The Politics Meister

It looks like there was a scary random act of violence in Pigtown. Below are two emails that describe the situation in Pigtown. I have also been told that “WVDA had a meeting scheduled with Major Bloodsworth on 7-6-10 at 6:30pm to discuss the activity on W.Ostend. Due to his abrupt transfer/retirement, we still have not meet face-to-face with a high ranking police officer.” Here is the first email:

“Here’s one e-mail sent to the Southern District Concerning the activity on W.Ostend:

Police cuff and cite City Council Candidate/Community Activist, criminals not pursued after brutally beating resident.

On 6-26-2010 at about 2:30am, Rick ****, of the 1300 block of W.Ostend St, returned home after enjoying the evening out with friends.  When he opened the front door, his dog ran out and around the corner.  Rick pursued the dog around the corner and quickly became surrounded by four drug dealers.  They jumped Rick (for no reason) breaking his nose and blackening both eyes.  Rick stumbled home constantly being pursued by one of the attackers. He entered his home called 911 and City Council Candidate/Community Activist, Adam Van Bavel.

Van Bavel arrived shortly after the Police to help his neighbor.  The Police cuffed The City Council Candidate, made him sit on the curb and left him there for some time.  Eventually, he was given a citation for “hindering” a Police Officer.  However, the Police never searched for, found or arrested the four young black males who jumped Rick.

Several hours later, Sebastian Sassi, (VP of WVDA) checked his voice mail and heard a message from Rick left immediately after the attack. Sassi went to Rick’s house and found the four attackers on the corner by Rick’s home.  Sassi called 911 and an officer responded.  However, the officer only questioned three of the four attackers—getting their names and their dates of births.  The four attackers were not taken into custody nor have warrants been issued for their arrest.”

Here is the second email:

“I went to a friend who had called me for safety reasons after he had been assaulted two Saturday’s ago.  Upon arrival I was quickly confronted by one officer out of two.  He asked me to leave at which point I stated I was called by the victim and wanted to see how he was doing.  Rick, the victim was on the stairs, one officer was to his left and the confrontational officer to his right.  I was to the far right.  Rick interjected it was ok I be there, but the officer persisted that I leave and became physical by touching me.  I then removed him from my arms as I had done nothing to provoke this.  At that point he cuffed me, searched me and then went to his car for an extended period of time. The other officer neither agreed nor disagreed with the situation.  I remained quiet with the exception of asking for his badge number.  I wanted to file a complaint, but had scheduled a time to speak with Major Bloodsworth and others to discuss before doing so.  Obviously other issues came into play and that is no longer an option.  I deserve an apology and the court case should be dropped as enough of my time has been wasted.  What is paramount however is the way the situation played out.  We are in a time of extreme tension and community relations are key to maintaining safe communities.  These officers apparently didn’t give any efforts to search for the assailants despite them being known offenders in the area living just blocks away.  I sat in cuffs and took the brunt of the officer’s frustration and those responsible continue to roam free.  Last Monday I helped Rick move some items as he put his house for sale and two of the kids were glaring from the corner on the next block while we transferred items to his car.  That same day a man was stabbed on the opposing corner just hours, maybe even less than an hour before.  These kids are a problem in our community and for all I know it could have been one of them.  The Baltimore Police Department has a tough job and we all need to work together to ease tension and increase positive outcomes.  I simply want the best environment for our citizens and officers to work towards a better Baltimore.  This incident is not the way to get there and similar occurrences happen quite often.  I didn’t know Zach Sowers, but actively followed his story.  I have been attacked myself in Canton years ago and stabbed in the back having my right lung collapse in Ocean City.  Safety is a huge concern for me both personally and for the city I live in.  Please get back to me at your convenience to discuss further.

Sincerely,

Adam Van Bavel“