[RP TownTalk] Terrible grafitti in local park

Sat Mar 19 14:44:09 UTC 2011

On March 18, 2011, at approximately 7:00 a.m., a 12-year old male victim
was walking to his bus stop when he approached Cockerille Avenue and
Kansas Avenue.  A Hispanic-looking male stopped near the victim, exited
his vehicle and chased the victim at a full sprint in an attempt to grab
him.  The victim fled and was pursued by the suspect briefly.  The
victim fled to his residence and the suspect was seen casually returning
to his vehicle and fleeing the area from Circle Avenue, making a right
on to Kansas Avenue.  The suspect is described as a tan-skinned
Hispanic-looking male, approximately 240-250 lbs., approximately 5’8,
clean-shaven, short black hair, round fat-face with pimples, last seen
wearing a red baseball cap, solid navy blue dress shirt with collar, the
shirt was outside the pants, pressed. His pants were baggy, dark blue
jeans, wrinkled.  His belly was big overall, but did not hang over his
pants.  He was last seen driving a black, 2-door Toyota Echo with tinted
rear windows.  There was a scratch on the bumper and the vehicle was
described as “quiet sounding.”  The vehicle was equipped with
factory wheels.

A look-out has been given to all surrounding jurisdictions.  Marked and
unmarked police vehicles have been increased in and around the schools
and area.  The Principal at Takoma Park Middle School was notified and a
letter is being sent home.

Parents and Children – Safety Tips*:

Children should travel with a friend, or better yet, a group of friends
when riding a bike or walking to or from school or other destinations.

If someone follows you on foot, get away as quickly as you can. Go to
someone's house you know, or run to other people, or just run away.

If someone is following you in a car, turn around and go in the
opposite direction or take a path where a car would not go.

Parents should not become lax about kids going to a friend's home in a
neighborhood--even if it is only a few doors away. Snatchings can happen
in an instant; even under a parent's watchful eye. The key is to keep
your eye on a youngster. Older youth should be instructed to call when
they arrive at a friend's home for peace of mind and as a good safety
tip practice.

If at all possible, an adult should greet youngsters as they get off a
school bus, and not have them walk home alone.

Adults should understand that boys are at just as greatest of risk as
girls. It is a common safety tip misconception that child molesters or
perpetrators are typically men and seek only girls. Molesters come in
all ages and both genders, and their victims can be of either sex.

Parents should begin reinforcing these safety tips as soon as a kid is
old enough to understand, and above all, ensure that their child feels
comfortable enough in discussing these issues, their concerns or fears,
or any potentially inappropriate events that have possibly transpired.
Awareness of these safety tips can help kids be less susceptible to any
stranger dangers.

You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police
Department and remain 100% anonymous.

* Text to 847411

* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.

* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that
your tip is thoroughly investigated.

* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your
community while remaining 100% anonymous.

Your tip is important and CAN make a difference!

If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park
Police, please call 301-270-1100.  If you need to report an emergency
that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call
9-1-1.

*National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Catherine E. Plevy
Executive Assistant
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Office of the Chief of Police
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
cathyp at takomagov.org
(301) 891-7142

________________________________
From: Melissa Avery <m.avery at rocketmail.com>
To: Vernon Archer <varcher at gmail.com>; erika wilson <erikawilson at hotmail.com>
Cc: towntalk at riverdale-park.org
Sent: Sat, March 19, 2011 10:31:31 AM
Subject: Re: [RP TownTalk] Terrible grafitti in local park

Vern-
glad to hear we now have a new police cheif. who is it by the way?

________________________________
From: Vernon Archer <varcher at gmail.com>
To: erika wilson <erikawilson at hotmail.com>
Cc: towntalk at riverdale-park.org
Sent: Fri, March 18, 2011 3:19:53 PM
Subject: Re: [RP TownTalk] Terrible grafitti in local park

Erika and all, 

Please, every single violation of the law--large or small--should be directed to 
the police 301-927-4343. If it has to be redirected they can help you at the 
dispatch desk, or can forward the information themselves, depending on what is 
appropriate.

I forwarded your message several hours ago to the chief because I happened to be 
logged on during a lull in teaching and our graffitti unit will be out quickly, 
whether Park and Planning does or not.  However, we cannot remove graffitti if 
gang related until the Gang Task Force OK's its removal (until after any 
evidence is photographed, collected, etc).

Best wishes,

Vern

-- 
Vernon Archer, Mayor
Town of Riverdale Park, Maryland

On Fri, Mar 18, 2011 at 12:59 PM, erika wilson <erikawilson at hotmail.com> wrote:

I'm trying to find out who to talk with about removing some awful grafitti at a 
local park.
> 
>Yesterday evening I took my 10-month old son to the awesome park in between the 
>Anacostia river/bike trail and Taylor Ave. I love this park and the equipment is 
>great with TWO infant swings! Yeah!
> 
>So you can imagine how saddened I was when my husband noticed that the sign next 
>to the jungle gym had some horrible grafitti: "this is for gays", "F--- white 
>people" and "F--- white children"
> 
>I know its likely the destructive act of some stupid, ignorant teenagers but 
>it is a hateful act in my community, at my local park and it makes me sad and 
>angry. I don't like feeling attacked in my own neighborhood. No one should have 
>to see such awful messages, but especially not children in a space dedicated to 
>children. 
>
> 
>Anyway, I wld like to get it removed ASAP. Who can I call? Who manages the 
>playground? Town of Riverdale or MNCPPC? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
> 
>Erika
>
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