View from the cop: Crime & punishment
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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2007 > January > 26
Friday, January 26, 2007
Crime & Punishment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Crime Prevention Tip: With some thieves working at night to break into cars, put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear someone outside trying to get into your car or maybe trying to enter the home, hit the panic button and activate the car alarm. It should scare the thief off and wake the neighbors.
What’s Cooking? Doraville City Jail: Lunch menu Friday: Peanut butter and jelly
Least competent victim A 17-year old male went to the weight room of an apartment complex in the 7800 block of Roswell Road. He went there to sell a dime bag of pot to another 17-year old. When he got there, three men, one armed with a shotgun, came out from a room, forced the teen onto the ground and took $270 cash and his wallet from him. They forced him into his car and drove him to the Kroger at Northridge where they dropped him off and then left in his car. The officers responding were given some information that perhaps one of the bad guys lived in a nearby condo. They checked but did not find anyone related to this crime. You’re a 17-year old in the drug business. You get ripped off and the other bad guys steal your car. Then you call the cops. We don’t want folks stealing your car but honestly, I don’t know how upset I’m going to be over this because after all, you’re a drug dealer.
Yakety yak A 49-year old man was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct and Pointing a Pistol after police were called by a wrecker driver who was towing the suspect’s vehicle from an illegal area. The officer approached the suspect who had a hand in his pocket and the other on the phone. The report said the man refused to comply with the order to take his hand out of his pocket. The man was also ordered off the phone. He refused citing to the officer that he was on the phone with the police. The officer then stated the obvious “I am the police” and I guess it clicked so the man put the phone down. The report said the man was very belligerent and boisterous.
Needed: Sense of direction An 18-year old male was arrested for Loitering after an officer observed him hanging around in an area of recent thefts from cars. The subject told the officer he was walking towards the Marta train station. The officer pointed out the train station was in the opposite direction of where the man was walking. The officer noted the man had no money or I.D. on him at the time.
Mind your marijuana manners A 27-year old male was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Obstruction, and Operating an Unregistered Vehicle following a traffic stop. The officer pulled him over and while speaking to him, the defendant reached into his car despite being told not to. It turned out the reason he kept reaching in was that he wanted to dispose of six roaches and some buds on the floor. Emily Post says “Always dispose of marijuana contraband prior to the police walking up to your car.”
Chill, brotherA 34-year old man was arrested for Theft by Shoplifting after he placed a bottle of Frei Brothers Pinot Moir wine down his pants. Why Frei Brother? Let’s see:
At Frei Brothers Winery, we craft our wines in a gentle, traditional style enhanced through modern technology that makes fruit the focus and showcases the best that each varietal and appellation have to offer. Our Pinot Noir grapes were picked in the cool morning, then de-stemmed, but not crushed to retain a significant portion of whole berries during fermentation. After a few days of cold soak, the grapes were allowed to warm and then begin fermentation. Fermentation temperatures were monitored closely to achieve optimum extraction of color, aroma, and flavor resulting in a rich, smooth wine that maintains its earthy characteristics and true Pinot character. Fermentation proceeded with several different yeast strains to give a breadth and depth of aromas and flavors. 100% of the wine was aged in oak barrels for seven and a half months The result: a classically styled, well-balanced Pinot Noir that is best served thirty minutes after removing it from your pants. I know, I’ve said this before but it’s funny.
Chill, sister A woman was stopped for driving in the emergency lane. The officer checked her driver’s license and found it to be suspended. Folks, make peace with the fact that traffic is terrible. Relax and listen to some Enya. Stay out of the emergency lane. It’s called the “Emergency Lane” and not the “Extended Northridge Road Exit Lane” for a reason and if you have a suspended license, you’re asking for trouble.
Swoosh not a good sign A beat-officer working the area of Northwood and Roswell Roads observed a subject he knew as a juvenile gang-banger. He saw the subject talking to some area homeless guys who, when they saw the officer, quickly walked off. Following the officer’s investigation, the juvenile was arrested for Possession of MDMA (Ecstacy) that was found in an Advil bottle. The drug was green with a NIKE ‘swoosh’ symbol on it. (Parents, check your kid’s aspirin bottles now.) The suspect was arrested. The suspect’s car was impounded. More ‘swoosh’ was found in the back seat.
Rent payment tip A man dropped his rent payment into a drop box at the apartment complex. Later he found that the check had been stolen and altered and deposited into a bank account that was later closed. Just to be safe, try and schedule rent payments so you can make the payment directly to the office staff who you know.
Seconds to steal A woman said that she left her purse unattended in a hotel lobby for a few minutes and when she returned, the purse was gone. Folks, if nothing else, if you will just learn from other’s mistakes, you’ll be in a much better place knowing that this stuff does happen. This victim was gone only a couple of minutes. It takes only seconds to steal something. Now, you know this stuff happens, next time you think about leaving something behind, even for a few seconds, reconsider it because now you know. Prior information. It’s a great thing.
Easy to steal Thieves took an IBM Thinkpad laptop, Eddie Bauer DVD player, jacket, and $50 cash from an S.U.V. overnight in the 200 block of West Spalding Drive. The vehicle was unlocked.
Have a great weekend and don’t forget to chill the Frei Brothers.
