Friday, July 22, 2011

Crime Doesn't Always Pay

Living in this city for 10 years, I’ve seen a lot of crime.

And by a lot, I mean excessive.

I’ve witnessed people come into my store and literally grab four fragrance gift sets off the counter and then run out the door. And this happens anywhere from 2-4 times a day.

Some of these people are caught by security, but MANY get away free and clear.

I could tell you a lot about the crime I’ve witnessed, but I would like to share a particular story concerning a crime I saw earlier this week, that will BLOW you away.

First, allow me to share with you that Philadelphia is one of the most crime-ridden and violent cities I have ever lived in, however that’s not something most Philadelphians care to admit. Philadelphia is a very angry, paranoid, and highly segregated city. And each segregated area believes that Philadelphia belongs to them, and THEM only. Philadelphia doesn't know how to coexist under one roof and prosper as a unit. And yet, as a visitor, when you look at how beautiful and charming this city is you wouldn‘t think it. That’s because all the anger, paranoia and segregation is hidden underneath. But trust me, not only was I born here, I currently live in Philadelphia, therefore I SEE what goes on behind the image of The City of Brotherly Love. The crime and violence in this city has nothing to do with the economy and people desperate for food because those are not the one’s who are stealing. It has to do with the people who have always been angry at life because they fear growth and evolution - they fear a change in consciousness. And they steal and act violent because they somehow think they're entitled because of their unhappiness at life.

Allow me to interject here, that I applaud the police force of Philadelphia because they have a lot to deal with. And they’re also the nicest and most helpful police force ever. So, thank you Philadelphia Police Force!

Tuesday, I witnessed an attempted robbery.

I was walking down Walnut Street close to the corner of Broad Street, when I suddenly heard a woman’s voice scream, “STOP THAT MAN! STOP THAT MAN! HE JUST STOLE MY IPHONE!”

And as I focused on what was going on about 25 feet in front of me, I saw the woman who was probably about 70 years old RUNNING after this man. Yes, RUNNING!

All pandemonium broke loose. People on the street and sidewalks were trying to trip the thief in an attempt to stop him, but he kept getting way. The next thing I saw was the thief running down a subway entrance, and this 70-year old woman running down after him!

As I hurried closer to Broad Street, I saw the thief running UP the subway stairs on the opposite side of the street. Which means he ran underground, assuming he was going to get away by exiting on the other side.

Well…it just so happens there were policemen patrolling underground who must of seen this thief running so they ran after him. And all the while this 70-year old woman was running too, screaming, “STOP THAT MAN! STOP THAT MAN! HE STOLE MY IPHONE!”

As I crossed the street, I saw one of the policemen grab this guy and throw him face down onto the sidewalk. The guy resisted by trying to get up….when all of sudden the policeman WHIPPED out his gun and pointed it at him with BOTH hands, yelling, “STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!”

Now, here’s the greatest ending…..

This 70-year old woman, reached down into the thief’s hand and grabbed her iPhone, holding it high in the sky, exclaiming, “YES!….I GOT IT BACK…I GOT IT BACK….THANK YOU, POLICEMAN!”

OMG…you should have heard me! I was clapping and cheering, “YOU GO, GIRL!!!!!!”

Here are some photographs I got while the arrest was taking place. I apologize that some of these images are blurring, but I wasn’t even focusing. I just kept snapping.