Developments on Chili Avenue


A really big scare. First time in my life I've ever thought I could be about to be shot.

As I left the house today for a doctor’s appointment, there was a drug deal going down with a car just behind mine on Chili. I tried to pretend not to notice or care, got into my car & sat for as long as I thought I could without suspicion (though they are suspicious of everything I do) so I could memorize a few descriptions. Drove off a few blocks, then called 911.

They’ve been a lot more brazen lately. A few days ago they did a deal while I was out raking leaves, about five feet from me at the curb. I’ve noticed a lot more officers around, and that’s great, but sometimes it makes things hard for me. Last Sunday I came home in the afternoon, and the usual drug thugs were out in force. About ten minutes later, some officers came out. Since then the drug thugs get all riled up when I am outdoors. So far no direct threats, but they are back to doing their territory marking antics. I haven’t been subjected to that for a while.

Anyway, I was concerned about what could be waiting for me upon my return home.

My concern was well-founded. I could see a strange car sitting in front of my house from a few blocks away.

Aside from the car being unusual, it was parked in my handicapped spot. I came up behind, pulling into the no parking space behind it, intending to get out and give the driver what-for. But as I pulled in a man got out — older (50s or so), black, heavy set, mustache. He came up toward me on the driver’s side, looking straight at me. Normally a person parking there (other than my neighbors) would cross the street to go to one of the businesses.

I thought, oh great, they know the kids don’t scare me so now they’re going to try the older men. He was not familiar to me, but I noticed as he came toward me that one of the familiar drug thugs was standing across the street in front of 457, watching the whole thing.

I’ve had lots of experience with this, so I figured it was just a scare tactic. But the thought did cross my mind that the guy could have a gun.

Either way I’ve learned to act like I don’t have a clue what’s going on, and most of all to not reveal fear. I got out of my car, waved at the parking signs, and said, in a confident, no nonsense voice -- “Hey, you’re parked in my handicapped spot.”

That threw him off. He was flustered, turned around to look at the signs, then said “Oh, sorry. I didn’t notice.” I said, “Could you pull ahead, please?” So he got back into his car and moved it. I pulled into my space, got out, and as he came walking back toward me again, I said, “You need to pay attention. That’s a big ticket.” He was flustered again. They expect me to be fearful, and when I’m not, they don’t know how to react. (Deep down I’m thinking, oh god, I’m a gonner now.)

Anyway, I thanked him for moving his car and then went on inside as if everything was normal.

One thought: with all the homicides this week, the drug thugs are probably taking advantage of people’s fear. As I’ve said before, 90 percent of their power lies in our ability to imagine what they MIGHT do. All these homicides, whether drug related or not, feed the public imagination. Call 911, get shot. Doesn’t matter if there’s no correlation to the real cases.

Sometimes I wonder if the homicides and shootings aren’t intended to serve a dual purpose.

These events tell us that, when push comes to shove, the police can’t protect us. So the good folk can end up doing the OPPOSITE of what they need to do. Instead of standing up against these thugs, many more will be hiding inside their homes.

To be honest, the thought has crossed MY mind, too. But I’m too damn stubborn to give in.

Posted: Fri - November 10, 2006 at 11:15 AM          

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