Open the Gate

Fox News: Philly - Gang Member Wants to Shoot Officer

2012-03-07T08:23:00.000-06:00

A reminder to all officers' regarding your safety. Check out this recent threat in a suburban community outside Philadelphia. Always exercise safety at all times.

Cops: Gang Member Wants To Shoot Officer: MyFoxPHILLY.com

Gambling Problem, Teens? Not My Teen! Maybe!

2012-03-06T10:05:00.000-06:00

Teen gambling is a growing issue, one that many don't even know exists. However, the behavior surrounding teen gambling can lead to other dangerous behavior and potentially criminal acts.

Research from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Annenberg Public Policy Center seems to indicate a nearly 600% increase in gambling in post-secondary institutions between 2001 and 2005, with over 15% of students engaging in gambling each week in 2005. Although most of the gamblers are over 21, most first and many second year college students are still teens, and even if they are not active participants, this is part of the situation in which they are living. To understand more about teens and gambling, keep reading.

Understanding Teen Gambling

One of the problems with gambling is that it can start off with innocent competition, for example, two teens tossing a football or Frisbee and one says, "I bet I can throw it farther than you" or "I bet I can hit that tree over there," or something of the sort. This might end with a throw and nothing more. Or it may turn into a situation in which money, property, services, and the teens' futures are staked on the outcome of this single action.

In the situation proposed, there is nothing wrong with the action itself. Throwing a football or Frisbee is not illegal or immoral. And some gambling is based on such everyday actions. Other teen gambling can take on a different dimension because it is based on illegal actions.

The legalization of casino gambling and the draw of Internet gambling are two factors contributing to the increase. In addition, in many states, gambling is legal at age 18, and even if they are not allowed to participate in all forms of gambling, older teens can gamble without breaking the law.

Gambling has been glamorized and popularized with the World Series of Poker being televised (including reruns!), Poker is the type of gambling that has experienced the greatest increase in the twenty-first century. The popular Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's Twelve, and Ocean's Thirteen movies have also contributed to bringing gambling into the public eye.

Gambling online has introduced a new twist - instead of having to put up cash to gamble, one can gamble with credit chards. In addition, one doesn't have to wait to find a group of people who are awake and willing-it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Another issue may be the broadcast government-sponsored encouragements to gamble in state-run lotteries. Purchasing lottery tickets and betting on sports are the road in to a serious gambling problem for many.

Because gambling had not been a major problem, it has not been a part of regular health surveys, and the true extent of teen gambling may not yet be known. As it becomes apparent that gambling is an important issue-one estimate suggests that 80% of teens have gamble at least one time per year and in November of 2007, a survey in New York estimated that 10 percent of the state's teens have a gambling problem-anti-gambling education is being considered, and campus policies regarding sanctioned "casino nights" and other school-sponsored gambling is under scrutiny.

Causes and Consequences of Teen Gambling

As a result of teen gambling, there are more teens with debt that they cannot hope to pay back, and a link to stealing and lying. Gambling is an addiction, and gamblers may spend more and more time on that activity, and less on schoolwork and relationships with family and friends.

Gambling is linked to other behaviors and factors such as poor academic performance, alcohol and drug abuse, binge drinking, and attending school in a state in which at least two kinds of gambling are legal. Because compulsive gamblers are risk takers gone awry and often among the brightest students-the one's who can do the math to figure the odds-they are usually highly engaged with at least part of the world, and their behavior may not be as easy to spot as that of a seriously depressed and withdrawn teen.

Parent Tips

How can I tell if my son or daughter is having a problem with gambling?

Look for the following warning signs:

Finding gambling "stuff" like lottery tickets, betting sheets, and casino chips
Excessive TV sports watching and an overly intensive interest in the outcome of sports events
Visits to a casino, despite being underage
Excessive "checking in" or spending time on the Internet
Unexplained debts
Flaunting large amounts of money or buying expensive items
Absences from school or work
Anxiety and nervousness
Stealing for gambling money

Any game of chance or skill that is played for money is gambling. Most forms of gambling are illegal for anyone younger than 18 years. However, teens find their own ways to gamble, including:

Playing cards or dice games for money
Playing games of skill for money (for example, pool, basketball)
Buying lottery tickets and scratch cards
Playing casino- and arcade-type games (like pull tabs and slot machines)
Placing bets on sports events
Gambling on the Internet

What You Can Do

You are the best role model for your children. Take a close look at your own attitudes and habits. Do you spend your last dollar on lottery tickets? Do you make frequent visits to the casino with hopes of striking it rich? While gambling may be okay for you, you may be sending a message to your teen that gambling is a safe and healthy activity.

Talk with your children about gambling. Remind them that gambling is illegal for teens. Be clear about how you feel about gambling, and let them know what you expect of them. Help your children develop ways to resist gambling and develop interests in other activities. Don't take your children with you to the casino even if child care is offered.

Identifying a gambling problem early is the key to successful treatment. If you feel your teen may have a problem, there are people in your community who can help, including pediatricians, counselors, teachers, and elders or clergy.

Compulsive gambling is like other addictions. Outside help may be the only way a person can stop. Talk with your pediatrician for information about treatment options, like individual counseling or family therapy, that can give compulsive gamblers the strength they need to quit.

Bully, Victim likely to think suicide by age 11

2012-03-02T09:27:00.000-06:00

The website Futurity reported this story on February 29, 2012

WARWICK (UK) — Children involved in bullying—as both victim and bully—are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts by age 11.

In a paper published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry [1], researchers at the University of Warwick [2] found children who are both victims and bullies (“bully-victims”) have planned and engaged in suicidal or self-harming behavior by 11-12 years of age.

Read the original study

These increased odds were not explained by other factors, such as family circumstances or pre-existing emotional problems.

The team looked at data from 6,043 children in the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol to assess bullying between four and 10 years and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts at 11-12 years old.

The study used information collected from parents and teachers, as well as the child, to see how common bullying or victim behavior was.

They found that, compared to children who were never bullied, “bully-victims” were three times as likely to have suicidal thoughts, and that those who were bullied over a long period of time were six times more likely to consider suicide.

Those who bully others but never become victims (pure bullies) were also at increased risk for suicide thoughts and suicidal or self-harming behavior but the findings were not as consistent.

“Our study findings suggest that suicide-related behavior is a serious problem for pre-adolescent youth: 4.8 percent of this community population reported suicidal thoughts and 4.6 percent reported suicidal or self-injurious behavior,” says psychology professor Dieter Wolke, one of the study’s authors.

“Health practitioners should be aware of the relationship between bullying and suicide, and should recognize the very real risks that may be evident earlier in development than commonly thought.

“Targeting intervention schemes from primary school onward is paramount, and could help to prevent chronic exposure to bullying, which is especially harmful.”

More news from the University of Warwick: www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/ [3]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article printed from Futurity.org: http://www.futurity.org
URL to article: http://www.futurity.org/top-stories/bully-victim-likely-to-think-suicide-by-age-11/
URLs in this post:
[1] Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: http://www.jaacap.com/article/S0890-8567%2812%2900002-0/abstract
[2] University of Warwick: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/research_finds_bullies/
[3] www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/

The Choking Game: Gasping for your life!

2012-02-16T15:50:00.000-06:00

A survey at a Texas University found that one in seven students who were surveyed have played the "choking game".

This is something that all parents should be aware of not only becasue of the potential fatal risks involved, but also because more kids are doing this than expected.

This so-called 'game' is played individually or in groups and involves deliberately cutting off blood flow to the brain in order to achieve a high. This is done by choking oneself or others, applying a ligature around the neck, placing a plastic bag over the head, placing heavy objects on the chest, or hyperventilating.

The dangerous behavior -- also called the "fainting game," "pass out" or "space monkey" -- has led to several suffocation deaths in around the country, according to the website the Chokinggame.net, the actual number of deaths is not know because there is no public health agency currently tracking them. However, according to published data by the CDC data, an estimated 800 to 1,000 kids between the ages of 10 to 19 die of strangulation every year. Most of these are recorded as suicides. We do not know what percentage of these are actually accidents. Even if it was only 10% that would be 80 to 100 kids a year in the US.

"This study was undertaken to determine who is playing the game, in what context, and how they learned about it," Glen Kercher, director of the Crime Victims' Institute, said in a university news release. "It is our hope that these findings will inform efforts by parents, schools and community agencies to warn young people about the dangers of participating in the choking game."

The investigators conducted a survey of 837 university students and found that 16 percent reported having played the choking game and 72 percent of those students said they had done so more than once. The average age when students first played the choking game was 14, and 90 percent of those who had played the game first heard about it from peers.

Curiosity was the primary motivation for playing the choking game and most of those who had participated said others were present. Males were more likely to have participated than females, the findings showed.

Learning about the potential dangers of the choking game acted as a deterrent for most the students who had never engaged in this behavior.

"This 'game,' as it is often called, does not require obtaining any drugs or alcohol, is free, and can go undetected by many parents, teachers, physicians and other authority figures. Most importantly, many of those who engage in this activity do not understand that the practice can be just as deadly as the illegal substances youth have been warned against," the study authors pointed out in the news release.

To learn more go to:

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about the choking game or try these other resources Chokinggame.net , GASP Website.

Officials look for payoff in Native Mob sweep

2012-02-16T09:20:00.000-06:00

For those of us who might still be skeptical about the scope and effect that Native American Street gangs can have on a community. Take a look at what Minneapolis PD is faced with. Native American Gangs are one of the fastest growing areas for street gangs. Law Enforcement is stretched very thin and the Indian Community has few resources which allow them to address the issues facing their teenage population.

Officials look for payoff in Native Mob sweep

Teen Dating Violence - Know the Facts

2012-02-14T11:24:00.000-06:00

Teen Dating Violence Awareness means understanding the issues and what teens are faced with.

Did you know that:

1 in 4 teen girls say they have been concerned about being physically hurt by their partner.
1 in 4 teens who have been in a serious relationship say that a boyfriend or girlfriend has tried to prevent them from spending time with friends or family; the same number have been pressured to only spend time with their partner.
Half of teen girls who have experienced sexual pressure report they are afraid the relationship would end if they did not give in.
Nearly 1 in 4 girls who have been in a relationship (23%) reported going further sexually than they wanted as a result of pressure.

Either gender can experience several different types of abuse which can include:

Physical abuse: any intentional use of physical force meant to cause fear or injury, like hitting, shoving, biting, strangling, kicking, or using a weapon.
Emotional abuse: non-physical behavior such as threats, insults, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or stalking.
Sexual abuse: any action that forces undesired sexual behavior on you by another person. This includes making you do anything you don’t want to do sexually, refusing to have safe sex, aggressively pressuring you to go further than you want to sexually, or making you feel badly about yourself sexually.

Know the signs. Not sure if you’re in an unhealthy relationship? Take a step back and ask yourself the questions in this Dating Abuse Checklist. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, seek help. You are not alone and there are places you can turn to for help. Talk to your parents, a teacher, or another adult you can trust. You can also contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 (1-866-331-8453 for the hearing impaired).

ONCDP seeks to reduce drug use and access

2012-02-10T10:50:00.000-06:00

As part of U.S. Drug Enforcement Policing the Director of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske met with the ambassadors of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama in Washington in January. The topic of discussion was U.S. efforts to reduce drug use and its consequences, as well as prevent illegal drug entry into the United States.

According to the ONDCP report, drug use has dropped roughly one-third from the lat 1970’s. In the last five years, Cocaine use among Americans dropped 46% among young adults aged 18 to 25. Those who have tested positive for cocaine in the workplace has dropped 65% during the same period. The ONDCP seeks to decrease the total number of chronic drug users by an additional 15 percent by 2015.

According to ONDCP, scientific evidence has shown that prevention efforts such as community-based treatment programs are the most cost-effective and common-sense approach to reducing the demand for illegal drugs, as opposed to sending nonviolent offenders to prison.

The Administration continues funding scientific research on drug use, while also supporting initiatives that make addiction treatment an integrated part of health care and provide community services that support sustained recovery.

In addition, the United States continues to work with Central American countries to help stem the illegal drug trade by providing them with assistance to help strengthen security, foster economic growth and promote democracy and the rule of law.

Atlanta Man Beaten, Homophobis slurs

2012-02-08T09:48:00.000-06:00

A man walks out of a store only to be violently attacked on the Atlanta streets while his attackers jeer him with homophobic slurs, beat him up and even throw a tire at his head. The entire scene is videotaped and posted online.

The video purportedly depicts an attack on a man leaving a store in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Atlanta on McDaniel Street. Three men punch and kick him as a nother person videotapes the assault. As he is beaten, an onlooker yells "no more f****** in Jack City" repeatedly, which is according to multiple outlets including Smoking Gun, an apparent reference to a local gang.

Whatever the reason for this attack it appears to be a hate crime which targeted a person believed to be a member of the GLBT community. This is a truly tragic event, but even more tragic is that the offenders decided to broad cast their exploits on Youtube.

source: 11 News

Before we even had time to post to our blog we learned the that Federal Bureau of Investigation is now involved in the criminal investigation into the beating of the allegedly gay victim. The offenders as reported in the neweest article released indicated that one of the offenders yelled a anti-gang slur during the beating. The slur stated "no more f****** in Jack City." More details will be forthcoming. There is also new surveillance video that was obtained see the story here.

City Sticker Represents Chicago Street Gang

2012-02-08T08:37:00.000-06:00

Well the City of Chicago has another black eye and it was almost sold to over 1.3 million Chicagoans. The city sticker shown to the right shows four hands displayed in a handsign errily similar to a handsign that the Maniac Latin Disciples display.

A blogger with extensive law enforcement experience in Chicago has identified the designers facebook page and was able to download images off of his face book page indicating he is a Maniac Latin Disciple gang member. See the entire story here. Gang member designs Chicago City Sticker. He also indicates that since the sticker design the teen has had contact with Chicago Juvenile Detectives and is now a full fledged MLD.

Here is an excerpt of the what was observed by the blogger. Look at his city sticker design. The HEART is the major MLD Gang Symbol. Look at the hands pointing up to the hats on that sticker... Look closely at the fingers and how they are being held... It's hard to see on this image but those little white streaks around the hats have some in the form of a PITCH FORK.....

Looks like little MLD Herbert pulled a fast one on the City of Chicago...

Needless to say Chicago City Clerk has the entire incident under review.

Pimps, Prostitutes and Gang Members

2012-02-07T13:38:00.000-06:00

Prostitution is a growing trade for street gangs. The demand is high, the profit margins are steep and the enforcement is extremely lax. See how one county in Central Florida is dealing with prostitution.

Gang leader goes to prison

2012-02-05T11:12:00.001-06:00

A former leader of a Trenton New Jersey street gang is heading back to prison.

Parent Tips: Drug Paraphrenalia, What to look for?

2012-02-04T11:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a very good lesson for parents about understanding the degree in which teens will go to to hide their drug use from parents. Drug paraphernalia is right around the corner at the local drug store or convenience store. From clothing, to logo shirts to simply food items, can be used to get high. Here is a great video about what kids might use.

Warning signs of drug abuse:

Physical

Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual.
Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

Behavioral

Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
Unexplained financial problems.
Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.

Psychological

Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.
Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.
Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness

Prison gangs adopt College Logo

2012-02-02T14:00:00.000-06:00

Street gangs now using the University of New Mexico Lobo logo as a gang symbol. The gang is called Los Burqueños or the Burqe Boys, and members are using well-known Albuquerque symbols to identify themselves.

The Burqueños started as a New Mexico prison gang where members of different Albuquerque street gangs would band together behind bars. They get tattoos of the city's downtown skyline, the image of the Albuquerque Duke, the Zia sun symbol and even the University of New Mexico Lobo logo. And they have a special purpose for the Lobo's paw print.

See the entire story here.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

Dating abuse isn't something anyone wants to talk about, but as long as we're ignoring it, the problem will never go away. We hope to raise awareness about Teen Dating Violence by raising awareness and offering tips to both teens, parents and adults about the risks that face young people in the dating world.

Follow our posts to this blog and our tweets throughout the month of February.

Gang Counselor Arrested for Drug Possession

2012-01-31T14:01:00.000-06:00

A gang counselor working with Valley Gang Prevention was arrested on January 29, for possessing a large amount of methamphetamine with the intent to sell. The counselor Deondre Nix, 27, was also in a stolen car when he was arrested.

Nix spoke earlier in the month about the gang-prevention progra, which is sponsored by the Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce. According to Chamber President Patti Dusky criminal background chekcs are conducted and understood that some of its workers may have criminal backgrounds - though they say any violent or sexually-based offenses would not be considered.

Valley Gang Prevention opened up its central Hemet workshop, which includes a recording studio, earlier this month. The goal, its leaders say, is to use music and education to keep youth away from the gang lifestyle. The program has been endorsed by the Hemet Police Department. The program founder by Melvin Valentine Jr.

Read the entire story here.

2012-01-31T10:42:00.000-06:00

Teen Suicide is a growing issue as many teens are faced with depression and other undiagnosed mental health issues. Coupled with increased stress and financial woes facing Americans many have to choose between mental health services and food. Would you know the signs of a teen who is suicidal? Here are some tips to recognize a teen in need, and what you can do to help.

What you can do:

Talk to your child about suicide. Don’t be afraid; you will not be “putting ideas into their heads.” Asking for help is the single skill that will protect your child. Help them to identify and connect to caring adults to talk to when they need guidance and support.
Know the risk factors and warning signs of suicide.
Remain calm. Establish a safe environment to talk about suicide.
Listen without judging. Allow for the discussion of experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Be prepared for expression of intense feelings. Try to understand the reasons for considering suicide without taking a position about whether or not such behavior is justified. Ask open-ended questions.
Supervise constantly. Do not leave your child alone.
Ask if your child has a plan to kill themselves, and if so, remove means. As long as it does not put the caregiver in danger, attempt to remove the suicide means such as a firearm, knife or pills.
Take action. It is crucial to get professional help for your child and the entire family. When you are close to a situation it is is often hard to see it clearly. You may not be able to solve the problem yourself.

Risk Factors:

While the path that leads to suicidal behavior is long and complex and there is no “profile” that predicts suicidal behavior with certainty, there are certain risk factors associated with increased suicide risk. In isolation, these factors are not signs of suicidal thinking. However, when present they signal the need to be vigilant for the warning signs of suicide.

History of depression, mental illness or substance/alcohol abuse disorders
Presence of firearms or rope
Isolation or lack of social support
Situational crises
Family history of suicide or suicide in the community
Hopelessness
Impulsivity
Incarceration

Warning Signs:

Warning signs are observable behaviors that may signal the presence of suicidal thinking. They might be considered “cries for help” or “invitations to intervene.” These warning signs signal the need to inquire directly about whether the individual has thoughts of suicide:

Suicide threats. It has been estimated that up to 80% of all suicide victims have given some clues regarding their intentions. Both direct (“I want to kill myself”) and indirect (“I wish I could fall asleep and never wake up”) threats need to be taken seriously.
Suicide notes and plans. The presence of a suicide note is a very significant sign of danger. The greater the planning revealed by the youth, the greater the risk of suicidal behavior.
Prior suicidal behavior. Prior behavior is a powerful predictor of future behavior. Thus anyone with a history of suicidal behavior should be carefully observed for future suicidal behavior.
Making final arrangements. Giving away prized possessions, writing a will, and/or making funeral arrangements may be warning signs of impending suicidal behavior.
Preoccupation with death. Excessive talking, drawing, reading, andor writing about death may suggest suicidal thinking.
Changes in behavior, appearances, thoughts, and/or feelings. Depression, sudden happiness, a move towards social isolation, giving away possessions, and reduced interest in previously important activities are among the changes considered to be suicide warning signs.

If you need support of help follow the link or call 1-800-784-2433.

4 year Old Pulls Marijuana out at school

2012-01-28T10:25:00.000-06:00

There is something seriously wrong when a 4 year old boy has access to 10 individual packaged baggies of marijuana. Where are the parents? Obviously high! Or Dealing! What other dangerous substances or drugs can this poor 4 year old being exposed to. Not to mention the clientele that might come with the drug trade. Here is the entire story. Care of REUTERS.

Gang Training Course in Indiana!

2012-01-27T09:53:00.000-06:00

The Mishawaka Police Department (IN) will be hosting our 2 day Gang Awareness and Recognition Course. This course which is a full day course covers, gang recruitment, gang initiation, bullying issues, ways to work with your child to keep them gang free, gang recognition of signs, symbols, colors and graffiti, internet activity. All new and updated material including information on drug concealment and transportation methods.

The training is scheduled Februrary 27-28, 2012 to Register or download a flyer follow this link.

Who is eligible for this course? Law Enforcement Officers, educators, social workers, youth outreach workers, and prevention specialists.

Drug Sweep nets 50!

2012-01-25T08:15:00.000-06:00

A multi-county sweep targeting illegal prescription drug buyers resulted in the arrest of 50 Southwest Florida residents last week.
In Operation Southwest Shopper, over a dozen law enforcement agencies joined forces to combat prescription drug abuse between Jan. 18 and 20.

Of the 50 arrested, eight were Lee and Collier county residents.

They include Craig Michael Buckner, 43 of Naples; Fernando Arturo Delarosa, 27 of Naples; Steven Galik, 57 of Fort Myers; Hugo Luis, 36 of Cape Coral; Randall Scott Morrell, 26 of Cape Coral; Trina Nelson Oshea aka Trina Smith, 45 of Lehigh Acres; Scott Maurice Raider, 32 of Fort Myers and Remi Lawrene Victor, 36 of Naples.

The charges filed include obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, sale and delivery and forging a doctor’s certificate.
The Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida will hold a meeting at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Southwest Florida Addiction Services building at 3763 Evens Ave. to discuss prescription drug abuse prevention. The meeting is free and open to the public.

source: News Press

Nice Job Lee County

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

Southwest Florida Actively working to fight gangs and drugs on all fronts, through prevention and enforcement.

Gangs are active in Southwest Florida, but many members have evolved beyond tattooed, gun- and knife-wielding thugs.

Local law enforcement officials say gangs have turned to more sophisticated white-collar crimes such as identity theft and credit card, insurance and tax fraud. It’s a trend that has been growing nationally
during the past few years, according to a report recently released by the FBI’s gang unit.

"The gangs are becoming very technically savvy when it comes to that kind of stuff,” said Sgt. Mike Rakestraw, supervisor of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Gang Investigations Unit. Gang-related white
collar crime has been growing steadily in Lee County during the past few years, he said.

Collier County has seen victims targeted for as much as $300,000, said Sgt. Ron Byington, coordinator of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Street Gang Unit. Often gang members will collect the personal information for scams from girlfriends working as receptionists in government, doctors’ or dentists’ offices, he said. They might also buy credit card numbers from restaurant employees.

See the whole story here.

Gang Awareness & Recognition Course

2012-01-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

The Niceville Police Department (FL) will be hosting our 2 day Gang Awareness and Recognition Course. This course which is a full day course covers, gang recruitment, gang initiation, bullying issues, ways to work with your child to keep them gang free, gang recognition of signs, symbols, colors and graffiti, internet activity. All new and updated material including information on drug concealment and transportation methods.

The training is scheduled Februrary 22-23, 2012 to Register or download a flyer follow this link.

Who is eligible for this course? Law Enforcement Officers, educators, social workers, youth outreach workers, and prevention specialists.

Teens charged in YouTube beating

2012-01-21T12:20:00.000-06:00

If you have not seen this video or heard the story it is early similar to an incident that occurred outside a Chicago High School in 2009. Darien Albert

In that case four teenagers beat a young man so bad that he died. Luckily for this boy in the most recent event he escaped with only a few bumps a brusies. But once again youth are jumping to the airwaves to broadcast their escapades for all to see. What this video shows is how animalistic the group mindset can become. Interestingly enough these youth are not gang members, have little or no criminal record and the one youth charged as an adult is a child of a Law Enforcement Officer.

The father of one of seven teenagers accused of luring a 17-year-old high school student into a South Side alley, where they beat and robbed him in a videotaped attack, said his son was retaliating for an earlier scuffle involving the victim.

Michael Palomino, a Cook County sheriff's deputy, said his 17-year-old son Raymond is being “made out as the fall guy.” Palomino said he called police and agreed to turn his son in after seeing the video on the news.

His son has been charged as an adult with robbery and aggravated battery for the attack that has gone viral on YouTube. Judge Israel Desierto set bail for Palomino at $100,000 over the strenuous arguments of the teen’s attorney.

After the hearing, his father said the attack was “retaliation” for an incident last month when the victim and his friends jumped Raymond and another boy after school. After that incident, there was a lot of trash talking on Facebook and things spiraled out of control, the father said.

“He’s the only one charged as an adult,” Michael Palomino said. “They’re making it sound like he did everything. It’s just one side of the story.”

His son appeared in court wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. He hung his head low throughout the 10-minute hearing and appeared to have tears in his eyes as he was led from the courtroom.

In asking for a low bond, defense attorney Ilia Usharovich said Palomino is a “young man with no criminal record who was ashamed to find himself where he was."

“As you can see, he can’t even look anybody in the face because he’s embarrassed to be standing here,” Usharovich told the judge.

The teen’s father said outside court that Raymond is generally a good student who has done well in school, but got mixed up with some friends who are troublemakers.

“He’s a good kid,” said Michael Palomino. “He’s had bad moments here and there, but nothing like this before.”

The other teens -- two 16-year-old boys, three 15-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl -- were all cited in juvenile delinquency petitions on the same charges, police said. Their identities were not made public because they are juveniles. Police said one of the teens lives in Arlington Heights, the rest in Chicago.

Prosecutors said Palomino and the other boys persuaded the girl to lure the victim into an alley in the 2700 block of South Shields, where the others were waiting to beat him.

When Palomino saw the victim walking through the alley, he yelled “get him!” to the others, according to Assistant State’s Attorney Erin Antonietti.

The video was shot via cell phone. Other teens posting comments on the video identified the attackers by name. Palomino, whose face was clearly visible in the video, was one of those identified.

Antonietti said the video shows Palomino removing a gym shoe from the victim’s backpack and striking him with it repeatedly in the face. Palomino also took the victim’s wallet, removed cash and then dropped it into a sewer, she said.

The victim suffered bruising to his eyes, a swollen, bloody nose, cuts to his lips and bruises to his ribs and body, Antonietti said. He was treated and released from a hospital on the day of the attack.

Palomino was later identified in a lineup by the victim, Antonietti said.

In the attack, which lasted for several minutes Sunday afternoon, the boy covers his face as the other youths surround him and push him into the snow while kicking and punching his head, his legs, his back.

The attackers yell that the boy had "(expletive) up."

"Hold on," the teen says as he pulls himself to his feet and tries to talk them into stopping.

But one of the attackers, wearing gray sweats, asks: "Do you (expletive) understand?" He then punches the boy in the face and knocks him to the ground, then kicks him in the face, sending the boy sprawling on the snow-covered ground.

The victim is a senior at Curie High School on the Southwest Side, according to a Chicago Public Schools spokesman.

Even though the boy's assailants used racial epithets, in a brief statement Tuesday, police said the attack did not appear to be racially motivated.

The videotaped beating stemmed from a fight in October between the victim and his attackers, police said.

"These developments (the video) led to swift arrests and great detective work," Superintendent Garry McCarthy said at a news conference.

"As a result of their posting, we had great cooperation from the community," McCarthy said. "This video assisted us greatly in identifying the offenders in this incident."

Wentworth Area Cmdr. Patricia Walsh said the attack stemmed from "ongoing teen-aged disputes" and "disagreements" that escalated into a fight in October.

"The initial altercation involved the victim and the offending group," Walsh said. "It was not (previously) reported."

The image of Chicago in this case has been reflective in similar incident in other cities, where youths go on "sprees," videotape them and post them on YouTube, McCarthy said.

"This is a national epidemic. It's not something that's particular to Chicago," he said.

McCarthy pointed out that the video could've been a lot worse.

"The first time I looked at that video, the first thing I thought about was a friend of mine who I've seen in a video of him, and he ends up dying as a result..."

Bath Salts leads to loss of arm!

2012-01-16T09:17:00.000-06:00

Here is another reason why people shouldn't use things beyond there intended use.

Bath salts have been known to cause agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, and increased blood pressure when used a street drug, but now it seems you can add ‘bath salts’ to the list of sources for a rare flesh-eating bacteria.

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center has identified the injection of bath salts the newest source of flesh eating infections, which has cost a Louisiana woman her arm.

Initially, the 34-year-old female victim entered the emergency room with pain and redness on her right forearm. The woman later admitted to injecting bath salts into her forearm, and the symptoms started two days prior.

Stalking Prevention

2012-01-13T12:29:00.000-06:00

In recent years, the problem of stalking has become more pronounced. In most cases, it involves an unwanted romantic interest, such as an estranged husband or boyfriend. Stalking, however, may involve persons who are barely, if at all, acquainted as well as people who are known to each other.

What Is Stalking?

Stalking is the act of a person who, on more than one occasion, follows, pursues or harasses another person, and by actively engaging in a pattern of conduct, causes the victim to believe the offender will cause physical harm or mental distress to them.

Pattern of conduct means two or more actions or incidents closely related in time, whether or not there has been a prior conviction based on any of those actions or incidents.
Mental distress means any mental illness or condition that involves some temporary substantial incapacity or condition that would normally require psychiatric treatment.

Who Do Stalkers Target?

Anyone can be targeted by a stalker. Often, stalkers are former spouses or partners. A stalker may target a public figure or celebrity, a child, a casual acquaintance or a complete stranger. Victims have said that stalking has changed the way they live their lives. A stalker may intrude by following a victim to and from home, work or social activities. A stalker sometimes intrudes by watching the victim’s home, making harassing telephone calls, or sending threatening mail.

What Are the Criminal Offenses Involved?

The specific criminal offenses involved in stalking obviously vary from state to state. Some states have passed criminal statutes specifically prohibiting “menacing by stalking.” In most states, these laws have escalating penalties for repeat offenses.

In addition to stalking, other crimes involved may include domestic violence, harassment by telephone, menacing, assault, criminal trespass and burglary.

What Should the Victim Do?

Notify the Police. This is the first thing victims of stalking incidents should do. They should notify the police department of jurisdiction where they live and where they work, if they work outside the home.
Maintain a Record. The victim should mainta in a detailed record of each encounter with the stalker. Included in this record of incidents should be dates, times, locations, complete description of the offender, words spoken, actions taken during the incident, actions taken afterward and names of witnesses. The victim may also wish to tape record threats made over the telephone or in direct encounters.
Maintaining a record will allow the victim to refresh their memory about the incidents should they need to provide information to the police or testify in court.
Seek A Protection Order. Temporary, emergency or civil protection orders (the terminology may differ between jurisdiction) are court orders intended to keep the stalker away from the victim by making it illegal for the stalker to have contact with the victim.

In most jurisdictions, a person who violates a protection order can be found in contempt of court and jailed or fined. A person who violates a protection order is guilty of a criminal offense, usually a misdemeanor, but sometimes a felony, and is subject to criminal prosecution.

Prevention Techniques

It is difficult to prevent stalking, particularly if the offender is determined. The following are

among the precautions or prevention techniques that can be adopted.

If the victim works outside the home, the victim’s supervisor should, in most cases, also be advised of the stalking incidents. They can lend support or possibly intervention.
The victim should ideally have a portable cellular telephone. Some crime prevention programs have been initiated to lend cellular telephones (programmed to call 911) to victims of stalking.
Either a temporary or permanent duress alarm system can possibly be installed at the victim’s workplace.
The victim should be very careful about locking their motor vehicle and be sure no one has hidden in the vehicle before entering it.
If the victim works outside the home, the victim may want to have someone escort them to and from their motor vehicle.
The victim should avoid walking alone in dark areas at night or in isolated areas any time of the day.
The victim may carry a high decibel personal battery powered alarm device.
The victim may want to change the locks on their home or apartment.
The victim should be advised not to carry a deadly weapon of any type.
If the victim is female, she may want to attend a self defense training program. Whenwell done, such programs often provide the victim a sense of personal empowerment.

Stop Stalking!

Stalking is a form of terror. It can be a sign of pending danger and can change a victim’s way of life. An untold number of people feel this terror every year.

While law enforcement agencies and court orders cannot stop every instance of harassment, when there is repeated stalking, in most cases, the law allows police and the courts to respond and attempt to protect the victim.

Latin King Gang Leader Sentenced to 20 years

2012-01-12T21:00:00.000-06:00

January 11, 2012 - CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago gang leader who prosecutors say used murder and other violence to protect his drug-selling operation — even while behind bars — has been sentenced to 60 years in prison.

Fifty-one-year-old Augustin Zambrano's sentencing in federal court Wednesday came nine months after a jury found him guilty of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit extortion and assault with a dangerous weapon. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he must serve 85 percent of that sentence, meaning he'll be over 100-years-old when he's eligible for release.

Prosecutors say Zambrano was a top leader in the Chicago-based Latin Kings street gang — which authorities say had 10,000 Illinois member