The corner of Laurel and China has seen a lot of action lately. On Sunday night, police evicted three or four squatters who were living in a tent in the backyard of a vacant house. The owner says renovations on the house should be finished this Fall. On Monday afternoon a car going up the wrong the way on Laurel hit a truck that was trying to cross Laurel on China. No word on how serious the injuries were, but this may add to calls for more street signs and traffic enforcement.

So, after I sent the message below last night, I received the welcome news from a neighbor that one of the suspects was caught. Marty and Mark spotted a person who matched one of Kenneth’s descriptions and ran him down to Cherry St. Along with another Cherry St. homeowner, they were were able to keep him cornered long enough until the police could arrive. He was picked up in the cemetery (he had gone through a hole in the cemetery fence). He apparently pulled a knife on Marty.

This is not the first time that Marty has confronted dangerous criminals in the neighborhood (the dude is like Batman in a pickup truck).

Still have heard nada from the police.

Thanks,
Scott

On Jul 24, 2008, at 10:49 PM, Scott Burger wrote:

I spoke with Kenneth this morning and was glad he seemed ok. It was definitely more than “theft from residence”. I have left messages for police I spoke to yesterday, but no response.

Kenneth said it was two or three white men who came into his house. There is some talk that they are from one of the western hobo encampments on the riverfront.

If the event does not upgraded to a robbery, I will be doing more to get media involved.

Thanks,
Scott

On Jul 23, 2008, at 11:26 PM, Scott Burger wrote:

I am still following up on this. The police classified the incident as ‘theft from residence’ and I shared my concerns that they were downplaying the crime. I am hoping to hear more soon.

Thanks,
Scott

On Jul 23, 2008, at 7:54 AM, Scott Burger wrote:

I heard second hand about a robbery/home invasion on the 600 block of
S. Pine St that took place Sunday night.

I am trying to get the details of the case from the victim or the
police but have been unsuccessful so far.

This is a pretty serious matter and I am more than concerned that we
have not heard anything in the news or from the police about this.

Please feel free to call me if you know something. If I don’t hear
back from the police soon I will be contacting the media.
I am wondering if our fears of possible under-reporting of crime by
the police is something that bears more investigation.

Thanks,
Scott

The January 2008 report for Sector 413 (PDF) from Lieutenant Lisa Drew is now available.

Due to ongoing issues with car theft in the area, residents of the 4th Precinct can get a free anti-car theft device “The Club”. To get yours, bring your vehicle registration to the 4th Precinct office at 107 South 5th Street. Call (804) 646-4105 before coming to make sure an officer is there to help you. [via]

The December 2007 report for Sector 413 (PDF) from Lieutenant Lisa Drew is now available.

Despite OHNA’s opposition, VCU demolished 917 Green Alley (the historic livery stable in back of the Cary St. Gym at 911 W. Cary Street) today.

Changes at one of our sister sites had killed the neighborhood crime map for a few days there, but it’s all back now.

A string of small arsons in Oregon Hill and the Fan that took place late Friday night/Saturday morning is being investigated. While the police and fire marshal were on the scene, more trash can fires were reported on Cumberland and in the Fan.

A motorcycle parked in front of a house on the 400 block of Laurel Street exploded after it’s seat was on fire. Fortunately the fire was put out before it spread to any of the nearby wood frame houses.

The November 2007 report for Sector 413 is now available (PDF), and includes this nugget:

11/26/07 - Due to the assistance of a citizen in Oregon Hill, Terrance Bridy was arrested and charged with 2 Burglaries and Grand Larceny. A citizen observed Mr. Bridy coming from his neighbor’s back yard carrying suspicious items. The citizen confronted the suspect and the suspect began to run. The citizen followed him and was able to detain him until Officer Patrick Mansfield was on scene. Officer Mansfield remembered that Mr. Bridy matched the description of the suspect in an attempted burglary on 11/02 – that victim was notified and was able to identify him as the person attempting to break in to his home. Mr. Bridy was charged with both offenses.

A resident was robbed at gunpoint by two individuals around 12:30AM on November 29th while entering residence. She literally had about an 8 foot walk from her car parked on the street to the side door of the house. While putting her key in the door two men came up behind her and demanded money. They got all the cash on her (three dollars), as well as an old cell phone and her ID. She was not physically hurt in any way. This occured at the corner of Laurel and Idlewood.

The muggers were described as 2 black males. One was about 5′8, the other unknown. Both had dark hoodies and jeans. They had no facial hair and both had semi-automatic pistols. It all happened in about 30 seconds-1 minute or so. They took off around the corner down Laurel St. towards the river.

The police were called and reports were filed.