This past Friday night, numerous calls were received by Hartford's 911 Center regarding gunshots being fired in the area of Capitol Avenue and Orange Street. The victim was found in the street and was eventually pronounced dead. The "victim", who hasn't been "officially" named by Hartford Police, has a fairly extensive arrest record for drug, weapon and assault charges. The 32 year old has spent several years in and out of prison.
Saturday nights homicide was a sharp contrast. Even though several shots were fired, some of them recorded on nearby video recordings, not one call was received by the 911 Dispatch Center. No one called regarding the body laying in the street in the area of 1830 Broad Street. This is near a fairly busy intersection of Broad Street and New Britain Avenue.
Eventually a police officer on patrol noticed the man laying at the curb about a half hour after the murder. According to police sources, the officer first thought was that the man might be intoxicated, but after approaching the body he realized that was not the case.
This victim has not been "officially" named yet either, but he did have a passport on him from another country.
I'm just wondering how several gunshots can be fired in close proximity to residential neighborhoods and not one call is made to the Police. Are we that immune to Hartford's violence?
Another Day, Another Homicide,
ReplyDeleteand all we get from the Mayor is:
"We Are so sorry, Uncle Albert"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsWufNDJl4M
many folks are pleased that it appears to be drug dealers and other criminals being killed
ReplyDeleteThey'll be pleased until little kids start getting caught in the crossfire.
ReplyDeleteCome on, Al. Nobody is pleased at any homicide. On the other hand, as long as we have to have 25 or 30 each year, some homicides may be seen as more productive than others. I admit it; I'd rather see the criminal class killing itself than killing innocent bystanders; urban renewal. Best if they can keep it out of business hours, though. I drove down Hazel St. (over one block from Orange)yesterday. As Hartford goes a pleasant street with lots of kids out on the sidewalks and porches.
ReplyDeleteAre we that immune to Hartford's violence? Kevin, we have no choice but to insulate ourselves. The situation is not in our control. Or maybe you know something I don't about the efficacy of anti-violence vigils, etc.
Peter - Then whose control is it under? Citizens vote for the office-holders who sets the budgets and hire the police. Citizens pay the taxes that pay for the police. Citizens can pick up the phone if they see something suspicious.
ReplyDeleteNice neighborhoods are nice in part because citizens have stepped up and taken responsibility for them. Acting like you have no control over what happens, oh well, so what, is an invitation for things to just keep getting worse.
Every neighborhood should have a blockwatch and every citizen living in Hartford should own and know how to shoot a gun...any person breaking into your home should be dealt with, western style...
ReplyDeleteDave:
ReplyDeleteThings aren't getting worse, or at least not much worse. Hartford bottomed out back in the 80's, or so.
Hartford is what it is and has been for a long time; a ghetto for marginally civilized and marginally self-sufficient.
By all means, vote for a new batch of Democrats, vote for some real progressives like the Greenies or Union Workers Family Party guys, (hell) get sense and vote Republican, call 311, call 911, call Dick Blumenthal or some other ambulance-chaser, attend anti-violence vigils...
None of it will hurt too much, but the culture, or in our case, the anti-culture, is oblivious and immune.
At least you don't recommend expensive and counter-productive social programs, smaller class size, affirmative action, etc., to get at "the root" of the violence problem.
On the bright side, I have seen otters (!) in the Hog River this week. Also, wrens, warblers and thrush right down here on Cap. Ave. All tax free.
Peter..your Republicans are no better..under them they would strip away vital resouces for first responders.Since Hartford doesnt have the resources or apparently the will to drive out the criminals, it is left to the citizens to protect themselves.We need the citizens to bring crime down....form a blockwatch....have a few neighbors pick up your local drug dealers and administer some "rough justice" upon them...you and your neighbors can drive them out if you get off your couch at night and form a self defense group with your neighbors.You could even register your group or blockwatch with the police.
ReplyDelete...have a few neighbors pick up your local drug dealers and administer some "rough justice" upon them...
ReplyDelete------------------------------------
Good plan. Would show we care, so when we're running for office or getting past St.Peter's Gate...
Hartford - a wonderful place,
ReplyDeleteMama arms son so he can make it to school... I only wish the folks at city hall had the balls to confront the urban crime problems like la Sra. Sylvia Mojica.
Free Mojica, Una madre con super cojones.