In a previous posting, I expressed concern about the police deployment with respect to the killing that occurred outside of Koko Bongo on Sunday morning. Having 10 cops there because there had been an "altercation" the previous week seemed excessive -- and I wonder whether this heavy police presence contributed to the precipitation of the gunfire. The reason for the concern is the email message reproduced below, in which Wendell Lewis brags to the UCD Board of Directors about the control this private special services district exerts over the police activity in the area. I'd like to think that the chain of command for decisions as well as responsibility goes up through the ranks to the Captain at the 18th Precinct and eventually to the Police Commissioner, City Council, and the Mayor. Now, I learn that Messers Ceasar and Gray, and Lt McCurdy, are "UCD officers" and that UCD rather than the Philadelphia Police Dept "will step up Police ... patrols in the area." Always at your service & ready for a dialog, Al Krigman ____________________________________ ____________________________________
Recipients of the email message (the UCD Board of Directors) were: Craig Carnaroli; Barry Grossbach; David Adelman; Della Clark; Dorothy Welch Berlind; James Tucker; Joe Trainor; Lindsay Johnston; Mark Mendenhall; Maureen Rush; Max Paul; Mike Brooke; Oliver Franklin; Susan Phillips; Tony Bartolomeo; William Schwartz; (police Lt John McCurdy). The text of the massage was: (http://www.iconworldwide.com/krf) This past Wednesday evening a robbery and arrest occurred at 46th and Larchwood. While the incident is troubling, I am pleased to report that an arrest was made by new UCD Officers Ceasar and Gray; both undercover at the time. Lt. McCurdy is trying to get information on the arrest of the second male perpetrator. The details are as follows: Date and Time: Wednesday 10.24.07, 11:00 PM Location: 46th and Larchwood Details: Complainant W/M 66 yrs. was approached by two B/M’s who began punching the complainant to the ground in an attempt to take his belongings. The males fled the scene; a short time later, one male was apprehended and identified by the complainant. The suspect was identified as B/M 17 yrs. The male was charged with robbery and aggravated assault among other charges. Both males were on bikes prior to the robbery. Description on #2 male is B/M in this teen’s wearing dark clothing. The police have been very responsive. UCD will step up Police and Ambassador patrols in the area. Lewis C. Wendell, Executive Director University City District 3940-42 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 Tel: 215/243-0555 Fax: 215/243-0557 ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com
