The police and safety section of this website lists all police reports received as well as some reported by residents. This morning, August 24, 2009, approximately 8:30 a.m., I heard a a man calling from a bull horn. Living close to the school, I sometimes hear the bell and sometimes hear their announcements. I thought what I was hearing was from the school - testing. This "announcement" however, sounded very urgent because it was repeated quickly and with a serious tone. I went to an open front window and listened more closely to try to discern the message.
As I leaned in toward the screen, I heard what sounded like gun shots - 4 or 5 of them. Believing that what I heard were gunshots, I quickly shut the window and called for our children to take cover. My neighbor across the street was at her door so I asked her if she heard all that. She said yes, so I told her to take cover.
After making a number of calls to police - 911, sheriff, and Blendon, (and I will say that Blendon, especially Detective Tammy Phillips and acting Chief Lephart), were THE most helpful and understanding of the three) I realized we had a serious problem at a neighbor's home that required the SWAT Team.
My points of distress are this happened close to home and we have children to protect. (To think it could not happen in any neighborhood is naive.) But these were neighbors. And they have a child whom I care about and know. I am also distressed wondering what will happen to the child.
Crime obviously affects more than the criminal. This crime will affect the criminals, their family members (a dear child being one of them), certainly all the neighbors around them, and the community.
I will be praying for them and the child I know.
Pam Clegg, Block Watch Coordinator
