Attempted Robbery Ends In Death By Fire

On February 19, 2007 a regular at Jim's Liquors located in the Antietam Village Shopping Center near where I deliver papers decided to attempt to rob the store.

It has been called a failed robbery attempt, however since he made the owner leave, then set the place on fire I sincerely believe he committed suicide. Especially since he was found laying by the door which he could have opened as it was a screw type lock which could easily be turned to open.

I recently found some very powerful on scene video, not previously shared through newscasts and the 911 recordings just released to the local paper.

Warning both are emotional, but the video will make you cry..

Audio of 911
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/media/firecoverage/audio.html

Powerful At Scene Video
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/media/firecoverage/index.html

I think the police and fire rescue had no choice and did the best they could. What do you think? Could anything have been done differently?

This incident is one of many experienced with the growth of our little city. The violence is spreading rapidly from inner city to the outter city and people are clearly concerned feeling that not enough is being done to curb it.

Recently two suspects fired a gun into a group of people and drove off. No one was hurt, but a house was damaged.

Last year in my own community was a stabbing, a car chase, 2 shootings of gang members and the other night my tires got flattened for no reason as I have no enemies?

Clearly fed up everyone is selling out or moving far away, but that will not solve the problem, because crime will just keep following us. Crime will be every where we go.

We need to take care of ourselves and our neighbors! Be active in neighborhood watches, call police actively and push for change. When there is an incident you withness for goodness sakes TELL, because these criminals don't keep promises! It's a known fact they will try to get you whether you tell or not, so why not go out with a bang having done your part to improve your neighborhood.

I like what Hagarstown did. When faced with increasing crime rates they cracked down hard even condeming the worst neighborhood and having it torn down. Their crime rates are lower then ours, they don't bend and they are most always preparing for what might be heading their way crime wise. I believe that is why they have a safer place to live. but even so crime is rising there too, but they seem to have better control of it.

Here is the article on the recent shots fired and the comments of readers below it. I am not sure about the one poster comments on how he doesnt get a response, because here in my neck of the woods I get a response every time I call. I am sure the police are doing the best they can, but I do agree they should have been prepared for this crime rise and dont feel they completely were.

Seems we are pretty tight security wise ready for others trying to invade our country, but seems to me we need to run a tank down in our cities and clear out any trouble we already have.

It is in my opinion that we have terrorist type situations right in our own backyard being commited by our local gangs and criminals, thus there needs to be swift and hard action. The same action required to deal with terrorists from other countries would clean our own streets!!

TIP: It is in my experience that people are afraid of large dogs more then guns, because it is a well known fact that large dogs have been known to be fatally shot and still get up and protect their owner by attacking the criminals. I believe that the criminals fear dogs, because dogs acting in protection have the ability to control their own death. People are naturally afraid of things they can not control.

I do not believe in just getting a pet for protection though. If you arent going to properly, socialize and make your pet a loved member of the family then do not get one!!!!!!

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/displayUpdate.htm?storyID=57940