The following message was passed to me second-hand. I have no assurances of the accuracy of what is reported. If you know of similar incidents in the area, post them here.
There is a nice entertainment district developing in the King St. and Post Street areas. Incidents such as this one could damage that development.
"This happened Tuesday night at Walker's wine bar. There were many people across the street at Park Place and the Rogue, so this guy is pretty brazen and crazy to rob someone with witnesses all around. He was a black man, at least 5'11 or 6 feet tall, somewhere around 190-200 lbs, long dreadlocks, wearing a black shirt (on his head to shield his face, but the victim could see the whites of his eyes), sneakers, red shorts. He ran in the alley behind a man's home on Post Street, ran down College Street (according to the witnesses) and then disappeared in the alley somewhere. The victim’s boyfriend ran after him but didn’t catch him. Apparently the guy was watching the female victim and her friend from across the street, probably at that gas station/quickie mart place because he waited for the boyfriend who was with then to go inside. It was terrifying. The man who lives across the street says there's been a bunch of hoodlums lately doing these crimes, robberies, etc. The victim honestly thought he was going to kill her. It was scary. He was grunting and mumbled something when he lunged at them. There is a detective on the case who is going to look at various videos, etc. They found at least one video. There may be more.
Just a side note, they apparently steal your credit card, go to a gas station (by McDuff over there, or at least that's where they were) and fill up their crackhead friends' cars with gas for $20 and then take the cash and go buy crack or drugs, etc. They were at a gas station nearby very soon after all this using all her credit cards and attempted to use her debit card at an ATM (smile for the camera, dumbass).
So just be careful around there. I went to replace all my things the next day and ran into a woman at Ulta who said she and her friend were body slammed, knocked to the ground by a black man in Riverside who proceeded to punch her in the head until she gave up her purse and he ran. Unbelievable ...
I haven't slept in two days. It's very frightening and unbelievably scary knowing they have all my credit cards, license, phone numbers, text messages, business info, etc. Be careful!
If there is anything good going on anywhere in Riverside-Avondale then the cops will stay far far away. Having lived here for 6 years I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen a patrolman: any kind be it on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, whatever: patroling the vibrant areas in the evening. Five Points, Riverside Market Square, Park and King and Shoppes of Avondale, you NEVER EVER SEE POLICE THERE IN THE EVENING WHEN THEIR
PRESENCE WOULD BE A DETERENT TO THIS TYPE OF CRIME. Two cops on bikes could cover that entire area from 7 pm til 2 am. But it will probably take a serious violent crime for the police to do anything. You can be sure, they will not prevent crime, but they might respond to it after it is too late. That is the unfortunate truth.
The other sad truth is that those merchants could easily afford a rent a cop (or two) but that would cut into their profits............
Supposedly there are cops in the area that ride around on bikes...but I personally have never seen them either...and I have lived here for 16 years!!
The bicycle guys ride around during the day, not at night. They are in the old Riverside area fairly frequently. They are also riding in the alleys where you wouldn't see them.
JSO is spread pretty thin on the ground. Zone 4 boundaries are I-10 to the St. John's Rivers; to the county lines with Clay and Baker counties. Riverside/Avondale actually has a low crime rate and they probably tend to concentrate their manpower in more crime active areas of the Zone.
That said, there certainly needs to be more security both JSO and private in our late night entertainment zones that are seeming to attract predators.
There was another purse snatching on King Street the night before the incident reported above.
The area between Kickbacks and Bold City around King St is by far the sketchiest area of any of he historic districts in town (including Springfield).
This issue could be a great opportunity for maybe some local volunteers from a few of the clubs to look out for the patrons...Lauren at the Metro would have kicked his ass..
Quote from: acme54321 on July 23, 2011, 03:58:08 PM
The area between Kickbacks and Bold City around King St is by far the sketchiest area of any of he historic districts in town (including Springfield).
I don't know. I've heard tell of some pretty bad goings on in the environs of the BP at 8th and Liberty in Springfield. ;)
Yep...Lackawanna.
Driving past Carmine's Pizza this morning on my way to work, I noticed a JSO cruiser and crime scene investigation van in the parking lot. Looks like one of their windows was smashed in last night--either mindless vandalism or burglary. Anyone got the scoop on what happened?
Has anyone tried Carmine's would love to hear a review.
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 27, 2011, 10:05:33 AM
Has anyone tried Carmine's would love to hear a review.
Someone probably took the statement "they put crack in their pizza" literally and tried to rob the place for rocks. That pizza is so good. Their Chicago style deep dish is probably the best thing you'll ever put in your mouth.
^Word up. We just tried it for the first time 2 weeks ago and it is flat stellar. Good beer selection too.
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 27, 2011, 10:05:33 AM
Has anyone tried Carmine's would love to hear a review.
Carmine's is incredible. Their Chicago-style reminds me of actual pizza from Chicago. And their gold rush wings are divine. There's a longish thread on it: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,11221.60.html
I agree with Garden Guy about Lauren. That chica does not play the radio!
As for overall safety in the King Street area, I hope that we put it all in perspective. The worst that could happen from this situation is for people to abandon the King Street area and leave it to the thugs. That would suck. Instead, we need to keep up the foot traffic as the crowds are the best cure for all of that thuggery. I remember sleeping in my car in New York City and felt very safe as the Greenwich Village area was still vibrant at 2am...
Perhaps a bike patrol by ordinary citizens? :)
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 27, 2011, 10:05:33 AM
Has anyone tried Carmine's would love to hear a review.
+1
The wife and I both love Carmine's--awesome thin crust pizza (with a near perfect ratio of crust:sauce:cheese), excellent salads, and Bold City on tap. Casual, non-pretentious vibe and their servers are great--just a really, really good neighborhood pizza place and a great addition to the King St. District. Hate to see that they've been victim to a smash and grab. I haven't tried their deep dish pizza yet but sounds like I may just have to get a pie tonight to show my support!
I plan to keep frequenting the area. Carmines is now a priority to try.
Oh no! You are NOT going to export your Springfield disputes to Riverside. Bite your tongue. ::)
Citizens holding Concealed Weapon Permit are afforded special protection:
If inclined to wear Hand Cannon when heading out to such planned elective destination,simply do not go there!
Every private conversation I have had about King Street has been positive,along with observations and warnings about Bad.The area is also in and on the edge of bike riding Do Not Enter Zone.Police officer friends grant further insights.I have so far refrained from patronizing King.
Not scared,but trained and fed up with this crap.Shades of the final years in North Miami.
I would not have left my wife alone in the presence of (often proven profile)
On a positive note,it is fortunate that our District 14 City Council person has a stake and proven interest,involvement with Park &King.
Indeed, I had the misfortune of getting a flat on my roadbike biking home from Bold City. I think I was lucky that night, because an officer was on stockton and within eyesight of my walk down towards the river to the less sketchy part. I don't think I would ever want to take that walk again. Even though it was only a mile and a half to my house, doing it with a limping bike and on a road with no street lights isn't the best situation to be in.
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 27, 2011, 10:05:33 AM
Has anyone tried Carmine's would love to hear a review.
Their BLT and their white pie are two of the best pizzas I've ever had. After eating at Carmine's a couple times, I can't bring myself to eat at Al's or Moon River anymore, I ordered my formerly-favorite pizza one night and compared to Carmine's it tasted like cardboard. The difference is just night & day. The comment about there must be crack in their pizza is not far off.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 27, 2011, 10:40:48 AM
Perhaps a bike patrol by ordinary citizens? :)
Now, now...
.
Quote from: Gonzo on July 27, 2011, 02:36:00 PM
Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 27, 2011, 10:40:48 AM
Perhaps a bike patrol by ordinary citizens? :)
Now, now...
Bike patrols are a great idea, as long as they're actually used to combat crime, and not for personal agendas.
What SPAR is doing is like, applying this to King Street as an illustration, saying that there wouldn't be any muggings next to Kickbacks if Kickbacks weren't there, so the solution is to harass their customers and call in code complaints until they shut down. That's why everyone balked at the situation in Springfield, not that there is anything wrong with the idea itself.
I live a block from King on Post, and would be happy to ride around the area to patrol. Unfortunately though someone cut my lock and stole my bike. I guess it was a preemptive strike against me trying to thwart their crime.
Quote from: JeffreyS on July 27, 2011, 10:43:18 AM
I plan to keep frequenting the area. Carmines is now a priority to try.
Sounds like we need to set up an impromptu social for tonight. Any takers?
Maybe 6ish
6ish sounds good. Shall I post on my Facebook?
Make it 7pm and I will post a public event. Sounds like a plan, eh?
I don't want to hold things up but I am coming at 6 with or without an event. I will have a 5 year old with me so the pizza will be his focus.
Kewl. I think that the pizza will be my focus too, as it will be my first time there.
Trust me on this guys, go with the BLT. You will never have a better pizza, or even one remotely like it, anywhere.
Will do, Chris. Thanks for the advice!
Jaxson I am running about ten minutes late
No prob. I suppose I will be heading out momentarily!
I will be wearing a Hawaiian shirt : )
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=242040419151351
You 'all making me hungry and curious talking about pizza.
Is King Street the location of real by gosh wood fire oven pizza?
I am tempted to go there.......by bike!
If you see a red and white Nishiki/well dressed (Resort Casual Clothes Horse) Pud or Nishiki (I love that bike) lashed with triple locks/hidden GPS locator you will know another has come forward to face the fire.......wood fire style.
Cheers!
Carmines was a great experience this evening. I had the 10" BLT pizza as recommended (Thanks, Chris!) and was very pleased by the service, the atmosphere and the food. I have high hopes for this place. Thanks, Carmines!
My pizzas were great and the service was great. Our waitress even played a video game with my five year old when he asked her to.
I do not know who cashed me out, but he seemed like someone who was high up at Carmines. I made sure to mention metrojacksonville.com when I told him how I discovered the place. Shameless plug for one of my favorite web sites : )
Quote from: Jaxson on July 28, 2011, 10:36:15 AM
I do not know who cashed me out, but he seemed like someone who was high up at Carmines. I made sure to mention metrojacksonville.com when I told him how I discovered the place. Shameless plug for one of my favorite web sites : )
MJ loves Carmine's, their board eats there a lot. Stephen Dare was actually who told me about the place originally.
This thread has me craving the BLT pizza again and it's only 10:44 in the morning. Maybe they do put crack in it.
If you find a nugget you can always go across the street to the mini-mart and purchase your glass-rose pipe.
My wife wants to check out Carmine's tomorrow night. I am purchasing bulletproof vests for both of us and we will be carrying .44 Magnums, the most powerful handgun in the world, which will blow your head clean off. Hope we don't get mugged!
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on July 28, 2011, 10:43:30 AM
Quote from: Jaxson on July 28, 2011, 10:36:15 AM
I do not know who cashed me out, but he seemed like someone who was high up at Carmines. I made sure to mention metrojacksonville.com when I told him how I discovered the place. Shameless plug for one of my favorite web sites : )
MJ loves Carmine's, their board eats there a lot. Stephen Dare was actually who told me about the place originally.
This thread has me craving the BLT pizza again and it's only 10:44 in the morning. Maybe they do put crack in it.
Anyone want to take me to the pawn shop? ; )
Quote from: Bativac on July 28, 2011, 11:23:29 AM
My wife wants to check out Carmine's tomorrow night. I am purchasing bulletproof vests for both of us and we will be carrying .44 Magnums, the most powerful handgun in the world, which will blow your head clean off. Hope we don't get mugged!
I think this is a bit of an overkill.. There are not "Thugs" waiting to mug you as soon as you walk into the King Street district. I regularly walk from my house, down Gilmore to Bold City Brewery and Intuition. I also regularly walk down Stockton to College and over to Kickbacks, the Rogue and the Independent. I have never had a problem. The weekend after fourth of July, I had a buddy in town and we walked down Gilmore to Acosta to Dellwood to West St to College to Kickbacks for a delicious burger at 1:30AM and imagine that we didn't get mugged.
I don't want people to read this thread and avoid one of the best areas of Riverside. This is the densest neighborhood in Jacksonville and muggings may occur occasionally but avoiding the area or perpetuating the idea that this a "Sketchy" part of the neighborhood may cause people to miss out on all the goodness that happens on King St.
Who wants to miss breakfast at Cool Moose, the Bistro Club Panini at Kickbacks, the Bad Ass BLT pizza at Carmines, a Honey Badger at Intuition, a cold Dukes at Bold City Brewery? This is only a few things that you'll be missing if you avoid one of the best areas of Jacksonville.
Also, I'm starting a Carmines thread. Please join me in discussing how great that place is.
Quote from: A-Finnius on July 30, 2011, 01:00:31 PM
Quote from: Bativac on July 28, 2011, 11:23:29 AM
My wife wants to check out Carmine's tomorrow night. I am purchasing bulletproof vests for both of us and we will be carrying .44 Magnums, the most powerful handgun in the world, which will blow your head clean off. Hope we don't get mugged!
I think this is a bit of an overkill.. There are not "Thugs" waiting to mug you as soon as you walk into the King Street district. I regularly walk from my house, down Gilmore to Bold City Brewery and Intuition. I also regularly walk down Stockton to College and over to Kickbacks, the Rogue and the Independent. I have never had a problem. The weekend after fourth of July, I had a buddy in town and we walked down Gilmore to Acosta to Dellwood to West St to College to Kickbacks for a delicious burger at 1:30AM and imagine that we didn't get mugged.
I don't want people to read this thread and avoid one of the best areas of Riverside. This is the densest neighborhood in Jacksonville and muggings may occur occasionally but avoiding the area or perpetuating the idea that this a "Sketchy" part of the neighborhood may cause people to miss out on all the goodness that happens on King St.
Who wants to miss breakfast at Cool Moose, the Bistro Club Panini at Kickbacks, the Bad Ass BLT pizza at Carmines, a Honey Badger at Intuition, a cold Dukes at Bold City Brewery? This is only a few things that you'll be missing if you avoid one of the best areas of Jacksonville.
Also, I'm starting a Carmines thread. Please join me in discussing how great that place is.
I agree 100%. There are muggings all over Duval County. The real shame is that nobody ever swears off, for the sake of argument, Atlantic Beach or Mandarin because they were the victim of a crime. They put it in perspective and get over it. I personally have lived in the Riverside area near Park and King Streets and believe that it is worlds better than it ever has been in my memory.
Bicycle riders visiting the breweries beware of JSO..I got taken down and checked for priors of course while passing through there
Both officers did U-turns and had lights flashing!
They were polite and admitted that anyone on a bike or Male walking alone is suspect...2 cars on the beat in the same block..that's not bad protection.
A small can of OC spray, along with practice deploying it, goes a long way towards discouraging muggings.
Quote from: Ernest Street on July 30, 2011, 05:14:24 PM
Bicycle riders visiting the breweries beware of JSO..I got taken down and checked for priors of course while passing through there
Both officers did U-turns and had lights flashing!
They were polite and admitted that anyone on a bike or Male walking alone is suspect...2 cars on the beat in the same block..that's not bad protection.
Well it sounds like they heard the complaints about the stickups, which is good. Hopefully that puts an end to the problem.
Crime in Jacksonville has dropped by double digit percentages over the past two years and has dropped even more in Zone 4, which is the Zone that Riverside and Avondale are in. Riverside and the King Street district are safer than they have ever been. The activity has just attracted a couple of predators that will be caught soon. The increase JSO attention is exactly the right response.
If I'm not mistaken...someone on here commented that a street light between Bold City and Intuition had been stolen or removed.
It might have been private and not a city light.
I admittedly never investigated nor photographed this light....anyone?
Quote from: L.P. Hovercraft on July 27, 2011, 10:02:16 AM
Driving past Carmine's Pizza this morning on my way to work, I noticed a JSO cruiser and crime scene investigation van in the parking lot. Looks like one of their windows was smashed in last night--either mindless vandalism or burglary. Anyone got the scoop on what happened?
I talked to John at Carmine's and he said that they smashed the window and grabbed the TV. Not the greatest TV, if you ask me, but anything for a quick buck, I suppose. We recommended Safe Touch security. Great response time.