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December 8, 2008
Violent Mugging on South Elliott Place
A young woman reader writes:
Last Thursday night at 1:30 a.m. I was mugged on South Elliott Place between Dekalb and Lafayette by 2 young men (between 16-25, but didn't get a good look). They came running up from behind and grabbed me (not sure if they jumped out of the bushes or a dark area under a stoop), threw me to the sidewalk, said they were holding a gun to my head, frisked me, and took my wallet, phone, keys, bag, and then ran away.
The victim also reports that, according to a detective at the 88th Precinct, this is the third time in the last week that a woman in her early 20s has been mugged by two men of matching descriptions between 1 and 4 a.m.
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Comments
I'm very sorry to hear about it and appreciate the sharing.
Posted by: Schultz at December 8, 2008 10:06 AM
If the descriptions are that generic I'm not suprised the other guys match the description...
Posted by: dittoburg at December 8, 2008 10:18 AM
That sucks. Isn't this what Brownstoner calls the "good" side of the park? Also seems to be right next to two subway stops. Punks probably wait by the subway exits to pick marks. Do the Guardian Angels still exist?
Posted by: Mr Joist at December 8, 2008 10:26 AM
Good God. I hate to say it, but I must admit that on some barely submerged level, I am relieved we haven't made our move yet.
I know all the arguments. This is New York City; lot's of crime in other neighborhoods too; gentrification doesn't mean bad things don't still happen; this was at 1:30 a.m...
But it seems to my easily spooked eye, that Ft. Greene has had too great a lion's share of grisly or scary stuff lately. The dissected body in a bag on Washington Park; the shooting on St. Felix; the wild west shoot-out and homicide on Greene at Hanson Place; the violent mugging of the man walking his kid to school around Clinton & DeKalb...
Anyway. My .02.
Posted by: Nokilissa at December 8, 2008 10:29 AM
are we to expect more of this, with the changing economic climate?
I told a friend, who is planning to move to Brooklyn from Manhattan to beware of certain blocks in boerum hill for the same reason...muggings, often by young kids. Seems like we have a spate of them, then you see beat cops for about 2 weeks, they disappear & it starts up again.
Posted by: binnyG at December 8, 2008 10:36 AM
This is the time of year that one has to be most on guard. Crooks need extra cash for the holidays too. In the old days, a young woman coming home by herself at 1:30 AM would definitely be on her guard with her can of mace visibly in her hand. Actually, she would have taken a cab if she possibly could. There is no better expenditure of money than on personal safetly. Cabs late at night for single women are one of those expenditures.
People have forgotten the old street rules. They forget this is New York.
Posted by: sam at December 8, 2008 10:51 AM
Yes, this is the good side of the park and that is why the muggings happen here. It's the jackass and dangerous kids from the projects that cross the park to prey on people. These people have nothing to do with economic woes, they are criminals. Wall Street is cutting jobs, not Burger King.
Posted by: FGCHill at December 8, 2008 10:58 AM
Sorry to hear about what happenened
Isn't that the rules once living in NYC when leaving the subway after midnight:
To make sure you don't walk alone
To make sure you are not the last going above ground
To not walk on the sidewalk but the street
To be on the phone while walking
To take a cab
Its what you deal with when living in NYC ?
It has to do with economic situations and different classes living in one neighborhood, not living in a gated community
A woman should not walk by herself at that time period.
I pick my wife up from the subway after a certain time.
Nothing to do with the neighborhood, all with a big city.
Posted by: dutchman at December 8, 2008 10:59 AM
I'm not sure it's people forgetting so much as newcomers not having lived through tough NYC and they just haven't got a clue. I try to warn people sometimes about holding their purses better, not tying up their dogs, not wearing the headphones while walking alone at night....they look at me like I'm nuts!
Posted by: rh at December 8, 2008 10:59 AM
sometimes i'll be walking down the street and i'll see someone so completely obvlious that even *I* could mug them and get away with it. the worst are people in starbucks who will just get up and walk away from their laptops. i can't tell you how many times i've been like jeez, no one is even watching. where do these people come from? i bet they dont even lock their doors at night.
*Rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 8, 2008 11:01 AM
I'm glad that this young woman is ok, but seriously, whether living in Manhattan or Brooklyn I always took a a cab at that hour and asked the cabbie to wait until I was safely in the door.
I don't think Brooklyn in inherently more dangerous--but our blocks can be especially deserted late in the evening.
Posted by: tinarina at December 8, 2008 11:01 AM
One of the most frustrating aspects of crime in Fort Greene (and probably elsewhere in Brooklyn) is how hard it is to get accurate information on what's going on.
The 88th has a history of systematically under reporting crime. I was mugged last year in Fort Greene--hit from behind with a blunt object and knocked unconscious which resulted in a night in the hospital, Catscan, and reconstructive dental work. This was classified as a simple robbery, with no mention of assault.
Here's a similar incident:
http://people.tribe.net/tandava/blog/64012c11-a329-431a-8fee-28c861c4103a
Sometimes the 88th is a victim of its own undereporting, as detailed in this NYTs article:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F01E6DA123BF934A35752C0A9669C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all
Posted by: david11205 at December 8, 2008 11:07 AM
It isn't safe for a young woman to be walking alone that late in the city or anywhere. Would she walk around the deserted streets of the suburbs at 1:30 AM? Of course not.
She should just remember that the money she is saving on not having to own and maintain a car more than compensates for an occassional cab ride home late at night.
Posted by: sam at December 8, 2008 11:12 AM
Sam--I agree with you about a young woman walking around at that hour but really it applies to young men (or any people really) walking around that late at night as well. Anyone can get mugged at any time in this city but in quiet dark blocks late at night truly anyone can be victimized. The moral of this story is to minimize the amount of time one spends walking dark streets late at night.
Posted by: wasder at December 8, 2008 11:15 AM
there's a free car service that runs after midnight on weekends where a woman can call if she feels unsafe going home and has no money on her for some reason. i dont know the name of it but i read about it a while back, im sure you can find it on google somewhere.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 8, 2008 11:17 AM
Rob - In the case of parent-supplied laptops I think its a case of easy come easy go.
Posted by: dittoburg at December 8, 2008 11:19 AM
My sixth grader was mugged on Lafayette and Vanderbilt a few weeks ago. He didn't have any money, iPod, or cell phone and he was also "frisked". He said it was two guys and they were at least sixteen. He was too shaken to remember anything else. It happened at around 4:30 in the afternoon on the one day he stays a little later so there were no other students to walk with him to the G. I take him in the mornings and in the afternoon he comes back with other students and parents except that one day a week. The school staff was superb and if there aren't other students going in the same direction he waits for a staff person to take him when they are done for the day.
Posted by: gowanusdog at December 8, 2008 11:22 AM
Part of the reason the crime in Fort Greene can happen like this is the side streets are very dark, and and this area is very residential, 95% of Fort Greene is fast asleep by 1:30 am on a week night. This is horrible and I am glad the person involved was not hurt.
Posted by: FGCHill at December 8, 2008 11:22 AM
I'm glad this young lady wasn't hurt and am sorry she had to deal with this experience. Whether "this is New York" or not, it sucks that people can't walk from the subway to their home without having to be afraid of their neighborhood. Hopefully if this is indeed a single pair of guys doing this, the police will find them soon.
Posted by: cwbuecheler at December 8, 2008 11:39 AM
I remember being "frisked" by a young gang back in the 80's, when this was so unremarkable I didn't bother to tell anyone. It's an old technique, probably passed on from generation to generation. I had my wallet in my briefcase and I yelled bloody murder and they ran away. If I had my wallet in my pocket they would have taken it. If I had been a woman, they would have knocked me down and taken my briefcase.
Posted by: sam at December 8, 2008 11:40 AM
Two other thoughts: Any sophisticated city woman, young or old, always carries "cab money" on her. Even if you are picked up in a car or in a limo, even if you expect to come home with friends. Etc.
Posted by: sam at December 8, 2008 11:46 AM
Sad to hear, but completely predicatable I'm afraid. I'm a guy and I wouldnt be walking alone at that time. If I had to, I'd be moving quickly, and ready to sprint in a heartbeat (most crooks dont want to work too hard).
A young woman walking alone at 1:30am? that was probably the easiest money those bums made in a while. You have to be more alert and proactive if you want a chance at avoiding being a victim. cabs and/or friends are a good idea at that time of night.
Posted by: Guvna at December 8, 2008 11:51 AM
"To be on the phone while walking"
I've always thought this was a very bad idea...??
Why would talking on a phone alone at 1:30am be something to deter someone from robbing you...?
Posted by: 11217 at December 8, 2008 12:05 PM
there's nothing that warms my heart more during the holidays than to see the victim of a violent crime scolded for her naivete and carelessness. bravo, folks.
Posted by: z at December 8, 2008 12:09 PM
The name of the free car service is called Right Rides.
www.rightrides.org
"RightRides organizes volunteers to operate a fleet of up to 6 cars that are donated by Zipcar. Driving Teams can only drive women, transpeople and gender queer individuals home. RightRides is currently available every Saturday night from Midnight - 3 AM late night Saturdays (aka early Sunday morning)."
It's a great service, I wish more people knew it existed. They are always looking for volunteers and donations to sustain the service, since it's free.
Posted by: SBK at December 8, 2008 12:12 PM
z--good point. we must be careful to not blame this poor woman. she was the victim after all. There is a way to discuss how to minimize one's exposure to this kind of thing without implying that it is the victims fault.
Posted by: wasder at December 8, 2008 12:17 PM
uh no one is scolding her. just giving common sense advice, which, clearly she did not have. of course you can do all the precautions in the world and still have something happen to you and/or get mugged, but why go out of your way to make yourself a victim and make it easier for criminals?
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 8, 2008 12:17 PM
We are also not addressing the fact the the 88th said this has happened THREE TIMES IN THE PAST WEEK!. Why haven't we seen more patrols at night like they did when we had the problems at the beginning of summer? I know that the extra patrols didn't' last that long, but it worked. Maybe they should just do it periodically whether there is a spike in crime. Really three times in a week!!!!
Posted by: FGCHill at December 8, 2008 12:20 PM
"Violent Mugging on South Elliott Place"
Ok Dumbasses, let me give you a illustration of a "Violent Mugging". The preps walk up to the victim and let off three shots in the face at point blank range.. Goes thru the victim's pockets and leaves. The victim is pronounced dead at the scene, case close.
Brownnstoner is doing a nice case of "Shark Jumping" and it looks terrible. I thought this Blog was about "The restoration of Brownstones" but, it's about the restoration of Hype!
I'm am glad that 2009 is coming! Maybe New Yoork City will get back to normal and maybe the whinny Asshats can start leaving en masse, Go back to Nebraska where crime is low and you will not have to worry about "Violent Muggings".
The What (Brownstoner Sucks)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at December 8, 2008 12:20 PM
no, thats murder, not mugging.
Posted by: dittoburg at December 8, 2008 12:24 PM
oh yeah. i find it odd that it's only women, and transgendered who can be ridden home in those. sorta unfair, no? im gay. can i get a ride if i needed one? also what the heck does gender queer mean?
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 8, 2008 12:24 PM
I usually give Twat a pass on his spelling but there were dome doozies in this last post...
"The preps walk up to the victim"---gotta be tough times when prep school kids are shooting people to death.
"whinny Asshats can start leaving en masse"--this makes me picture a bunch of half-horse, half human centaurs whinnying off to Nebraska. Ride em cowboy!
Posted by: wasder at December 8, 2008 12:30 PM
he makes fun of what and then types "dome doozies" nice wasder
Posted by: wasder at December 8, 2008 12:31 PM
Off his meds again.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 8, 2008 12:31 PM
"no, thats murder, not mugging."
No that's Violent Mugging old school style..
The What
Someday this stupidity is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at December 8, 2008 12:32 PM
"Someday this stupidity is gonna end..."
Is that a promise?
Posted by: dittoburg at December 8, 2008 12:37 PM
It's Christmas!
Posted by: tybur6 at December 8, 2008 12:47 PM
The What's comment should be removed.
And he should be banned once and for all.
Talk of his desires to see someone violently murdered is really the last straw.
I'm a huge proponent of freedom of speech, but this crosses the line.
Posted by: 11217 at December 8, 2008 12:53 PM
I don't see any expression of desire to see someone violently murdered from the What -- is that a post that was deleted?
Assuming traditional parameters of free speech (i.e., no yelling fire in a crowded theater), the What's comments are nowhere near "the line." Of course, this is a blog, so those parameters need not necessarily apply.
Posted by: cortnyc at December 8, 2008 1:02 PM
perp (pûrp)
n. Slang
One who perpetrates a crime.
This what I meant!
"The What's comment should be removed.
And he should be banned once and for all.
Talk of his desires to see someone violently murdered is really the last straw.
I'm a huge proponent of freedom of speech, but this crosses the line. "
Where does it say that I wanted to see someone violently murdered?????????
You know what funny? The Asshats want the "good" without the "bad"! 11217 you can blow me!!!!!!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at December 8, 2008 1:02 PM
"I don't see any expression of desire to see someone violently murdered from the What -- is that a post that was deleted?"
Nope 11217 wants his prostate massaged! Maybe Dave can help you. I suggest a cattle prod or a stun-gun...
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at December 8, 2008 1:05 PM
What--I knew what you meant. Just tweaking you a little is all. I actually thought "whinny asshats" was a funnier misspelling.
Posted by: wasder at December 8, 2008 1:09 PM
Another thread devolves into adolescent jibeerish.
Posted by: Inigo at December 8, 2008 1:14 PM
"Another thread devolves into adolescent jibeerish."
And I had nothing to do with this!!!!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 8, 2008 1:19 PM
Now THAT is a shock!
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 8, 2008 1:41 PM
I got to say I agree. This sounds like a pretty standard mugging in my book.
She easily could have been raped and/or murdered. That would have been violent.
I've had broken bones from getting jumped. It doesn't sound like she even had a fat lip.
Sensationalist thread.
Posted by: Polemicist at December 8, 2008 1:55 PM
"I've had broken bones from getting jumped."
Pole, not enough, I guess, not enough!!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 8, 2008 2:04 PM
I can't remeber the last time I was out past 1 AM.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 8, 2008 2:31 PM
DIBS, we have to get you out!
I come home every night, between 10:30pm and 1:30am.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 8, 2008 2:39 PM
"I've had broken bones from getting jumped."
I've got one bone in particular I'd like to break in for ya, Pole.
Kidding, kidding...
Posted by: 11217 at December 8, 2008 2:50 PM
*** ALERT****
Tribune Files for Bankruptcy
http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/tribune-files-for-bankruptcy/?hp
The Tribune Company filed for bankruptcy protection in a federal court in Delaware on Monday, as the owner of The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Cubs baseball team struggled to cope with rising debt and falling ad revenue.
In a court filing, Tribune said it had nearly $13 billion in debt, compared to $7.6 billion in assets. Most of that debt was taken on when Mr. Zell acquired the company — a deal he struck using mostly borrowed money. All of the now privately held company’s equity is owned by an employee stock-ownership plan.
Tribune has sought to ameliorate its woes by selling off assets like the Chicago Cubs, but the company still faces a looming debt crunch.
While Tribune must contend with hefty interest payments over the next year, its most pressing problem was a maintenance covenant on some of its debt that limits the company’s borrowings to no more than nine times earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization.
Even if the company continues to make interest payments, failure to maintain that level of debt means technical default — which does not always lead to a bankruptcy filing, though in Tribune it apparently did. Other newspaper publishers have halted making interest payments on their debt, but have yet to file.
Please Dumbasses tell me that everything is OK. You and your ilk are going to get smoked in 2009 and I can't wait!!!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at December 8, 2008 2:55 PM
"Please Dumbasses tell me that everything is OK. You and your ilk are going to get smoked in 2009 and I can't wait!!!"
Everything is going to be OK What, though I hope nobody smokes my ilk.
Posted by: wasder at December 8, 2008 3:23 PM
"ilk"
What the....?
Is the 'what' trying to confuse us, but using old english?
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 8, 2008 3:29 PM
Got ilk?
Posted by: wasder at December 8, 2008 3:31 PM
"You and Your Ilk" would be a killer band name.
Posted by: wasder at December 8, 2008 3:36 PM
Sorry to hear of females or males being mugged at anytime of the day or evening. Morality and lawlessness is rampant.Unfortunately this is an age and time where you have to be a little smart wherever you live. Violent crimes are not only occuring in NYC but just check all over the USA and other countries. Satan is walking the earth in all forms. Unless you live in a bubble, doesnt matter if you are from Nebraska or New York,you have to be aware of your surroundings at all times.Between the perverts, sex offenders, deviants,robbers, muggers,rapists, psychopaths you gotta stay prayed up and thank God for keeping you safe and out of harms way.
Posted by: iluvclintonhill at December 8, 2008 5:24 PM
This is really horrible and sad; we are just relieved to know that the victim is okay. Too many criminals and scum around and with the worsening economy one may have to seriously think about security.
We live in FG not far from where this happend so it makes it the more worrisome. Thank goodness the wifey always takes a cab after dark but we prefer to walk sometimes late. Will have 911 on speed dial and even consider self defence in any form.
Posted by: pierre de taille at December 8, 2008 7:26 PM
I am not placing blame on the victim and I will say a prayer that she is ok, but I agree with other posters that this still is New York City. 1:30 is too late to be walking out alone especially in dark low traffic areas. My girlfriends and I have a 12 o'clock rule. If it's close to midnight take a cab.
Posted by: sbbrock at December 8, 2008 9:10 PM
On my way home from work this evening two males between 16 and 25 were being arrested on Dekalb near Fort Greene Place. Police officers had em up against the wall at gunpoint.
Posted by: fexleycb at December 8, 2008 9:36 PM
If they were the purps doing the muggings its too bad those officer's guns didn't accidentally go off. 2 less worthless thugs in this city would be a very good thing.
Posted by: williamsburgguy at December 9, 2008 12:22 AM
i don't care what people say or how much they spend on their brownstone in ft. green
that area where the mugging happened sucks.
i was almost mugged there in the summer.
guy tried to grab me and i broke free screaming and causing a big scene
lots of thugs hang out there - of all races-
and they are out to get men, women and teens
do not be fooled by the $$$ rent
Posted by: brooklynchunk at December 9, 2008 9:39 AM
I hope the victim is ok. WOW ! This thread is C-R-A-Z-Y with some of these comments. It's a strange & hostile world we live in. Take williamsburgguy's comment about the cops gun going off...or FGCHill backing her up. Some scary stuff ! Seems like Bklyn is fulla' thugs, eh ? ps...i like that word...ilk.
Posted by: BklynPEZ at December 9, 2008 7:25 PM
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