This incident occurred in the 2900 block of North Hamlin Avenue, around 10:00am on yesterday's date, September 10th. As the story begins, our CAPS member was at home, working on something at their desk, when their dog started barking in the front room. They went to investigate and saw four Polish drunks across the street, drinking vodka out of a half gallon bottle. The vodka came from Bristol's, 3086 North Milwaukee Avenue. Black plastic bag. So, as this is a problem in this part of Avondale, our CAPS member dialed 911 to report it. This 911 call was made at 9:49am.
By 10am, the CPD had not yet shown up to the scene. Later, it was learned that an unmarked car came by, but 911 had given them the wrong information. They thought the four drunks were inside a vacant house on Hamlin (which there are none on that block, by the way, from what I can see) and they were not looking for drunks on the sidewalk. So, at 10:01am, our faithful CAPS member called 911 yet again. They reported the drunks again, and told the dispatcher that they would be going outside to take pictures. On that note, I'll explain why pictures were to be taken. You see, CAPS community members had a meeting on Wednesday Downtown with the LCC (Liquor Control Commission) regarding Bristol's selling to drunks. As part of the meeting, the community members were instructed to take pictures of drunks they see drinking and what not.
Five minutes later, CPD still did not come, and our CAPS member went outside to snap some photos. The drunks noticed the CAPS member, and the CAPS member took their pictures. Here's where the attack happens.
This man, a not-so-much drunk who enables the drinkers on Milwaukee, was out there this morning. The CAPS member and this drunk have had a run-in with each other before. If any of you recall, there was a call for an assault back in August on a Sunday morning around 11:15am at Milwaukee and Avers. This guy, who rides a blue girl's bike, was involved in that assault, and is the one who attacked our CAPS member yesterday. This guy was previously mad because of our CAPS member "bothering" his drunk buddies. The last time, the guy yelled at and got into the face of our CAPS member. But this morning, he was way more intoxicated, which lowered his inhibitions, which caused the attack.The CAPS member backed into the street, snapped this picture and the man lunged for him. He got hold of the CAPS member's arm and tried wrenching the camera out of their hands. He cut himself in the effort. So, then, the CAPS member broke away and the man chased them. This caused a bunch of commotion on the street. People came out of their houses. People who were driving by stopped to look. That was when multiple calls to 911 where made regarding the attack on the street. As soon as that beginned to happen, I'm told the police beginned to pull up quickly. The attacker picked up the blue girl's bicycle he had and was walking it up Hamlin toward Milwaukee. The officers went after him, put him in the car and brought him back to the CAPS member.
The attacker was not too cooperative with CPD. He refused to give his last name to responding officers. He pretended to speak only Polish, when it is known for a fact that he does speak a least a little English. In the long run, thankfully, the attacker was arrested. The charges were drinking on the public way, and battery. The officers said he would be taken to jail but would probably be released in a couple of hours. They said he would be warned to stay away from the CAPS member and this street.
I just wanted to make all of you aware of this incident. Please, be careful, everyone. The streets are NOT safe in this neighborhood. Even from drunks, now. This is upsetting, and B.S., I think. This situation needs to stop, NOW. This cannot go on any longer. I am so outraged hearing about this attack that I can only see red right about now. What do we have to do in order for this B.S. to stop??? Will it take getting seriously injured before someone steps up to stop this, or what?? God forbid that, but someone in power needs to address this, HERE AND NOW. I am honestly really sick and tired of hearing the excuses about why nothing is being done. They are absolutely pathetic at this point. This situation has gotten so bad to where a CAPS member is attacked, for crying out loud! We can't have this happen to any CAPS member. And that goes for all other neighborhoods here in the city. I don't think any situation in any neighborhood has gotten to the point where the criminals try to injure a CAPS member, and I will be damned if it happens here.
I think a formal complaint should be filed with the OEMC (911 Center) because of the seriousness of the situation. Once again, they have endangered yet another citizen's life. I would personally prefer a lawsuit, because of all the incidents in the last few months in either when they constantly give the wrong information to the officers, or where the police aren't sent at all, but they would probably be a bit extreme.
But, on a more serious note, maybe a lawsuit or compliant should be filed with Bristol's, for clearly giving them the liquor in the first place. They are in CLEAR violation of yesterday's meeting. This is a main reason why I am outraged. Also, I am glad that other people called 911 when the attack occurred. That is a really, really good thing. I think it saved the CAPS member from getting physically injured. I for one am thankful that they weren't physically injured by this dangerous man.
Now is the time for us, my fellow community members, I think, to DEMAND action in this neighborhood. I now see a reason to protest to this situation. It has gotten out of control. If these vicious attacks can happen to a CAPS member, only God knows what can happen to a person who just lives in the community. So, it's time to step up. It's time to tell the City of Chicago that we will NOT take this anymore! We will not allow people getting attacked by drunks in front of our own home! It has gotten to the point with me that I think it is time we make some phone calls to the press. I think we need to show the rest of Chicago, and the rest of the oh-so-lovely politics, what is happening in this quadrant of Avondale.
I for one am no longer taking pictures of these guys because of this attack. I honestly am afraid at this point, and I am not willing to be rolled away on a stretcher over this.
Comments or questions? Send them here, or email me them.
Thanks,
Timmy
