DocM Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 "Why I carry a gun", 2013 Edition :/ http://detnews.com/updates/article?a=2013310220046&f=1208 Detroit police chief almost a carjacking victim Detroit -- Detroit Police Chief James Craig told a crowd gathered Monday evening for an anti-carjacking program that he narrowly avoided a carjacking himself on a recent Friday night while driving an unmarked police car. Craig detailed a stop at a red light two weeks ago on Jefferson Avenue. "There are certain cars each suspect tends to (be attracted) to, and I guess they liked my police car -- a police car with lights," Craig said. "And one suspect jumped out and began running toward the passenger side of my vehicle ... As soon as I saw the suspect running to my car, I accelerated out of harm's way. "And then, candidly, I got angry ... I said, 'I can't believe this just almost happened.'" Craig told more than 50 people gathered for the anti-carjacking program that thugs are doing more than scaring them. They are sizing them up, seeking out who's vulnerable and aware of the best spots to pounce. Craig said when he began his post in July, he found carjacking was "almost like a way of life in Detroit." As of Monday, there have been 582 carjackings in Detroit, a 1 percent decrease compared the same period in 2012, according to Detroit police spokeswoman Kelly Miner. It takes about seven seconds to consider victims at red lights, train crossings, fast food and other drive-throughs, and parking lots, especially vehicles parked farther from the store, offer the most attractive spots, Detroit police Detective Brian Fountain said. Police also noted that when carjackers aim a gun, there's an 85 percent chance they'll shoot. "The carjackers are prepared -- that's why they have a gun," Fountain said. "And they are prepared to use that gun, so you have to pay attention." > > Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Growled Member Posted October 24, 2013 Member Share Posted October 24, 2013 You know it's a rough place when the Chief of Police has to run away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
episode Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Uh, if thats the whole story maybe the chief read the situation wrong? I mean, if it had lights on the car, couldn't the person theoretically be trying to report a crime? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 No, hoods have attacked cop cars (buses, stopped trains, taxi's, trolly's) before. With several hundred carjackings a year you don't take chances. This new Chief is also no amateur - he was a beat cop in Detroit before rising through the ranks in Los Angeles. Yeah, Detroit can be a tough town. Downtown is pretty good, building a lot with several nearby areas gentrifying etc., but many neighborhoods are downright scary. I'd rather walk the streets of Mogadishu. Cops are spread thin over 134.5 square miles, as large as Boston, San Francisco and Manhattan combined. Makes police, fire and EMS logistics a friggin' nightmare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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