A terrifying ordeal in B'ham

[RunInRed 19,639]

From an email I received. I don't know either of these two young men personally but how tragic. I've also heard recent stories of people getting mugged in the parking lot behind Ocean. Larry needs to get a handle on this crime problem and quick.

If any of you have children in Birmingham or young friends living in Birmingham , please pass this story along to them. Southside has become VERY dangerous.

Frances, my daughter in Birmingham , has two friends who experienced this terrifying ordeal last Friday night in Birmingham . The following story was sent to me by Frances last night.

Some of you may have the pleasure of knowing my good friend John. And some of you may have heard what happened to him Friday night. If you do not know, here is the story to the best of my knowledge.....

John and his friend Stewart were leaving Bell Bottoms in Birmingham Friday night and were held at gun point by 2 black males. They stole their wallets, phones, money, etc. They were trying to steal John"s car, but when they got to the car and realized it was a stick shift and they didn't know how to drive a stick shift, they forced John and Stewart into the car. One of the guys held a gun to John's head while he was driving, and the other guy made Stewart sit in the back seat with his head between his legs, and he held a gun to the back of his head.

They told John to drive to Fairfield ( Finley Avenue I think...) and go to an ATM and empty out his bank account. After John did that, he begged for the 2 guys to let them go. They said no, we are going to torture yall. Then we are going to kill yall.

John the bravest person I know, my new hero- decided to wreck his car and try to make a run for it. He sharply turned the wheel and jumped out of his car going 30 miles an hour. That is where he broke his wrist. Stewart then jumped out of the car, and they ran their separate ways. And then the two black guys jumped out.

They began shooting at John and Stewart. Stewart was shot in the arm, but is okay. He was discharged today from UAB. John in an attempt to dodge bullets, jumped off a 40 foot overpass. His shoes flew off when he jumped so he landed on the ground with nothing between the ground and his feet. This is when he shattered his ankles, mangled his legs, suffered from severe spinal injuries, broke his ribs, and broke his pelvis. Needless to say, he could not move.

In the mean time, Stewart had made is way in and out of consciousness to the nearest police station. He told them that John had been with him, but he didnt know where he was, or even if he was dead or alive.

It took the police 4 hours to find John . When they found him, his body temperature was 92 degrees. He was suffering from severe hypothermia.

John is now in the intensive care unit at UAB. He is sedated and is on a vent. He had surgery yesterday on his ankles, and a 5 hour surgery today on his spine.

I spoke with his mom today, and she said there was no point at this time to visit him- they have him sedated for the surgeries, and there is nothing the family needs at this time, considering they are still all in complete shock that this has happened to him.

I was able to talk to John Saturday night before the surgeries began, and he said that he was just thankful to be alive, and he didnt know how he and Stewart made it out alive. He just knew he was going to die.

His mom says that they are all very worried that the guys will come back after John and Stewart, considering that they have all their information.

His mom also said, the best thing we all can do- whether we know John well or not- is to send him a message on www.facebook.com or post a message on www.caringbridge.org. His website/password on there is johnbbrooks (all lowercase.) His mom will be placing daily updates on the page so everyone can keep up with his surgeries. He is facing at least 4 surgeries- just on his ankle- and multiple surgeries on his spine. He is going to need to know that everyone is thinking about him, praying for him, and loves him very much. His mom said that when he is awake, he likes to read what people have sent. So please, send your love and support his way. He has a very long, tough road ahead of him- it will be months and months before he can even think about walking again.

I am sending this to everyone as a reminder to please please please be careful. John is one of the most carefree, funloving, friendly, fun, and sweet person I know. He would never hurt anyone, and I cannot believe this happened to him. It literally makes me sick. And it is extremely scary that these monsters are still out there running around waiting on the next person to try to kill.

[RunInRed 19,639]

Update: as it turns out, the story above is only 1/2 true. the two guys were not kidnapped. They met some drug dealers at bell bottoms and went to buy some drugs from them, stopping at an ATM first to get cash. After the ATM stop, the dealers robbed them at gunpoint. The one guy did get shot but is ok. The other did jump off a 40 foot bridge and is still in ICU the last I heard.

But, another person, in a different incident, was held up at gunpoint two weeks ago in the parking lot behind Ocean (next to Ramsey HS). He was walking back to his car from J Clyde around midnight. He was unharmed...but the bottom line is Southside is a mess.

[RunInRed 19,639]

Also, in downtown Birmingham (from inter-company memo)...

What happened:

Yesterday (1-27-09) a woman was robbed inside the #7 parking deck on 5th Avenue & 18th Street. She was injured and her car was stolen. Police are working actively on this.

Vehicle:

2004 Chevy Monte Carlo 2door gold in color

Tag # 1G2042J

Suspect:

White male; 20-30 yrs. Old; 5’7” – 5’9”; slender in build; no facial hair (no beard/mustache)

Was wearing a tan and brown hoody and ball cap

Actions being Taken:

The Parking Authority will have extra patrol at this deck, and CAP will have someone posted in the area after work. This is an unusual, but disturbing event for our downtown. Please be alert and aware of your surroundings, wherever you are. (“Safety Tips” are posted at www.capisdowntown.com) As always, CAP is available, not only for stranded motorist assistance, but to escort you to and from your vehicle if you are uncomfortable.

What You Can Do:

It is my understanding that someone saw the suspect “hanging around” the area and thought he looked suspicious, but didn’t call anyone. The most powerful action you can take to help prevent this is to report anything you see that trips an internal “concern button.” I assure you that police and CAP want to investigate suspicious activity. Even if you can’t articulate exactly what activates that internal alert, please call. We are a community of thousands of “eyes.” If we watch out for each other, we will increase our safety exponentially.

[AUBURNJAC 53]

Man Birmingham is getting way out of control and ridiculous! I miss it, but I'm glad I don't live there anymore. Everyday I read al.com, and there is hardly a day that passes that there isn't a murder in either B-ham or Mobile.

[autiger4life 3]

I go to South Side a good bit, and in the area with Bell Bottoms and J Clyde I have never felt in harms way. It is usually extremely crowded on weekends(the only time I go). I really wouldn't call it a mess, it is just down town of a big city. Always got to be careful.

[otterinbham 0]

I go to South Side a good bit, and in the area with Bell Bottoms and J Clyde I have never felt in harms way. It is usually extremely crowded on weekends(the only time I go). I really wouldn't call it a mess, it is just down town of a big city. Always got to be careful.

Yup. I lived for four years in the apartment building across from Highlands, and we go to church one block from Bell Bottoms, and are sometimes there until 9 at night. I'm certainly not blasé about things, but I also know that you just keep your eyes and ears open in areas like that.

Funny, but nobody ever talks about all the robberies and assaults that go on at the Riverchase Galleria. I have a friend who's a Hoover cop, and he says that, short of North Birmingham, it's the most dangerous part of town, only the Hoover police department isn't releasing any information to the public. Yet people are blithely walking through there all the time.

[lukeduke 8]

Not to hijack the thread, but this is why I have a concealed weapon permit and use it. One in the truck at all times and usually one on me in public after dark.

[BZ770 2]

I've almost gotten into a couple of altercations outside of Bellbottoms from Homeless looking people. Both times started by drunk friends that I had to help subdue the engagement. One was started by Wishbone, He drunkenly ran through a trio of homeless people. A white male, black male, and a white midget. Funny now but at the time, I thought it was on. Anyways southside is fun but always watch your back. It's like Dauphin st in Mobile. Stay in well lit areas and don't venture off by yourself, but bad things do happen sometimes.

[otterinbham 0]

I've almost gotten into a couple of altercations outside of Bellbottoms from Homeless looking people. Both times started by drunk friends that I had to help subdue the engagement. One was started by Wishbone, He drunkenly ran through a trio of homeless people. A white male, black male, and a white midget. Funny now but at the time, I thought it was on. Anyways southside is fun but always watch your back. It's like Dauphin st in Mobile. Stay in well lit areas and don't venture off by yourself, but bad things do happen sometimes.

Yup. Anywhere there are large clusters of drinking establishments and well-heeled people, there's going to be the occasional trouble. And, if I understand this correctly, hauling a couple of drug dealers to your ATM so you can pay for the junk isn't the smartest thing I've ever heard of.

[SouthLink02 8]

Update: as it turns out, the story above is only 1/2 true. the two guys were not kidnapped. They met some drug dealers at bell bottoms and went to buy some drugs from them, stopping at an ATM first to get cash. After the ATM stop, the dealers robbed them at gunpoint. The one guy did get shot but is ok. The other did jump off a 40 foot bridge and is still in ICU the last I heard.

But, another person, in a different incident, was held up at gunpoint two weeks ago in the parking lot behind Ocean (next to Ramsey HS). He was walking back to his car from J Clyde around midnight. He was unharmed...but the bottom line is Southside is a mess.

[RunInRed 19,639]

I'm pretty shocked at how every one seems to be dismissing this as "well that's just what happens in a crowded downtown area around bars." Seriously guys?! Birmingham has a crime problem whether we want to own up to it or not.

[TDAuburn 2]

I'm pretty shocked at how every one seems to be dismissing this as "well that's just what happens in a crowded downtown area around bars." Seriously guys?! Birmingham has a crime problem whether we want to own up to it or not.

Wow RuninRed... Yes... there's a problem with crime in Birmingham. That happens with larger metropolises. Why is it that you seem to focus on B'ham. only? D.C., New York, New Orleans are also pretty dangerous. I remember earlier posts where you've slammed B'ham. Yes, there's crime, yes, certain areas are dangerous during certain times. B'ham. has no corner on the "dangerous" market. If you live away from the fray, good for you. But, some of us enjoy the positive perks that come with living in a larger city... even though it includes seedy, dangerous areas.

I guess I'm confused about your one-man mission to condemn Birmingham as Sodom and/or Gamorrah. You can simply not visit if it's that threatening to you.

[SouthLink02 8]

I'm pretty shocked at how every one seems to be dismissing this as "well that's just what happens in a crowded downtown area around bars." Seriously guys?! Birmingham has a crime problem whether we want to own up to it or not.

I am from New Orleans

This doesn't shock me unless a few rapes, murders, and fraud are thrown in

[AUslug 1]

I'm pretty shocked at how every one seems to be dismissing this as "well that's just what happens in a crowded downtown area around bars." Seriously guys?! Birmingham has a crime problem whether we want to own up to it or not.

I am from New Orleans

This doesn't shock me unless a few rapes, murders, and fraud are thrown in

And that is just a working day at City Hall.

[otterinbham 0]

I'm pretty shocked at how every one seems to be dismissing this as "well that's just what happens in a crowded downtown area around bars." Seriously guys?! Birmingham has a crime problem whether we want to own up to it or not.

Have you looked at a crime map in Birmingham lately? Yeah, there will be one or two incidents like this on Southside. And they are an absolute case or concern. By the same token, the vast majority of incidents take place in North Birmingham and the western parts of the city, mainly with drug dealers shooting each other up for territory.

What's more, as facts emerge, these guys were doing an extremely foolish thing by not just buying drugs but taking the dealers to the ATM. While I don't like to blame the victim, they were really courting trouble.

I am aware of the crime problem in Birmingham. At the same time, I refuse to be a chicken little about the matter. Given that I lived in the Five Points area for four years, in the surrounding neighborhood for another three, and Forest Park for fourteen, and that I go to church and eat down there weekly, I simply do not find it to be that dangerous an area.

[RunInRed 19,639]

I'm pretty shocked at how every one seems to be dismissing this as "well that's just what happens in a crowded downtown area around bars." Seriously guys?! Birmingham has a crime problem whether we want to own up to it or not.

Wow RuninRed... Yes... there's a problem with crime in Birmingham. That happens with larger metropolises. Why is it that you seem to focus on B'ham. only? D.C., New York, New Orleans are also pretty dangerous. I remember earlier posts where you've slammed B'ham. Yes, there's crime, yes, certain areas are dangerous during certain times. B'ham. has no corner on the "dangerous" market. If you live away from the fray, good for you. But, some of us enjoy the positive perks that come with living in a larger city... even though it includes seedy, dangerous areas.

I guess I'm confused about your one-man mission to condemn Birmingham as Sodom and/or Gamorrah. You can simply not visit if it's that threatening to you.

Easy there Tiger. I choose to talk about Birmingham because I live in Birmingham. And believe me when I say this, there is no bigger advocate for the city I grew up in and now work from than me. But we don't solve problems by sweeping them under the rug or dismissing them "in perspective." Rather, we solve problems by acknowledging them and fighting for their solutions.

As for perspective, I've lived and/or spent significant time working in the following cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee, New York, D.C., Chicago, Dallas, Northern NJ, and Nashville. So believe me, I get it. And honestly, Birmingham is so far behind in so many ways, it makes me sad. To think, we pay the kind of taxes we do in this city and to still have such crime is unacceptable to me. If you perform a quick Google search on the crime statistics for Birmingham, the numbers and where this city ranks are quite alarming and a definite cause for concern. Trust me, I've done it, and t won't take long to find us on several "most dangerous" lists.

[Texan4Auburn 1,626]

I'm pretty shocked at how every one seems to be dismissing this as "well that's just what happens in a crowded downtown area around bars." Seriously guys?! Birmingham has a crime problem whether we want to own up to it or not.

Wow RuninRed... Yes... there's a problem with crime in Birmingham. That happens with larger metropolises. Why is it that you seem to focus on B'ham. only? D.C., New York, New Orleans are also pretty dangerous. I remember earlier posts where you've slammed B'ham. Yes, there's crime, yes, certain areas are dangerous during certain times. B'ham. has no corner on the "dangerous" market. If you live away from the fray, good for you. But, some of us enjoy the positive perks that come with living in a larger city... even though it includes seedy, dangerous areas.

I guess I'm confused about your one-man mission to condemn Birmingham as Sodom and/or Gamorrah. You can simply not visit if it's that threatening to you.

Easy there Tiger. I choose to talk about Birmingham because I live in Birmingham. And believe me when I say this, there is no bigger advocate for the city I grew up in and now work from than me. But we don't solve problems by sweeping them under the rug or dismissing them "in perspectiv." Rather, we solve problems by acknowledging them and fighting for their solutions.

As for perspective, I've lived and/or spent significant time working in the following cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee, New York, D.C., Chicago, Dallas, Northern NJ, and Nashville. So believe me, I get it. And honestly, Birmingham is so far behind in so many ways, it makes me sad. To think, we pay the kind of taxes we do in this city and to still have such crime unacceptable to me. To quick Google on the crime statistics for Birmingham, the numbers are alarming and where this city ranks. It won't take long to find us on several "most dangerous" lists.

Actually, you have good reason to gripe and according to Congressional Quarterly Press Birmingham is in the top 10 already.

http://www.therealestatebloggers.com/2008/...erica-for-2008/

[3328 0]

Let's see, who's been running our fair city for the last 38 years.........humm, progressives?

We gave up our major metropolitan areas about 1968, when gomment came in to fight the war on poverty etc, and established new boundaries. Those that had the money left. The USG has all the answers, oh, like now. Money down a hole, again.

1. FDR/his own tres sec said what they were doing wasn't working, enter WWll, that took us out.

2. LBJ/again the great unwashed gave us the wars,

a. on poverty

b. nam, God Bless those guys, their's was a worthy cause, only was crook in charge, we even lost Redstone being bigger cause idiot needed to pay off buds. Oh yeah, Goldwater was gonna get us in a war...........damn!

c. war on the middle class-tax and spend....old story--new title! u can't deny the truth!

Need I continue?

Lessons not learned!

Well, here we go again!

Freedom!

[RunInRed 19,639]

Well, I'm not looking to get into a political discussion but to blame Birmingham's crime problems on "progressives" is a bit ridiculous IMO.

We can take this macro issue to the politics board if you wish but before we do, I'd refer you to the funding in the Clinton/Biden crime bill of the 90s and how NYC was turned around if you really want to go there.

But I don't think this is a right/left, progressive/conservative deal...I do think it's a leadership and resource prioritization deal though. Have we had terrible leadership in the City? Absolutely. I think we can all agree there.

[OldNewby 27]

Leadership is the key. Even when proper funding is available, having a mayor like Rudy helps reduce crime.

When is the last time Birmingham had real leadership at the top?

[Wishbone 0]

Well, I'm not looking to get into a political discussion but to blame Birmingham's crime problems on "progressives" is a bit ridiculous IMO.

We can take this macro issue to the politics board if you wish but before we do, I'd refer you to the funding in the Clinton/Biden crime bill of the 90s and how NYC was turned around if you really want to go there.

But I don't think this is a right/left, progressive/conservative deal...I do think it's a leadership and resource prioritization deal though. Have we had terrible leadership in the City? Absolutely. I think we can all agree there.

Sure you can. Crime was non-existant during segregation. But we're all better off now.

[Tigermike 4,246]

Well, I'm not looking to get into a political discussion but to blame Birmingham's crime problems on "progressives" is a bit ridiculous IMO.

We can take this macro issue to the politics board if you wish but before we do, I'd refer you to the funding in the Clinton/Biden crime bill of the 90s and how NYC was turned around if you really want to go there.

But I don't think this is a right/left, progressive/conservative deal...I do think it's a leadership and resource prioritization deal though. Have we had terrible leadership in the City? Absolutely. I think we can all agree there.

Sure you can. Crime was non-existant during segregation. But we're all better off now.

There has always been crime in Birmingham. And in podunk crossings as well. Desegregation is NOT the cause of rising crime statistics.

[TigerHeat 9]

Well, I'm not looking to get into a political discussion but to blame Birmingham's crime problems on "progressives" is a bit ridiculous IMO.

We can take this macro issue to the politics board if you wish but before we do, I'd refer you to the funding in the Clinton/Biden crime bill of the 90s and how NYC was turned around if you really want to go there.

But I don't think this is a right/left, progressive/conservative deal...I do think it's a leadership and resource prioritization deal though. Have we had terrible leadership in the City? Absolutely. I think we can all agree there.

Who do you blame if not the city's leaders? The garbage collectors? Of course it's the political leaders. They have no will to stop crime. None. That's why the officers in Bham are poorly paid and have crappy benefits. Very high turnover rate and the department is 40% understaffed. Smothered in red tape and every progressive human resource position you can imagine. Lots of diversity and sexual harassment training, but they couldn't have one dollar for interview training or gas to travel to cutting edge training conferences. Terrible facilities and the worst patrol car setups I've seen. One zip code in B'ham is the fifth most violent in the US. They are not serious and don't view it as priority. It is ALL the fault of the dhimmi leadership there. No one else's. Don't defend the indefensible.

Clinton and Biden had ZERO to do with crime reduction in the 90's. Z-E-R-O.

Giuliani instituted a "broken windows" law enforcement strategy. Add to that the impact of abortion catching up on the lower class....the feds prosecuting crack cocaine cases of 5gms and above with mandatory prison terms, and prisons began to fill up.

If you believe that "100K new cops" crap you need help. That was all smoke and mirrors. It only had the effect of shifting normal day-to-day law enforcement expenses to the federal government with creative grant wording. It's illegal again (at least until the dhimmis see their jobs in danger from rising crime rates....).

[SouthLink02 8]

I'm pretty shocked at how every one seems to be dismissing this as "well that's just what happens in a crowded downtown area around bars." Seriously guys?! Birmingham has a crime problem whether we want to own up to it or not.

I am from New Orleans

This doesn't shock me unless a few rapes, murders, and fraud are thrown in

And that is just a working day at City Hall.

When I worked at the DA's 2 years ago, we worked across the street from City Hall (temp place due to Katrina). After my first week, I found these notes on my car that threatened me if I kept doing this or that....found out the next day (after my first note) that this guy was following all ADA's and placing notes on their cars at work because he was up for trial in a few weeks and wanted to try and scare us into not proceeding. He then left a big letter (which I took a picture of and have it on my computer) telling us he was going to come in and shoot everyone, etc....

Sigh, the joys of working there.

[3328 0]

Well, I'm not looking to get into a political discussion but to blame Birmingham's crime problems on "progressives" is a bit ridiculous IMO.

We can take this macro issue to the politics board if you wish but before we do, I'd refer you to the funding in the Clinton/Biden crime bill of the 90s and how NYC was turned around if you really want to go there.

But I don't think this is a right/left, progressive/conservative deal...I do think it's a leadership and resource prioritization deal though. Have we had terrible leadership in the City? Absolutely. I think we can all agree there.

Rudy did that on his own, thank you. clinton/biden my arse.

Bham leadership has been in a vacuum since 1974, when George Seibels was called a racist and defeated by the Arrington/Vann corrupt machine.

Wow, things really got better after that.

Macro? No, political heavy handyness(sp?), much like the Chicago machine. Sorry, but my memory is quite good.

We're there yet again.