Another story from the land of "Nothing going on."
"Nothing going on."
It's what the police tell reporters when they phone the watch commander's desk to get an idea of what sorts of crimes are occurring. We typically call three times a day: Morning, afternoon and evening. So, I ask, how did we miss this report from the Arcadia police blotter?
Simple, a watch commander over there on Dec. 30, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 told our reporters, "Nothing going on."
Here's what their blotter said:
ARCADIA POLICE LOG: Sunday, December 30:
1. Units responded to Glamour Boutique, 1322 South Baldwin, around 3:01 p.m. regarding a 9-1-1 hang-up call. Officers found a female employee at the location who had been sexually assaulted. She advised that a male Asian suspect, 6'0", 200 pounds, came into the store looking for lingerie. He then sprayed her with pepper spray in the face, dragged her into a bathroom, and shoved her to the ground. He struck her in the temple area several times with his fist and demanded that she take off her pants. He then forcibly removed her underwear and fled the scene.
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FRANK GIRARDOT
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I won't defend it Frank nor will I talk of what I don't know(nice to have seniority and be off for holidays!)...but, I will agree, we should release more to you guys and let you sort out what you can report on. I have been told many a time, thanks but probably not "noteworthy". I know our logs are behind the curve and would be better served if on the web sooner, but don't count on it. On the flip side, I remember the days of one of the reporters hitting the station to review logs almost daily...have not seen that for quite some time.
In the old days.....
I can remember when police drove by the station house to check if the Blue Call light was on (meant come in and get get your call) and there were Police call boxes on the corner... but I'm told this now is the 21st century.
Frank-
I'm disappointed in you. You did not need to print this much detail, regardless of what the APD blotter reflects.
This woman is undoubtedly terrified, and that terror is magnified by the spotlight you've placed her in. Now everyone who passed by or regluarly shops at this store knows what happened and when.
If would be quite sufficient to say a sexual assault occurred at a boutiqe on South Baldwin Avenue. You do not need to reveal her misfortune in humiliating detail. You do not need to print the address for lookiloos to come by and harrass the staff - or perhaps even the victim herself, if she had the strength and courage to return.
I fully agree that "nothing going on" was erroneous at best, and most likely a deliberate falsehood. However, if I were the watch commander, and I knew you had so little self restraint, I'd lie to you too!!!!!
Her name isn't mentioned so I think your post is a bit dramatic Robert. Stories appear like this in newspapers all the time and I doubt many "lookiloos" give them much thought.
Local Boy