Fresh Loaf

“Take your shotgun out of the corner, or from under the bed, and make it accessible!”

Coming soon: Lil’ Back Up!  Easily adaptable to bunk beds, cribs — even racecar beds!  It’s a blast!

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Remember the daring robbers who broke into a Grant Park home and made off with a flat-screen TV? You probably saw it on the YooToobz, the world’s most powerful crime-fighting tool next to David Caruso.

Now other Atlanta residents are putting the site to use.

Surveillance camera footage recently uploaded to YouTube shows a person allegedly trying to break into cars at the Milltown Lofts in Reynoldstown on Aug. 9. The first video, filmed around 3:30 a.m., shows a man moseying through the parking lot and unsuccessfully trying to enter a black Toyota 4Runner.

Three hours later, the same man returns. He peers into the same car and then walks behind a silver pick-up truck. Several minutes later, the man is seen strolling past the camera and rolling a keyboard.

(more…)

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WSB-TV reports that a man stabbed early Saturday morning in Piedmont Park is in critical condition and expected to undergo surgery at Grady Hospital.

Investigators said two men got into an altercation near a lake inside the park at about 3: 30 a.m.

Police said the perpetrator punched the victim twice and then stabbed him twice in the stomach.

Authorities said it was unclear if the victim knew the perpetrator.

Police described the perpetrator as a “black male, between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall, carrying a backpack.”

This morning’s attack is the second after-hours crime in Piedmont Park to make headlines this year. On May 28, 43-year-old Patrick Boland was killed near the same lake.

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A weekend break-in at WonderRoot Community Arts Center that forced the closure of its digital media lab won’t impact the Reynoldstown nonprofit in the long term, its executive director Chris Appleton says.

“It’s unfortunate it’s happened here,” Appleton tells CL. “A space that’s worked toward bettering and building the community. We’re sad that some people are not respectful of the work the artists have created.”

The five computers that were taken were all insured, Appleton says, so the digital media lab will most likely be back up and operating by next week.

“We’re not going to let it stop us or slow us down,” he says.

He says he was surprised by the outpouring of support from WonderRoot and community members. Minutes after he sent an email to notify artists about the break-in, Appelton says, he received 30-40 responses asking if the center needed any assistance.

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Everyone wants to know! Quel scandale!

We hope our fellow freedom-loving friends across the Atlantic will be enchanted by the depiction of our grand city. Crime, bum bots, and hella guns. Creative Loafing also plays a role. “Jay-sohn,” the civilian patroller interviewed in the report, is CL’s senior art director. Hat tip to SpaceyG for finding the video.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2008 crime statistics, released on Monday, add weight to the argument that, contrary to what some folks in City Hall might’ve said in the past, Atlanta’s crime concerns aren’t about perception but about people actually entering your car or home and taking your possessions.

Although the bureau’s stats show violent crimes in Atlanta decreased 8.3 percent compared to 2007 (that’s good!), property crimes such as burglaries, thefts and larceny jumped 7.6 percent (that’s bad!). That’s quite a leap in just a year and a stark contrast to the 1.6 percent decrease in property crimes enjoyed by the rest of the country.

Real Clear Politics crunched the bureau’s statistics and concluded Atlanta had a 16 percent per capita crime rate, thus earning it the distinction of being the second least safe city in the United States. Memphis, Tenn., earned top honors. San Antonio, Texas, Detroit and Milwaukee rounded out the bottom five.

Celebrate our dubious honor by locking up your flat screens, supporting your local patrolman, and keeping valuables in your car out of sight.

(H/T to Sara for noting the RCP article)

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Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin is once again the target of angry, metaphorical hunks of wood.

Southern Voice reports the gay G.O.P. group Georgia Log Cabin Republicans has called for Franklin’s resignation.

The latest rash of murders, robberies, hate crimes, and lawlessness are a direct result of her failure to provide proper protection by an effective police force . . [w]e are also urging Governor Sonny Perdue to take control of the situation, and requesting that he order in the Georgia National Guard or Georgia State Patrol into Atlanta to help stabilize the current crime mayhem in the city.” 

I’m pretty sure they mean Perception of Crime Mayhem.

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Using Twitter to summon police, fire and ambulance services during an emergency, as Atlanta city councilman Kwanza Hall recently did, is a BRILLIANT idea.

Not only will the city’s less affluent neighborhoods on the south and west sides get even less attention than they already do, but think of the entertainment.

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Holla!

From the Atlanta Police Department:

The Atlanta Police Department Special Enforcement Section with the assistance of other APD Units served a warrant yesterday in Southwest Atlanta. As a result of the warrant several people were arrested and numerous items were seized. Among the items were 4 firearms, 3 flat panel televisions, ammunition, bolt cutters, 1 purse, 2 designer shirts and 10 pair of designer blue jeans. A news conference will be held today at 10:00am on the 2nd floor of City Hall East to provide further details.

If you recall, Fox 5 reported a suspected link between some of the “blue-jean bandit” robberies and the 30 Deep Gang. Jonathan Redding, the teen who was arrested in connection with the John Henderson murder, was suspected to be a 30 Deep member.

UPDATE: The AJC’s Mike Morris has more details:

Two adults and three juveniles, ranging in age from 14 to 25, were arrested, and police said four of the suspects are known members of the “30 Deep” gang that was recently connected to the Jan. 7 killing of Grant Park bartender John Henderson.

However, police said Friday that they had not been able to connect any of those arrested Thursday night to Henderson’s slaying.

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Richard Pennington

UPDATE: Pennington says he hasn’t been contacted for the position. The White House declines to comment. We clasp our hands and pray Atlanta’s favorite soul patch — he’s after the jump below — is not named the next DEA chief.

CBS Atlanta reports that Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington is being eyed to head the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Or maybe not?

A [APD] spokesperson says the department has not been informed of this information and they could not comment.

[CBS Atlanta reporter Joanna Massee] e-mailed Mayor Shirley Franklin to see if she was aware Pennington was being considered for a position at the DEA. A spokesperson for the mayor said, “While Mayor Franklin is unaware of the opportunity in your email she thinks, ‘Chief Pennington is a terrific and highly effective law enforcement official and who has served Atlanta with distinction.’”

Pennington sent an email to CBS Atlanta and it said, “I have no knowledge that I’m being considered for any federal law enforcement position. Furthermore, I have not been contacted by anyone in Washington.”

New Orleans media outlets are abuzz about the rumor. Pennington was the city’s former police superintendent before heading to Atlanta. Eager to put a stop to all the madness, CL contacted its fictitious high-level sources at the federal agency. Turns out there’s been some confusion.

(more…)

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The Midtown Ponce Security Alliance hosts a special meeting tonight at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer to address the city’s crime problem. Atlanta City Councilmembers Kwanza Hall and Anne Fauver and Major Khirus Williams of the Atlanta Police Department’s Zone 5 will attend. The public is welcome.

Full release and additional details are after the jump.

(more…)

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Nearly 175 people gathered in Little Five Points last night to rally and raise awareness about the city’s  crime problem. Atlantans Together Against Crime, a grassroots citizen group, organized the event. The group plans to stage rallies in different Atlanta neighborhoods on the last Monday of every month.

Grayson of Mostly Media has video of last night’s event.

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A Jan. 7 killing and armed robbery at the Standard Food and Spirits sparked community outcry — and questions over who’s to blame for a rise in Atlanta crime.

“The idea that we have a city where this kind of violence can happen is completely unacceptable. … What we have seen is cuts [in police hours] made [by Mayor Shirley Franklin] without consultation and collaboration.”

— Atlanta Councilmember Mary Norwood, who attended a Thursday morning vigil for victim John Henderson, in a Jan. 8 AJC article.

“I proposed a modest tax increase [in early 2008] dedicated to public safety and the Council chose to roll back taxes in spite of our warnings. … [Norwood] has never sought to discuss the budget recommendations with me and I find her remarks today to be ludicrous and irresponsible.”

— Franklin’s response to Norwood, in a Jan. 8 press release.

“i would be happy to pay more taxes for a safer community. but our family can and will leave if the city doesn’t address this problem.”

— Adam Bartolett, in a post on the Atlantans Together Against Crime and Cutbacks’ Facebook page.

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John Henderson

The reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects who murdered John Henderson, a bartender at Standard Food and Spirits, has doubled.

The AJC reports that the $5,000 reward originally offered by Atlanta Crime Stoppers, a program of the Atlanta Police Foundation, now totals more than $10,000. Much more information is available at the Grant Park Neighborhood Association’s page on the fundraising efforts.

The paper also reports that police are investigating whether the guns fired in the Wednesday morning crime may have also been used in recent robberies.

Police ask anyone with information about the robbery and homicide at The Standard to please call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477. You can also visit the website.

If you’d like to make a contribution to the John Henderson Memorial Fund, visit the Grant Park Neighborhood Association and follow the links to donate via credit card. Checks and money orders can also be sent to the Grant Park Neighborhood Association, P. O. Box 89235, Atlanta, GA 30312. Designate “John Henderson Memorial Fund” on the donation.

(Photo courtesy of the Grant Park Neighborhood Association)

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CBS 46 (”We ask the tough questions! Eat that, liars!”) reports Atlanta City Council President Lisa Border’s Southwest Atlanta home  was burglarized a few hours after Mayor Shirley Franklin’s Monday speech in which she said crime in the city had gone down. The robbers, who kicked in Borders’ front door, made off with a 26″ flat-screen television. (Click the link above to view the report.)

Another tip of the hat to Grayson for sending the link.

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As mentioned in Joeff Davis’ earlier post about this morning’s vigil at the Standard, local residents Kyle Keyser and Tessa Horehled have started an advocacy group for Atlantans to connect and stay informed about crimes and other issues affecting the community.

The group, called Atlantans Together Against Crime and Cutbacks, is in its beginning stages. (Residents can share stories and information about crimes with other members on the group’s Facebook page.)

Keyser writes:

The Facebook forum will be for sharing accounts of violent crime that effect those within our community, as well as posting updates on news, protests, and other tools to help bring awareness to this issue. The mailing list below will be used to share information on gatherings, protests, and lobbying efforts to fight cutbacks. You will not be inundated with email and will only notify you of big events (estimated at a few emails a month).

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Management and employees of Standard Food and Spirits have established a memorial fund for John Henderson, the 27-year-old bartender who was murdered at the restaurant after a robbery early Wednesday morning.

“We are offering what help we can financially and emotionally to his family,” Chris Johnson, owner and general manager of Standard Food and Spirits, said in a press release from the city. “John was very outgoing and very lively and supportive. Our hearts go out to his parents, extended family and his many friends. It’s unfortunate that someone would take another life in such a senseless crime.”

Tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Southeast Atlanta residents will hold a vigil for Henderson at The Standard. Management and staff are also planning a memorial service at the restaurant in the near future.

To contribute funds to the John Henderson Memorial Fund, visit the Grant Park Neighborhood Association website and follow the link to make a donation via credit card. Checks and money orders, noted as “John Henderson Memorial Fund,” can be mailed to the Grant Park Neighborhood Association, PO Box 89235, Atlanta, GA 30312.

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UPDATE: Standard Food and Spirits’ management request the event be a vigil, not a protest, and that participants do not bring signs or placards. Participants are encouraged to bring candles to light as a tribute to the victim. The post below has been edited to reflect the Standard’s request.

Southeast Atlanta residents shaken by the this morning’s murder of a bartender at Standard Food and Spirits will hold a 7 a.m. vigil tomorrow at the Memorial Drive restaurant.

Rally participants are encouraged to bring candles to light.

For driving directions to The Standard, visit here. To find the nearest public transit that serves the restaurant, visit here.

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RATTLED: Little Five Points resident Kyle Keyser says his Dec. 17 mugging reflects how brazen Atlanta crime has become.

On Dec. 17, local video producer and blogger Kyle Keyser stopped at the Pizza Hut on North Avenue to pick up a late dinner for his roommate’s boss. Five men stood outside the pizza joint. One asked Keyser if he’d buy him some food. Keyser, sympathetic to the man’s hunger, said sure.

But the restaurant was closed, and as Keyser returned to his car, the five men surrounded him and pushed him against a nearby vehicle. One shoved a gun to his neck. They demanded money. Keyser said he didn’t have any but handed over his ATM card.

The men took Keyser’s cell phone and wallet and ordered him to lie on the ground. One suspect, pistol in hand, took aim.

“I’m gonna shoot him,” Keyser recalls the suspect saying. “I’m gonna shoot this motherfucker.”

“Don’t shoot him,” pleaded the guy who Keyser had offered to buy food.

“Naw,” the gunman said, “I’m gonna shoot him in the leg.”

Keyser, face down on the pavement, braced himself for a bullet. Instead, he saw five pairs of sneakers walk off. He sensed he had an exit, jumped in his car, and sped toward Midtown to call the police. He says bank receipts show the suspects purchased food with his card at a gas station a block away.

“OK, people get mugged and asked for money,” says Keyser, whose house has been broken into twice. “There’s a certain amount of crime that you associate with living in the city. It’s not forgivable, but it’s understood. You know it’s going to happen. What concerns me now is the spike in violent crime.”

Read the rest of this story.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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Atlanta’s 11 Least Influential People is Creative Loafing’s annual tribute to the Joe and Josephine Averages of the world who try, but don’t necessarily succeed. Winners 11 through six will be revealed, one-per-day, until Wednesday, November 12, when the 11 Least Influential issue hits newsstands.

Editor’s note: This winner’s name/photo has been withheld out of respect for her safety.

In September, a local artist returned from a mid-afternoon visit to the gym to find her Southwest Atlanta home had been burglarized.

“I didn’t realize anything was wrong until I sat down at my computer and saw it wasn’t there,” she says. “They took all my computers, cameras, my TV, jewelry, pretty much what they could grab.”

A freelance graphic designer who works from home, the woman’s stolen computers contained years of her work.

“It’s strange to think that someone bought my life for $20 on the street,” she said.

Though the burglary happened in the middle of the day on a busy street, and the thieves used her giant, green “herby curby” garbage bin to wheel away her possessions, no one came forward to identify suspects to police.

She came away with the incident with a sense of foreboding.

“I just knew I was gonna get broken into again,” she says. “They already know what I have and they knew I was going to replace it.”

She was right.

Last week, her house was burglarized a second time. Her alarm system scared the assailants away, but not before they managed to haul her TV through a window and into some bushes outside her house.

Because her schedule is irregular, the woman believes the person(s) breaking into her house live(s) nearby, attacking her home when they see her leave the house.

She can only speculate, however, because Atlanta Police did not take fingerprints after the burglaries — as is department procedure.

“Me getting broken into is not that severe,” she says. According to Atlanta Police, residential burglary was up 23 percent citywide during the first half of the year — and 40 percent in the police precinct where the woman lives.

She expects to be burglarized again any day.

“I’m constantly waiting for the [alarm company to call].” (more…)

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THE SKY IS FALLING: At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a California man said he was looking at an arrival/departure screen on Concourse B, when something struck him in the forehead. An officer investigated and determined that the object that hit the man was a small, white, round object. It apparently fell from a light fixture above him. The man complained of a forehead injury and medics treated him. He refused to go to a hospital because he had a flight to catch.

Get  your sneak peak at this week’s Blotter here.

(Illustration by Tray Butler)

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1+1=4? An undercover officer was working a vice operation at the intersection of North and Westlake avenues. A woman allegedly got into his car and offered to give him oral sex for $25 or sex for $50. Also, she allegedly offered to perform both acts for $40. (The Blotter Diva ain’t no math whiz, but let’s add this up: Apparently her price for sex + oral sex is lower than her price for just sex.) Her business approach may be even more uncommon. The officer wrote: “[The woman] went on to state that if I did not like it, then I could have my money back.” She was arrested for soliciting sex. (The Blotter Diva cannot recall — in the entire history of the Blotter — any other alleged hooker offering to return the fee, if the customer didn’t like, um, it.)

Get your Blotter fix here.

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PET PEEVES: An officer responded to a 911 hang-up call on Woodland Avenue. A man said when he returned to his apartment around 3 a.m., his door was unlocked and someone had been inside. He said his red parrots were outside his front door, and someone had opened the birdcage, allowing the red parrots to go free. But nothing was missing from his apartment, he said. The man, age 40, smelled strongly of alcohol, the officer noted.

Later the same day, another officer responded to a call from the same apartment on Woodland Avenue. The 40-year-old man said when he returned to his apartment later, his tank of pet fish had been thrown on the ground. (Five pet fish were dead, the officer noted.). Also, the man said, another birdcage was broken, releasing two finch birds inside. (The finches apparently flew away, according to the police report.) The man kept his fish tank and birdcages on his patio. The man said he suspects the owners of his apartment complex are trying to intimidate him — because he reported dangerous mold at his former apartment complex, which is owned by the same company.

Get your Blotter fix here.

(Illustration by Tray Butler)

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RIVERDANCE REJECT? Around 4 p.m., a middle-aged man was allegedly waving a wooden cross at passing cars at the intersection of Freedom Parkway and Boulevard. Police ordered him to leave. So he left. Apparently, this wannabe performer was not to be stifled. About three hours later, the man returned to the same spot but this time, he allegedly danced and made gestures at passing cars. This time, police arrested the 49-year-old man for disorderly conduct and “pedestrian in the roadway.”

Get your sneak peak at this week’s Blotter here.

(Illustration by Tray Butler)

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DETERMINED BOOZE HOUND: At a nightclub on Alco Street, the manager said someone knocked a hole in the roof, dropped down through the hole and stole $4,200 worth of alcohol during the night. “It appeared the suspects used a cinder block, knife, fiberglass-handled hammer (this item broke during the incident) to knock the hole in the roof,” the officer wrote. “Once down on the ground, the suspects stole a trash can from the business next door to carry away the alcohol.” Some tools were found in another trash can. The nightclub does not have a surveillance system or an alarm. But apparently, the Waffle House across the street has a surveillance camera pointed at the nightclub. The Waffle House manager said he would have to contact the main office to pull the video.

Want more Blotter? Click here.

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