learn of this attack. I hope you are feeling better soon. For everyone else, especially those who ride the East End after dark, be careful. Please. But, this almost sounds like a separate incident, or copycat attack. The area is slightly different, and something was stolen this time. In previous attacks, nothing was taken.


swalfoort
2010-06-16 01:29:52

Good advice demigod. Been thinking about buying some pepper spray lately.


rsprake
2010-06-16 01:35:14

Just got news via the interwebs the cops arrested at least one of the kids.


A co-op employee was leaving work and saw what seemed to be the same group of kids harass another cyclist, called police. Police showed up and managed to collar one of the group.


eric
2010-06-16 02:18:06

from the roboto board:


lingo posted this on Jun 15th, 2010 at 09:42:31 pm

so i'm leaving work now

or about to

and those same kids are up the street

6 boys 2 girls

a man riding by on a bike was harassed by them

and a driver who must've known about last nights incident stopped and told the guard about them

a co-worker just called the cops

amazing stupidity


lingo posted this on Jun 15th, 2010 at 09:45:07 pm

just talked to my roommate who's picking me up

the cops just got there and he saw the kids running

the nabbed one of them

gotta go


be safe


rachel_ding
2010-06-16 02:20:04

Although Dowd is aware of this, isn't this Burgess's council district?


the problem is that while all of this falls under zone 5 for the police, the east liberty area is half in dowd's district and half in burgess's. and from what i have heard burgess hasn't been much on cooperation with dowd. hopefully this changes his mind.


cburch
2010-06-16 02:27:07

BIKE COPS! I know! But the city needs "911 data" to determine that these areas (HP, ELB, PB, etc) need them. So we all gotta get beaten & harassed until they send their five bikes out here. Their resources are meager, unfortunately.


noah-mustion
2010-06-16 02:31:56

A group of about five or six kids yelled "Haa!" to me, Noah, and his wife. I think we were on Highland between Jackson and Wellesley. And by kids, I mean high school aged kids.


+1 for the idea to do group rides through the area


What would be REALLY smart is if undercover cops rode through the neighborhoods late at night and tried to bait the punks.


sgtjonson
2010-06-16 02:32:39

According to my lady's friend, she saw the same group of kids getting chased through Friendship the other night, by a guy who had been assaulted by them on his front porch. Four black teenagers, one of them overweight. They're wreaking havoc everywhere.


noah-mustion
2010-06-16 02:42:05

noah, did your ldy or her friend get a good look? good enough to give at least a rough description? and if so have they called 911 yet?


fyi, all the bike cop and undercover ideas have been discussed with dowd and cmdr kraus at ctg and the cpsc meetings. they were receptive to bike and beat cops but it is a manpower issue. zone 5 is stretched pretty thin and has some of the highest crime areas in the city.


cburch
2010-06-16 02:46:40

I have a CCW permit (easy to get in PA) and I think I'm going to go back to carrying a piece when I'm on late-night errands. If you have a DD-214, LEO training, or have spent time in the sandbox it wouldn't hurt for you to do the same.


LEO are doing their best, but their role is mostly to arrest people after a crime is committed, not to prevent people from doing naughty things.


jet
2010-06-16 02:50:04

Noah, I think we could be dealing with multiple groups. What part of Friendship was it?


sgtjonson
2010-06-16 02:52:59

My girlfriend called 911 immediately afterwards. She got a good look at the one who got in her face. We think we may have seen them on ELB east of Highland while riding to Freeride tonight. The other group we encountered later, with Lyle, didn't seem like the same ones, just 5 teens not happy with some whiteys on bikes staring at them. Her friend in Friendship didn't call 911, dunno if the victim there did or not. It was around Roup & Baum.


Jet, scary words there. But I understand your position. I'm considering getting a mini-bat to carry with me as I bike. However, such extreme self defense measures are probably ultimately counter-productive. I don't see it teaching a lesson, I see it leading to retribution. I must be blunt, it could lead to a straight-up race war in the East End.


noah-mustion
2010-06-16 02:59:40

could we do a flock of cycles ride through on east liberty blvd? aren't there group rides that are after dark?


stefb
2010-06-16 03:05:55

I think race-war is a little stretching it, after all, I'm pretty sure the moms, grandmoms, and mainstays of their community are pretty fed up with the little idiot hijinks like this, too.


edmonds59
2010-06-16 03:21:01

good story on kdka just now. it was the second story i think and it was about 5 minutes long (it seemed)


stefb
2010-06-16 03:27:48

Yeah, maybe that's some extreme language. I just shudder to think what happens if someone fights back (as they well should). Bust one of these kids' asses big time, and then what? Ugh. Regardless, I ride with my ulock in my hand all through my neighborhood now.


noah-mustion
2010-06-16 03:28:49

Since you asked, I'm not 100% sure of all the damages to my bike. It took me about 10 days to get it to thick and they were busy gearing up and now recovering from ms150 crazytimes. I'll find out soon but it's a few hundred at least in damage. Bent fork, wheel... We'll see what else.


justinc
2010-06-16 04:24:58

And guess what, if someone steps in and pounds one of these kids instead of letting the police do their jobs, suddenly the moms, grandmoms, and community leaders ain't on your side anymore.


edmonds59
2010-06-16 12:38:55

I would suggest you ask some of them before you jump to that conclusion.


lyle
2010-06-16 12:45:39

Bust one of these kids' asses big time, and then what?


I have yet to experience, read, or hear about a successful and sustained positive outcome from beating, bombing or bulldozing freedom, liberty or self-respect into a community.


The problem didn't happen overnight, nor will it be resolved as quickly. I believe Councilman Burgess's assistance in this matter is key, because this is bigger than kids beating cyclists or strained resources in Zone 5.


sloaps
2010-06-16 12:56:22

If you ever go to community meetings in Homewood, Larimer, or East Liberty, you will meet some of the moms and gradmas that are fed up with hijinks, their neighborhoods getting bad reputations, and who genuinely care where they live, for their kids, and are doing what they can to better their communities, just like all of us (should try to) do. I encourage anyone who thinks otherwise to check it out with an open mind. Or at the very least maybe visit a different library than the one you usually go to... esp with the East Liberty one closed, you might find the Homewood library is totally awesome. I love it. And you can meet some great people you may not have talked to otherwise there.


So has anyone sent a letter to Burgess? I say everyone in this thread do so: his email is either ricky.burgess@city.pittsburgh.pa.us or richard.burgess@city.pittsburgh.pa.us


not sure who his cheif of staff is... I will find out at work and post unless someone else knows. Its usually easier to contact them


Also Burgess is on the committee for human resources which deals with:

The Committee on Human Resources has charge of and jurisdiction over all ordinances, resolutions, bills, or papers affecting or pertaining to:


Benefits

Department of Personnel and Civil Service

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Human Relations Commission (HRC)

Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)

Office of Municipal Investigation (OMI)

Payroll Administration/System

Pension Benefits Administration

Personnel (inclusive of Salaries and Employment Numbers)


caitlin
2010-06-16 13:08:17

Regarding the issue of carrying a weapon, I don't think fighting back is retribution - it's protecting yourself. The people that have been attacked thus far have been fortunate that their injuries haven't been worse. Who's to say that the next person isn't going to get their face stomped? Between being submissive and getting my face kicked in or potentially cracking some punks skull while protecting myself from a 5 to 8 on 1 attack, I'll choose the latter any day. Oh, and what makes everyone so sure these kids are going to give a shit about getting arrested? First, their lifers and second, thier minors. Nothing's going to happen, especially if they can't pin the actual assault on one person.


ckrobinson
2010-06-16 13:10:46

@willie from awhile ago


I dont know my way around very well so I am wondering if riding down penn to the strip about 11 at night after bike polo is a safe trip? Am I passing by any of these trouble areas?


this isn't the area. in my experience thru here is that you only have to worry about the drunks on the weekends


erok
2010-06-16 13:50:25

-If you think the east end is more dangerous now

than 20 years ago, you were never at Kraynicks in

the 90's.


-Fighting, or beating or what have you is going to

only escalate the situation. These kids probably

have a whole lot less to lose than you or me, and

shuman is probably a familiar place to them.


- Rev. Burgess hates cyclists and is probably

behind all of this.


steevo
2010-06-16 13:50:50

Marty Griffin just said he will talk about the bicyclist attact on his show on KDKA am 1020 in a few minutes.


bikinggirl
2010-06-16 13:52:42

Marty Griffin said yesterday that Obama purposefully

neglected the oil spill for his green agenda. I am

going to skip this rant. haha


steevo
2010-06-16 13:54:42

Thanks bikinggirl - started a new thread w/ internet link


swalfoort
2010-06-16 13:59:03

Steevo - so if someone is presented with the situation of being attacked they shouldn't do anything?


Just for some background for where my 'theory' in protecting yourself is coming from - I grew up in the east end in the 90's and have had all this bullshit happen to me before (robbed at gunpoint, jumped and beaten 8 on 1, shot at, etc), so I'm speaking from the victim's perspective. I've been on that side of it as a passive and intimidated teenager as these kids were my peers. As an adult, I know how these kids think and would be damned if these kids are going to get a laugh out of beating on me.


ckrobinson
2010-06-16 13:59:28

- Rev. Burgess hates cyclists and is probably

behind all of this.


This is why we need his assistance. The cyclists are most likely from Dowd's or Peduto's districts, while the altercations are in Burgess's. Who better to assist Burgess in neighborhood programs for these youth (and acquiesce funds), than Dowd or Peduto?


sloaps
2010-06-16 14:04:36

The art of fighting without fighting. Even if you

have pepper spray or a gun, or whatever, act and

ride as if you dont. Avoid dark streets, or groups

of kids.


It is like taking cycling one step further. I

literally ride as if every car is going to hit me.

Every car is going to make a left turn into me.

Every car coming up on me can hit me. Treat

threatening groups of people this way as well and

hopefully you will minimize your risk of incident.


steevo
2010-06-16 14:17:39

"The best is to win without fighting."


bradq
2010-06-16 14:24:43

"Speed is the essence of war."


Very applicable to us.


reddan
2010-06-16 14:32:31

Thanks erok. I do often see and have to dodge drunks while coming home from arsenal park on thursday nights. Hopefully someone looking to jump me might think twice when they see me with a polo mallet.


willie
2010-06-16 14:33:44

+1 steevo


Last year I was riding home in the evening through Brighton Heights on Woodlawn when a group of kids started closing in on me. Fortunately all they did was get close to me and scream -- but they could just as easily have pushed me over. I haven't been back there since.


I believe this same area is where the 50-something-year-old retired fire fighter was shot to death by two kids who were "out to rob the first person they saw."


I agree with steevo -- treat everything as a possible threat, ride in groups and avoid packs of kids.


surly-jason
2010-06-16 14:39:53

Steevo, I was at Kraynicks in the 90's, I never felt threatened on my bike then, and never heard about random violence against cyclists. Of course there was also 90% less cyclists back then, for whatever that is worth.


eric
2010-06-16 14:53:27

It was just random gang violence. We got accosted and

rocks thrown at us for wearing blue. I think most

anybody familiar with the area now and then would

say its hundreds of times better now is my point.


steevo
2010-06-16 15:01:36

I certainly wouldn't advocate initiating anything. Avoidance of the situation is best, but one should also be prepared for the worst. At this point it's an unfortunate reality.


I haven't heard anyone mention the second incident yesterday. On WPXI they interviewed an individual that had a half-full plastic soda bottle chucked into his face from a passing car on Braddock Avenue near Henrietta St. I believe the incident happened around 6ish. Fortunately he was okay.


ckrobinson
2010-06-16 17:23:38

I had some kid in a school bus throw a decent size rock at me on Monday morning, right after I went over the Greenfield Bridge, biking up the hill in the park. Fortunately the bus was moving pretty good, and the kid wasn't a physics student, so he missed by a good 2 feet. Still, whiskey tango foxtrot? Who carries a rock onto the bus? I wish I wasn't biking up a hill, I would have caught up with them and made the driver stop.


dwillen
2010-06-16 17:37:55

Helmet cams. Yelling the license plate or bus # so the mike picks it up. Follow up w/police &/or school district.


The more specific we can get, and so we can get away from unspecified "gangs of kids", the more likely we will ID and potentially even *help* these kids.


stuinmccandless
2010-06-16 17:45:23

Who carries a rock onto the bus?

Somebody who wants to throw it at a car.


lyle
2010-06-16 18:02:17

All those kids on a bus where the only person who can discipline then is the driver.


rsprake
2010-06-16 18:09:16

If you have the number of the school bus (say, First Transit #1234), a time of day, and a rough approximation of what window it came from, that narrows it down to a very few individuals. Bus 1234 would be, say, Suchandso Middle School, Route ABC, and kids on that side would be X, Y and Z. Chances are pretty good the driver has an idea who the troublemakers are, and just needs an incident and a witness.


A couple of well placed phone calls to District Transportation and/or the building principal, and you have either the kid or someone who will rat on him/her.


I've been the parent making the call when it was my own kid who was the witness.


stuinmccandless
2010-06-16 18:49:30

also stefb has a bit of an in with the chief of the school police if it came to that...


cburch
2010-06-16 18:51:34

There's a couple kids that hang out at Freeride, they live in the neighborhood somewhere. They seem like good kids. I wouldn't be surprised if they have some idea what's going on. Not names, that's snitchin and I wouldn't ask some kid to do that, but possible motivations, locations. These kids love bikes. I think I've seen them every Sat. I'm at Free ride. I saw them at Performance on Sunday and gave them a couple tubes so they could get something for their bike, They're nice kids and it would seem they're on the side of bikes. Why don't one of you Free riders talk to them. Kids in the neighborhood know other kids in the neighborhood, right?


timito
2010-06-16 18:58:53

Yea, I wish I caught a look at who threw it. I was focused on climbing the hill, and the bus was going at least 25-30 mph faster than me. All I saw was a 2" white rock fly 2 feet in front of my handlebars the moment the bus passed me. It was around the corner and up the hill before I really figured out what happened.


In reality, it could have been the bus tire that kicked it up and tossed it to the side, but that part of the road had no other white rocks, and it was pretty large to be road spray, so I suspect a kid tossed it out the window at me.


I wasn't too upset about it. I wasn't injured, and even if the rock hit me, I'd probably still be fine (helmets++). They only had a second or two to mess with me, as opposed to kids not confined to a bus. I would be more worried if it was some teenagers driving in a car throwing stuff at me. Unlike a school bus, they can slow down, use their car as a weapon, etc.


dwillen
2010-06-16 19:01:39

+1000 steevo


unixd0rk
2010-06-16 19:18:49

Hmm, this is starting to sound like the incidents along Neville that happened several years ago.


This also serves as a good reminder that while East Liberty, Homewood, Lincoln-Lemington, and Wilkinsburg aren't the safest neighborhoods, miscreants are everywhere.


bjanaszek
2010-06-16 19:20:40

Yep you could probably talk to some of the kids that live right over there, they hang out at Free ride on Saturdays, nice kids. Or you could call some politicians and cops that don't live in the neighborhood and to be quite frank, don't give a fuck cause they're not getting beat down.


timito
2010-06-16 19:50:07

I'd just like to report that just like yesterday, 4 black kids were after a (walking) white kid in friendship, on Graham, near Harriet. We drove though Friendship, trying to find the white kid to see if he were alright but couldn't find him. The four black kids couldn't also find him because we saw them walking around too. One biker was on his cellphone, but we couldn't really talk with him.

Then my wife called 911, to report, and all they said on the phone is "call back if it happens again". They did not ask for our location.

Lesson: 1) next time, try to remember what the 4 kids are wearing, and 2) call 911 when it happens. Even 1 minute after, apparently, is not good enough.


lulu
2010-06-16 23:10:41

"call back if it happens again". Nice. Demand to be put on line with a supervisor, and remind them that both the Zone 5 commander and mayor want to put an end to this behavior.


quizbot
2010-06-16 23:40:08

I'm pretty sure I just heard a couple gunshots here in HP. Just saw a critical mass of police vehicles convene right outside my house and then move on. Awesome.


noah-mustion
2010-06-17 03:11:43

LULU. Were one of the pursuers sort of fat/chubby?


I swear 95% of this bullshit is perpetuated by this same quartet of jagoffs.


noah-mustion
2010-06-17 03:12:53

sirens have been going off for the last 20 min. evidently there's a high speed chase on Negley (so reported my friend anyway, who just drove through).


saltm513
2010-06-17 03:20:58

i just came across three officers with flashlights aimed at the ground on portland ave. between jackson and stanton. obviously, they were looking for spent shells. i'm guessing there was a shooting. there's always a huge crowd of people who hangs out at jackson & portland, i wonder if someone came to mess with them.


noah-mustion
2010-06-17 03:41:37

I overheard one of the frequent travellers next door to me on the phone about 45 mins ago talking about a shooting, then a bunch of about 5 girls leaving the apartment... 5 mins after the cops blazed up Negley. I have awesome neighbors.


quizbot
2010-06-17 03:57:49

man i'm glad we took the long way home from the southside last night. we would have been riding down negley exactly when all of this went down. instead we were either climbing up baker or taking a nice cool down roll on morningside ave.


cburch
2010-06-17 12:56:08

Something smells pretty fishy with that shooting, since the photo that now accompanies the P-G article looks a lot like a mugshot.....


bjanaszek
2010-06-17 13:34:22

yeah, a mugshot of the victim. Sounds like someone ordered some drugs and received bullets.


sloaps
2010-06-17 13:51:48

I have friends that live just on the other side of Negley, and they witness drug transactions in the alley next to their house almost daily...


bjanaszek
2010-06-17 13:56:43

BTW, this guy will be up for a father-of-the-year award for bringing his kid to a late night drug deal.


bjanaszek
2010-06-17 14:51:18

All this violence lately is getting crazy. I'm on the other side of Negley and haven't seen as many problems, although there was a shooting of a delivery person earlier this year a block behind us. Jackson and Portland is different as compared to its surroundings and I'm not surprised something happened there. I try to avoid it whenever I can.


Are there any active neighborhood watch programs?


lou-m
2010-06-17 14:51:38

Where do you live on the other side of negley? I live on Hays and there is a somewhat active neighborhood watch in our area, mostly conducted by phone tree. I have never had to use it though.


caitlin
2010-06-17 15:57:23

Avondale. North of Stanton.


lou-m
2010-06-17 16:06:47

lets please not make any assumptions about the man that was killed. His mother has lost two children and their father in the past year and she does not need to read or hear snark about it. This is a small city.


spakbros
2010-06-17 16:27:08

Thanks for the reminder to keep it civil. I'd redact that comment if I could.


bjanaszek
2010-06-17 16:30:54

I wasn't trying to single anyone out, I just know his mother from a different forum


spakbros
2010-06-17 16:32:33

Don't worry, I didn't feel like you necessarily were doing that. I generally adhere the principle of "don't post anything on the internet you wouldn't be willing to say to someone's face" and I think I just broke my own rule.


bjanaszek
2010-06-17 16:35:36