WARNING BIKE JACKERS!!!
Thread started by
X-Large at 08.28.10 - 4:31 pm
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! PLEASE READ!!!!!!
On Thursdays night’s Stoner’s Stars Ride, our dear friend and ride leader Adam Benitez was viciously attacked by three male men at the corner of Braddock Dr and Stoner Ave in the Stoner Elementary School parking lot near the Mar Vista Gardens housing projects. The ride ended back at the start around 2am and Adam, 3 other males, and one female were saying goodbyes in the parking lot. An unknown truck pulled up and parked approximately 50 yards away from them. Adam sensed something was wrong and told everyone to get moving as fast as possible. Three men in their late teens or early twenties emerged from the truck with baseball bats and immediately began running at the group of bicyclists. Everyone except Adam and the female were able to flee on their bicycles and get away from these attackers. Adam was severely beaten and hit in the head and body multiple times with THE baseball bats by these scumbag criminals. These three men then proceeded to take all possessions (cell phones, keys, wallets, purse, and bags) from Adam and the female rider. They also took the Adam’s custom sound bike (Blk and Grey Schwinn Mountain Bike)and the female’s hybrid mountain bike (Giant) both bicycles are in the picture. The three attempted murders then proceeded to take the bicycles put them in the truck and drive away. 911 was called and the LAPD took over an hour to arrive on the scene, which is very sad to hear since the Pacific Division LAPD is only two blocks away from this incident. Needless to say, THESE LOW-LIFE SCUMBAG THIEVES NEED TO BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE!!!
If any body has more information on this senseless attack and robbery please email us JusticeForAdam@RedStarArtists.com or post the information on this forum.
If you hear about or see anyone selling these bicycles please contact LAPD immediately so that we will be able to retrieve these bicycles and trace back the trail to find the low-life scumbag criminals that are plaguing our city with these vicious and senseless crimes against bicyclists and the general public.
Everyone please, please, please, be careful out there and always keep aware of suspicious cars and people that come near you or a ride.
IF ANYONE HAS MORE INFORMATION OR A SIMILAR INCIDENT, PLEASE POST IT ON THIS FORUM.
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WTF WTF WTF WTF WTF!!!!!!!!!!!
Fucking SCUMBAGS!!!!!
They will be Prosecuted!!!
skano08.28.10 - 4:41 pm
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did they hurt the fem rida..
skano08.28.10 - 4:41 pm
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what kind of truck did you get license plate???
skano08.28.10 - 4:43 pm
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No, the female rida was not injured physically, but all her stuff was stolen. Nobody was able to get the plates since they had parked away from the group and ran up to them.
Fucking people in this world :(
X-Large responding to a
comment by skano
08.28.10 - 4:49 pm
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"Three men in their late teens or early twenties emerged from the truck with baseball bats and immediately began running at the group of bicyclists."
Okay, don't slam me, but why did the others leave before making sure eveyone got away. And won't hitting someone with a bike hurt more than hitting them with a bat? I would have held my ground with the entire group and fought back. I don't know I was not there, but is seems to me that having the entire group ride away leaving two riders to deal with three guys is messed up. They would have had better odds had the entire ride stuck together.
Liscense plate?
Girl Power08.28.10 - 4:53 pm
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WOW thats vicious..
sorry to hear.
SnapperS08.28.10 - 5:03 pm
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how can anyone not slam you from what you just said?
you obviously can not read seeing how the post said that the "ride leader" told everyone to get on their bikes and leave as fast as possible. i suppose you would have done different (honestly)? maybe throw you 50lbs beach cruiser at them? you cant judge a persons actions with out being in their shoes first. your pathetic.
tree fitty responding to a
comment by Girl Power
08.28.10 - 5:13 pm
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sorry to hear about the stolen bicycles and i hope Adam gets well. i will keep an eye out for the bikes.
in my opinion that small part of culver city is a pretty sketch area after hours. it could have been the local gang members from the projects or the dead end of slauson
tree fitty08.28.10 - 5:17 pm
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My guess is that being the ride leader, he would've rather had the bulk of the ride gotten away to safety had there been weapons
other than bats involved.
bentstrider responding to a
comment by Girl Power
08.28.10 - 5:17 pm
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Well, I did not post the people's names for their protection and just to let YOU know, it was 2 younger male riders and another person fairly new to the rides. I wish I could have been there exercise my right to defend myself.
With YOUR extensive fighting experience I would think that you already know that getting hit in the head with a baseball bat does much more damage than getting hit with a bicycle.
It's good to know that you will be one of the first ones to fight back if there is another incident like this on any ride you are on. I look forward to seeing if you are going to be true to your word or are just talking tough on the internet.
Overall, you comments are very lame.
X-Large responding to a
comment by Girl Power
08.28.10 - 5:20 pm
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Adam (el mero mero) is still in ICU with bleeding in his brain, broken clavicle, hearing loss from his right ear and bruised ribs. He is in stable condition but will be dealing with his injuries fo a while. Adam is one of the nicest, persons you'll meet. He didn't provoke of fight back and these lost souls had no regard for his life..they could have killed him with one more blow to the head! He is my husband and I ask that we all take care of eachother so that this doesn't happen again.
trixie08.28.10 - 5:21 pm
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Oh my god. what the hell. i hope the bike thieves that assaulted adam rot in hell.....soon. 1hr seriously? what the fuck?
mechazawa08.28.10 - 5:21 pm
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It is a very said situation, Adam actually lives in that neighborhood. I think it might have been some scumbag low-lifes just cruising around looking to jack ridazz for their bicycles.
X-Large responding to a
comment by tree fitty
08.28.10 - 5:23 pm
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It May Be Sad To Say
But IT Sounds Like Someone From The Forum Did This
Because They Would Have Had To Plan This Out And Knew To Park Far Away
And They Knew Where He Was Gonna Be At And At What Time And I Bet They Knew What He Had
And Probably Expected A Group Which Is The Reason For The bats
FixYourGears responding to a
comment by X-Large
08.28.10 - 5:26 pm
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X-Large thank you for your help and support. we love you.
trixie08.28.10 - 5:28 pm
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So for anyone that would like to visit Adam in the hospital here is the info:
Adam Benitez - Room 6111
Kaiser Permanente Hospital
4950 West Sunset Boulevard,
Los Angeles, CA 90027-5821
(323) 783-3813
X-Large08.28.10 - 5:36 pm
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Definite Love back, you guys are family to me.
X-Large responding to a
comment by trixie
08.28.10 - 5:57 pm
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Knowing the whole situation, I really don't think it was anyone on this forum. I think it was just a random fucked up thing.
X-Large responding to a
comment by FixYourGears
08.28.10 - 6:00 pm
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Adam (el mero mero) is a great guy, one of the nicest dudes out there, for him to be a victim of a random act of violence like this is ridiculous. If it happened to Adam, it could have happened to any one of us. And no, unless you're Chuck Norris, please don't claim you would have been a superhero and saved the day if you weren't there. This was more than a bike jacking, it was attempted murder. Anyways, very sad to hear about this, looking forward to what the councilman can do. What happened really demands justice.
-Ezra
ezzie08.28.10 - 6:40 pm
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This is unacceptable. any witnesses or park cameras? was an ambulance called or just 911? This is some bullshit and these people will be found. What kind of truck? Adam get well soon.
dannyzuko08.28.10 - 6:40 pm
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That happened to close to home, only 3 blocks away from my house! This is terrible, how could people do that to some one over a bike? There has been to many bad things happening to cyclists lately and it's really scary. I carry pepper spray with me but that isn't enough to protect your self from an attack like that.
xXBlondieXx08.28.10 - 6:42 pm
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Don't kid yourself,
Most likley the beating was a racial hate crime.
Lucky the girl didn't get kidnaped and raped.
911 wize up !
the police will not be there to protect you.
Dedicated81808.28.10 - 7:16 pm
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You're right, I did not think about that. Nevermind, my comments don't come off right online. I feel bad for the kids who got hurt.
Girl Power responding to a
comment by bentstrider
08.28.10 - 7:16 pm
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Wow.. I am so sorry to hear about this. My thoughts and prayers are with him for a complete and easy recovery. The Universe will take care of those scumbags who did this. Karma is a powerful force.
adamthelizard08.28.10 - 7:57 pm
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Very sorry to hear this and I hope the find the criminals who did this.
Anyone who knows me knows that I carry pepper spray. I honestly think it's a good idea.
I'm not sure why everyone out late at night doesn't.
alicestrong08.28.10 - 8:19 pm
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sorry to hear this fucked up shit happened...... my prayers are with Adam and his family.
louisiana08.28.10 - 8:44 pm
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I've been looking into getting my BSIS permit to carry the foaming, 100 ft, riot stream can.
Also, it's advisable to take a defensive tactics course in order to put it to effective use.
Along with first aid, Admin of Justice defensive classes at the local CC would be an effective equalizer in the unfortunate situation Adam had to face.
On that note, speedy recovery wishes and also a commendation for getting the rest of the ridazz out of harms way.
These brigands will eventually get theirs, either from the law or otherwise.
As for the rest of us, it may be a good idea to "maintain an out" should things get hairier than they should.
bentstrider responding to a
comment by alicestrong
08.28.10 - 9:56 pm
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That's very scary. Thank you for the warning. I hope Adam heals and that they find the attackers.
danceralamode08.28.10 - 10:08 pm
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With the growth in demand for bikes that can be easily broken down and sold, this type of activity is bound to happen.
Stay detached from ALL things especially your bike. If someone threatens to take it, let it go!Karma is a bitch and has a infinite memory!
When riding at night people need to be aware of there surroundings! Remember there is power in numbers!
The last guy who came at me with a bat, I took it from him! A lot of these punks use the THREAT of violence to intimidate! DON'T DO WHAT I DO! Make your own decisions!
There is power in numbers!
coolassmike08.28.10 - 10:22 pm
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Shit like this fill me with pure rage-motherfuckers like this'll pay. This ride should be held again but this time everyone roll with concealed bats/tazers/ mace/whatever and everone play innocent until rolled on. Adam- wish u the best n a speed recovery!
amodone responding to a
comment by trickmilla
08.28.10 - 10:48 pm
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This is very disturbing.
I hope Adam doesn't sustain any permanent injuries and heals up soon.
Has anyone brought this to the attention of Sgt. David Krumer?
two wheels good08.29.10 - 12:15 am
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i pray that he recovers quickly. my dad was attacked two years ago, on the job, and sustained brain trauma. initially he had memory loss, but he was able to regain his memory. there are some memories that were lost but he recovered. it's going to be tough but Adam will bounce back. Take it one day at a time.
mechazawa08.29.10 - 12:46 am
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Yes, AT is aware of the situation and will talk/ has talked with Sgt. Krumer.
X-Large responding to a
comment by two wheels good
08.29.10 - 1:18 am
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I hate to say it but girl power has a point. People shouldn't just be running off leaving people behind. This situation has happened a couple times in my personal experence.
First off, people need to be aware of their surroundings more. We Ridazz are always kickin it in out of the way spaces. The same places that crooks dwell at. If you see suspicious characters rolling up you need to warn the group immediately and be ready to leave immediately AS A GROUP no rida left behind.
Secondly, having been in this situation recently, if you hear someone warn you about suspicious characters, don't daudle around and slowly gather your shit. Gather your shit immediately and urge others to do so as well. Don't panic. Just shuffle you and your friends together and move as a group.
Third and this is the hard part, don't just leave someone behind!!! if someone gets caught up, you have to remain in the area and call 911 immediately. Remain visible to the attackers from a safe distance and make sure to call 911. If the attackers know they are being watched and witnesses are around already calling 911 they are less likely to commit a more serious crime.
There are two competing responsibilities at play here. I've been
in situations where a person didn't take my warnings seriously. The entire group of 15 got it together and grouped up to walk away save for one lagger who had his bike locked up and tried to go unlock it. Dumb. That put the whole group in jeopardy because we had to wait for our friend as we watched him get robbed of $50 at gun point. Still, I believe that because we stayed within view about 50 feet away, the guy didn't get jacked harder.
Another situation the entire group fled and one person was caught up while
I stayed within view but at a safe distance. Luckily the cops responded quick to the 911 call and arrived before our friend got jacked. It was dark and everyone had left.
Just out right leaving someone behind is not cool especially leaving a girl behind. Taking too long to get your shit together to leave when someone puts put a warning is also not a good idea.
Obviously Adam is a hero for correctly warning everyone to get out. Everyone who ran should have been on 911 immediately and remained in the area visible but at a safe distance.
When you call 911 in these situations, the cops will respond RIGHT AWAY
if you describe it as ongoing and the criminals are still present.
Roadblock08.29.10 - 8:15 am
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Thats fucking bogus dude ... People are getting out of control ..
OsnapsonJC08.29.10 - 8:17 am
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+1 everything RB said..
Also not to be paranoid or anything but ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings. Cross streets, landmarks, Big intersections, Stores etc etc..The thing last you want to do is call 911 and have no clue of your location.
skano08.29.10 - 10:11 am
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This has been brought to my attention and I will be looking into the matter. Specifically I will try and determine why it took so long to respond.
Sgt. David Krumer08.29.10 - 12:11 pm
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Someone pulled a knife on me just 30 minutes ago in broad daylight and tried to jack me of my chrome messenger bag in front of Venice High School on Walgrove Ave. He was specifically interested in the bag. I walked into traffic and called 911, he left. This is craziness.
ezzie08.29.10 - 3:15 pm
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good job. how long till the cops got there?
Roadblock responding to a
comment by ezzie
08.29.10 - 3:44 pm
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Since we're on the subject, my friend Nancy just posted this on her Facebook...
http://tiny.cc/we2f2
What's going on out there? Uh yeah...be nice to the cops, pretty soon we won't be able to ride anywhere without them.:(
alicestrong08.29.10 - 4:12 pm
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Very tragic news story Alice..
Hi Roadblock,
The police response was actually quick, maybe 10 minutes. During the call, I let the 911 operator know he was eastbound on Zanja St from the intersection of Walgrove Ave and Zanja St and no longer within view.
ezzie08.29.10 - 4:47 pm
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wow that's really horrible.
et responding to a
comment by alicestrong
08.29.10 - 4:58 pm
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Wow, great job Ezzie!
Did they get the guy??
X-Large responding to a
comment by ezzie
08.29.10 - 7:59 pm
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@ezzie wtf!?! omg we live right next to the high school. i'm glad you're okay.
as for adam, i couldn't believe what i read this morning. i wish him a good recovery though it sounds like it's going to take a while. poor guy. he seems like a pretty awesome guy.
i hate living here now. all these things happening where i live .. i'm ready to leave LA. it's so sad =(
tomato08.29.10 - 9:18 pm
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horrible. i wish everyone a speedy recovery.
i am honestly scared.
coldcut08.29.10 - 9:41 pm
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Do we have a more accurate description than 3 young adult male scumbags? No description on the truck?
DArK ENERgY08.29.10 - 9:46 pm
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that is awful, I'm not in LA but when I come down i'll try to visit the guy even if I don't know him!
aksendz responding to a
comment by DArK ENERgY
08.29.10 - 11:33 pm
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Just saw this thread and I can't believe it! I was on that ride and it was the second time I got to ride with this great group of ppl. Adam is very welcoming and a great ride leader. It makes me so sad that this happened to him. I hope he recovers from his injuries and that these losers that did this to him are brought to justice.
Is it possible that these people had been keeping an eye on the ride's happenings? Maybe they started to see a pattern of a time, day of the week, and when the fewest bikes were back at the school? Wouldn't surprise me if this was planned. Who rides around with baseball bats unless they're planning something?
graciela08.30.10 - 9:22 am
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ugh, i cringed when i heard baseball bats... what are the injuries of the victims? im very sorry to hear about this. Im pissed off about this kind of bullshit behavior.
Volta08.30.10 - 9:23 am
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i hear ya huey....no more bats!!
Volta responding to a
comment by Huey555
08.30.10 - 9:23 am
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To hear this it breaks my heart. I have probably met or seen Adam on a Taco Tuesday ride. I wish him a speedy recovery. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
After reading the L.A. Times report that was posted I am saddened to hear that the 15 year old kid passed. It's getting bad out there! Everyone probably heard what happened to Anson (hit and run victim), Ridetime (broken collarbone), and a group of riders who got hit by a car on the west side of town.
I am not going to lie and say that I am not scared to ride at night, but with all shit going down and scumbags hurting fellow cyclists for their bikes and stuff I might be taking time off from ridding at night.
After telling my mother about what is going on she is really hesitant about me going and ridding at night. Even though I am 23 years old she still worries and I don't want to have to stay up, worry, wait and see that I come home safely and in one piece. I have been ridding at night for a good 2 months ever since I got my road bike. I really enjoy ridding at night and I regularly ride with the Cyclones and the Night Owl Ride.
But again hearing and reading all the shit that is going on really sucks!!!
Spectre27108.30.10 - 9:26 am
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Do you remember ANY kind of confrontation or static between the ride and anyone? Any neighbor complaints about noise or any people jeering at the ride?
Do you remember anything about any stops that you guys made and where you stopped if you did?
Roadblock responding to a
comment by graciela
08.30.10 - 9:28 am
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"Who rides around with baseball bats unless they're planning something?"
Janky motherfuckers, that's who. I doubt that this was planned beyond the stage of simply going out and robbing some victims for their shit. I don't think it's likely that targeting the ride was preplanned.
petr0lb0mb responding to a
comment by graciela
08.30.10 - 9:30 am
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From the Stoner school we stopped at Sandune Liquor Store in Marina del Rey, then Dockweiler beach, next Ralphs on Admiralty way, and a house on the 4700 block of Sanford Drive in Mar Vista. Adam wanted to show us a square tree on that street. I didn't see any neighbors come out or anylights go on. My bf and I left from there so I don't know if any more stops were made after that but that was close to the school. The only confrontation that I remember was with the cops at Dockweiler. I didn't witness any fights or tension between riders on the ride or with neighbors.
I'm trying really hard to recall if I saw any pick-up trucks drive by us and I can't say that I saw anything. My bf and I rode East on Culver after the tree and I didn't see anything. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful. I guess we left before the criminals got there. :-(
Does anyone know if Adam is still in the hospital or if he has made it back home? I only met him a couple of times but I'd like to visit him to show my support. Is there a fund that needs to be started for hospital bills and such?
graciela responding to a
comment by Roadblock
08.30.10 - 10:22 am
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Hey June of last year some riders were approached by thieves with bats after Ride With No Name, remember? Long shot but could they be connected? This is one of the posts from the RWNN thread...
Im one of the guys that got there bike stolen. It was two hispanic guys that came up to us with bats and took our bikes. We called the cops after and luckily were able to get my friends bike back but the guy that stole mine got away.
krio
06.21.09 - 8:52 pm
alicestrong08.30.10 - 4:27 pm
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it sounds like adam is in bad shape from the texts I've been seeing.... anyone have updated news? internal bleeding in the head is what I'm hearing...?
Roadblock responding to a
comment by graciela
08.30.10 - 4:39 pm
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@spectre
Certain rides attract different riders. Find a ride that is smaller and not filled with thieves and vandals I.E. Taco Tues, K-Town and MNR.
The Passage of a few people throuhg a brief moemnt in time is a safe bet as well as the Mom Ridaz rides and also the 2nd friday rides.
Taco Tuesdays is infested with criminals. Dont let it be the ride that ruins everything.
stillline responding to a
comment by Roadblock
08.30.10 - 5:23 pm
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Fuck Off Stillline, as least we got rid of woman beaters on the ride I.E. You
X-Large responding to a
comment by stillline
08.30.10 - 6:21 pm
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Matt, Scott, chill out you guys!!!
Perhaps a later start time(classic MR start time of 2200, instead of 2000) ought to suffice in a major way.
Anywho, hopping on the V-Rex and moseying on over to Arc Class.
bentstrider08.30.10 - 6:25 pm
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Stillline
I have done my fair share of experimenting with different rides. Taco Tuesday is a ride that I stay away from. I hate the group that come out for Taco! I am not trying to instigate anything, but I hate tomfoolery when I go out on rides. I have gotten into training oriented/kick my ass rides, which are great and more fun in my eyes. I have done TRFKAS and that ride was awesome! If you haven't gone out and ridden TRFKAS I would recommend it. Great people and everyone looks out for one another. But the regular rides that I do are with a good group people.
Spectre271 responding to a
comment by stillline
08.30.10 - 6:27 pm
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stay safe, dont leave your fellow riders behind...
MustacheMike08.30.10 - 8:31 pm
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And this is how the rides ultimately got smaller.
All the good people caught wind of the scattered incidences of lawlessness and had second thoughts.
In the meantime, the brigands continued to slowly proliferate until they used the veil of a still-sizable crowd and the speed/maneuverability of two wheels in a confined urban area.
I used to generally not care about the "non-party/chill rides", but now I'm seeing the avoidance of danger as a reasonable cause for the choice.
As for me, I've calmed down about the isolation and now ride out to the Northeast end of Apple Valley for gazing and grazing.
bentstrider responding to a
comment by Spectre271
08.30.10 - 8:39 pm
reply
Please keep the updates on Adam coming.
btw, Taco Tuesday's a great ride, if it was "infested with criminals" I wouldn't go. And it wouldn't be the most popular ride on the Westside.
@XL no, the cops patrolled the area, but i'm assuming he got away since i never got a phone call.
ezzie08.31.10 - 2:18 am
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what we need to do is go to the housing projects near the incident and look for the truck ourselves. I volunteer to give it a try, being that I'm on the west side. Please describe the vehicle in full if possible. I'll drive there btw, and act like I'm visiting or something.
skano responding to a
comment by ezzie
08.31.10 - 7:37 am
reply
That night I went on a ride by myself and then went to go meet up with everyone at the bonfire at dockweiler beach. Sometime between 10:15 and 10:35 I passed mustache bridge and on the south east corner there was a mid 90's black truck with white trim and a camper shell parked there. The cops were there checking the vehicle out. When I left dockweiler a little bit later there was a still a cop in front of mustache bridge and also a cop on Fijii way patrolling the area. It was strange, could have just been fisherman, but worth to check out, see what the police in that area say about who was in the truck.
EinSteiner08.31.10 - 8:22 am
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thanks XL for this posting.
I'm doing better, but it's gonna be weeks until I'm back to normal.
just to clarify, I was not left behind by the other riders. when we arrived at stoner school, we were saying good bye when a rider pointed out the men and asked if they were with us. I saw the baseball bat and yelled at everyone to roll. unfortunately, since I was on the sound bike I wasn't able to get away fast enough.
the last thing I remember was falling over. I didn't even know I was knocked over from a hit by the bat to my head. One of the riders immediately called 911 (thx, B) from a safe distance, another rider watched from a distance and yelled at the men to stop beating me and told them the cops were on their way (thx, H). That probably saved my life. but the cholos continued beating me while I was unconscious on the ground.
I was in intensive care for 4 days. I had a broken clavical, bruised ribs, bleeding in my brain, and the hearing in my right ear was severly damaged. I was on morphine and slept most of the time. it still feels like it's the same day to me.
thank you to everyone for your kind words here and on facebook.
extra special thanks to those who came to see me in the hospital, especially justino and sgt. Krumar.
all the MR love has been keeping my spirits high and has helped with the healing.
I’m glad to be home with my wife and baby daughter.
I plan on getting back on my bike, but probably not until next year.
elmeromero08.31.10 - 5:42 pm
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Welcome back Adam. I don't know you, but we probably road together on a ride or two. I hope your recovery goes well.
DArK ENERgY responding to a
comment by elmeromero
08.31.10 - 8:39 pm
reply
FUCK...this is mid-blowing to read someone post something like this ... I do not know you but hope to ride with you one day 4sure and I wish you a speed recovery ...
OsnapsonJC responding to a
comment by elmeromero
08.31.10 - 9:00 pm
reply
Wow... That's really horrible. I'm glad you're alive, man.
petr0lb0mb responding to a
comment by elmeromero
09.1.10 - 12:48 pm
reply
man so glad to hear you made it out alive and not with some kind of permanent damage....
Roadblock responding to a
comment by elmeromero
09.1.10 - 12:57 pm
reply
I'm really happy you are well enough to touch base with us here!
I recently discovered
There is a "Victim Compensation Program" in CA that helps victims of crimes with medical & life expenses:
"The VCP may reimburse the following expenses if they are necessary due to a crime and if there are no other sources of reimbursement available such as health insurance, worker's compensation or other benefits. Caps or limits may apply...
Medical and medical-related expenses for the victim, including dental expenses.
Outpatient mental health treatment or counseling...
-Wage or income loss up to five years following the date of the crime. If the victim is permanently disabled, wage or income loss may be extended....
trickmilla responding to a
comment by elmeromero
09.1.10 - 1:54 pm
reply
Good to hear from you, we are all here to support you and provide help. Let's find out why LAPD took sooooo long in responding to attempted murder situation. I really hope it was not because of the harassment and follow-up report that we filed early that evening.
X-Large responding to a
comment by elmeromero
09.1.10 - 2:01 pm
reply
Hi X-Large,
This was brought to my attention at the last Critical Mass. I am looking into our response time. The LAPD attempts to respond to all emergency calls within 7 minutes. That apparently did not happen here. I will also be looking into the incident that precedded it.
Sgt. David Krumer responding to a
comment by X-Large
09.1.10 - 2:11 pm
reply
So glad to hear you're back home safe. Too many trips to hospitals for good ridazz. Sounds like everyone handled themselves pretty well...sometimes just nothing you can do when fuckers feel the need to mess with people. I got mugged/bike jacked years ago - I got away and the 3 dudes ran for their car...got chased for a good 5 minutes till I found a park to cut through. Not too fun, and this was in suburban Michigan so it happenes everywhere. Just hope everything heals and i'm sure the family is happy to have you back. We'll keep an eye out for the stuff and hopefully be more aware of messed up situations as they form.
supersano responding to a
comment by elmeromero
09.1.10 - 2:55 pm
reply
Glad you're back home, Adam. I am so sorry you had to go through that.
graciela09.1.10 - 4:26 pm
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Im glad your back with your wife and your daughter .GET WELL !
Huey555 responding to a
comment by elmeromero
09.1.10 - 5:16 pm
reply
Sgt Krumer,
We appreciate your efforts looking into response times, with regards to this particular situation as cyclists, and also as citizens of a larger community. Having something done about poor emergency service response times would benefit everyone.
Is there anything someone calling 911 could have said to an operator to help illustrate how dire the situation was? Could that have made a difference?
outerspace responding to a
comment by Sgt. David Krumer
09.1.10 - 5:29 pm
reply
What you say makes a significant difference. Reporting a fight or a theft is not the same as reporting that someone is getting beaten by a baseball bat. Whenever a weapon is mentioned it increases the likelyhood of serious injury and thus gets a priority response.
My advise is always to be as specific as possible. Don't use generic words like "attacked." This has no substantive meaning...it could mean a fight (low priority) when in fact it could be so much more than that. Always be specific like "three guys with baseball bats are hitting a person in the (head, body, leg) and the person being hit is on the ground unable to move."
I do not yet know what was said to the 911 operator but once I do I can better evaluate if the problem lies in the patrol car's response or the 911 operator's coding of the incident. There is also the possibility that the wrong location could have been provided but I do not want to speculate.
This is a cause for concern and the Department will make every effort to determine where the breakdown was.
Sgt. David Krumer responding to a
comment by outerspace
09.1.10 - 6:43 pm
reply
Yay Adam! Happy that you are well enough to post...here's to your complete recovery!
alicestrong09.2.10 - 7:36 am
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so the police station was 2 blocks away? it took how long for them to get there?
We may not have met but im sincerely sorry this happened to you,
Volta09.2.10 - 8:07 am
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yeah people next time when you call say they have a gun, and shots have been fired..they will be there in a minute.
Huey55509.2.10 - 2:27 pm
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@Sgt. David Krumer,
Thank you very much for looking into this matter. I think it would be great if we get a copy of the 911 call and hear for ourselves what was reported (I have already talked with Brian who called in the report within a minute of the attack). One thing I am very concerned with is the fact that a lot of the "On Duty" officers of Pacific Div had harassed Adam and the ride about an hour or so earlier. I had called in and reported these officer's inappropriate behavior to their watch commander and had asked for him to be on the scene of the harassment. If these officers heard that the 911 call was for bicyclists, my worst fears tell me that they might have not responded out of spite from the earlier harassment report on their actions. I am also worried that these officers might make it a point to harass bicyclists and/or group rides in the future as retribution for the complaints made about their previous inappropriate actions against bicyclists. Please let me know what you can find out about this incident, thank you very very much.
X-Large responding to a
comment by Sgt. David Krumer
09.2.10 - 2:34 pm
reply
I think if you get a lawyer involved, they can subpoena the 911 call tapes.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by X-Large
09.2.10 - 2:38 pm
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Is there anyone who could ID the suspects? That is the culver city projects. So I would think there is very high chance that the assailants are culver city gang members. If they are they couldnt be to hard to find.
buckchin09.2.10 - 3:00 pm
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I remember Adam telling us that he had to call the police on a different occasion and that because it was at the school, LAUSD police had to be sent instead of the regular cops (which took longer). I would hope that that's not what happened during this incident and the reason for the long response time.
graciela09.2.10 - 3:18 pm
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I too am glad to hear you're out and doing a bit better. Hope you heal up quickly!
theroyalacademy responding to a
comment by elmeromero
09.2.10 - 3:31 pm
reply
I hope you are wrong, that would be just awful.... But yeah, being on the ride that night, I would definately say that the patrol officers behavior was rather alarming. One of them seemed rather on edge, for no reason I could fathom.
So glad to hear that Adam is home and resting.
PeterR09.2.10 - 3:38 pm
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that was a response to XL's last post...
PeterR09.2.10 - 3:40 pm
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Hi X-Large,
That would be highly unlikely. When an emergency call comes in, it is specifically assigned to a unit. The unit does not have the option to ignore or disregard the call. If they do not arrive at the scene the 911 operator asks for their status and if there is a delay than another unit would be sent. I have requested the 911 logs for that morning.
I spoke to Adam today and asked that he provide you with my contact information. I would have asked him for you number but did not want to put him in a situaton where he is disclosing your private information without your approval. Please give me a call at your earliest conveniance.
Sgt. David Krumer responding to a
comment by X-Large
09.2.10 - 4:10 pm
reply
I understand what you are saying, I am just really concerned about all possible reasons of why an attempted murder / robbery with a deadly weapon call would have such a unreasonable response time. I have already let Alex Thompson know that he has my approval to release all my contact information to you. I will get your number from Adam and will contact you asap. Thank you again, talk with you soon.
X-Large responding to a
comment by Sgt. David Krumer
09.2.10 - 5:24 pm
reply
I'm sorry but what is a 33 year-old doing out bike riding at 2am in front of the projects? Why aren't you home with your pregnant wife and baby? And after seeing the pictures you posted...you are just doing this to get high and drunk? Really? Who watches your baby when you and your wife are out riding in the wee hours of the night?
straitnnarrow09.5.10 - 10:48 am
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Sure blame the victim. what a douche.
Foldie responding to a
comment by straitnnarrow
09.5.10 - 11:00 am
reply
I guess that slut deserved to get raped because she was dressed that way and was asking for it.
Dogbone responding to a
comment by straitnnarrow
09.5.10 - 12:05 pm
reply
don't know who you are since you just created your account a few minutes ago and this is your first posting. but you seem to know a lot about me and my life.
Stoner Ave ride was made to be a chill working man's ride. we would get on the bike path and roll to the beach, hang out a bit, talk, listen to music and go home. most rides ended before midnight, some rides even ended as early as 9:30pm. it was supposed to be a safe, responsible ride for safe responsible people.
the ride was named after the school near the Mar vista gardens, which is right next to the bike path. I've lived within 2 blocks of the area my whole life and never had any problems.
it doesn't show much intellegence or empathy on your part to blame the victim, for what in essence, was a "shark" attack.
elmeromero responding to a
comment by straitnnarrow
09.5.10 - 12:08 pm
reply
"Don't use generic words like "attacked." This has no substantive meaning...it could mean a fight (low priority) when in fact it could be so much more than that. Always be specific like "three guys with baseball bats are hitting a person in the (head, body, leg) and the person being hit is on the ground unable to move.""
Well, I have a hard time with this one. The word "attacked" is not a generic word. To me, a fairly reasonable person like I'm hoping the dispatchers at 911 are, "being attacked" is not the same as "in a fight".
But I do agree that it's best to give as much detail as possible.
attackedpast participle, past tense of at·tack (Verb)
1. Take aggressive action against (a place or enemy forces) with weapons or armed force: "in December, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor".
2. (of a person or animal) Act against (someone or something) aggressively in an attempt to injure or kill: "a doctor was attacked by two youths".
fight (ft)
v. fought (fôt), fight·ing, fights
v.intr.
1.
a. To attempt to harm or gain power over an adversary by blows or with weapons.
b. Sports To engage in boxing or wrestling.
2. To engage in a quarrel; argue: They are always fighting about money.
3. To strive vigorously and resolutely: fought against graft; fighting for her rights.
v.tr.
1.
a. To contend with physically or in battle.
b. To wage or carry on (a battle).
c. To contend for, by or as if by combat: "I now resolved that Calais should be fought to the death" (Winston S. Churchill).
2.
a. Sports To box or wrestle against in a ring.
b. To participate in (a boxing match, for example).
3. To set (a boxer, for example) in combat with another.
Clearly to be "attacked" is totally different than "to fight", the former implies non consent by the party being "attacked", while the latter implies engaging in combat by mutual consent.
Girl Power responding to a
comment by Sgt. David Krumer
09.5.10 - 12:27 pm
reply
Hello Girl Power,
I apologise for not being clear. I should have said was that words like "attack" and "fight" may have clearly defined meanings but they do not necessarily mean the same things to all people. An example:
"A man and a woman are fighting" (bad...you would be surprised how many time we get this when what they meant to say was....)
"A man is hitting a woman" (a little better as it you can tell who the agressor is)
"A man is punching a woman" (still better because now we know it is a closed fist rather then a slap and thus can do greater harm)
"A man is punching a woman in the face " (This is better yet because now we are painting a better picture of what is really happening).
I hope this is a better illustration of what I meant.
Sgt. David Krumer responding to a
comment by Girl Power
09.5.10 - 12:55 pm
reply
*Yawn* Really, here is some attention, sorry your family didn't love you.
MAXX responding to a
comment by straitnnarrow
09.5.10 - 2:04 pm
reply
I am in no way violent and my last fight was in high school... ten years later, I don't carry a knife or any instrument designed to be a weapon. Saying that, I can't tell you how I would have reacted had I been there that night. I can say I would of stood my ground and fend them off with agreeing to give up all my possessions in return for clemency. Had that not worked, I would of given a fight and try my best to defend myself and the rest. How quick is my U Lock draw? I don't know. There is no excuse for these monsters and no one has the right to question Adam's or the group involved right to peacefully gather at a public place, no matter what time it is. To that jackass who questions why a grown man is doing out riding his bike at such late ours is ridiculous. Who the fuck are you? The problem is that there are lowlife scum in the street. I am for starting a ride myself that starts and ends early enough for people to catch a ride in the metro with riders taking each other home and in turn, showing how close we cyclist are. I can't tell you how many times I accompanied minors, women, and other cyclist to their hood, often going out of my way in getting home. Why? Because I know how dangerous the streets are and I smash down the middle of the lane, often ignoring calls from cholos who aren't going to get into a friendly conversation with me at 3am. I now stay away from late night rides for the most part because of the danger involved. Morning rides are fun as well and I say stay in your neighborhood if its late, but that doesn't always work since Adam was attacked in his pinche barrio! Rides are serious business lads and I am for rides with these criteria:
1) Adults of 21 and over ONLY. Teens will become us adults faster than they think. Stay home and do your fucking homework.
2) BRAKELESS FIXED OR SINGLE SPEEDS FORBIDDEN
3) No excessive posting time anytime before or after a ride. We are there to Ride!
4) No excessive drinking or drugging. This fucks things up more than helps the good times.
5) If a ride goes beyond the last train back home, riders that stay will benefit from being posted in well lit, public places that are not shady until they rest and can smash back home, in groups or alone. I say we can all ride all night long until the morning train comes.
6) No trick riding while riding. Join the circus if you want this shit.
7) Everyone is given a number and a count off is done whenever rolling out. Everyone in the ride who has a cell phone has to write it down in a list just in case.
Everyone must give an emergency number as well just in case your folks need to know why you are bleeding on the side of the road.
8) Lights are mandatory or you don't ride in the group.
9) No running of red lights. No illegal moves. No taking over the left lane as well as the right lane. The leader pace must also be followed by all riders. We ride in a group or we don't ride at all.
10) Keep your eyers and ears open. Feel that six sense! We are animals foremost and we have instincts and stranger danger radar that has been passed on from countless ancestors! Adam tried his best and successfully anticipated those motherfuckers ill intentions. All of us are here because someone else was here before us! Lets survive and thrive and ride! What happened here happens in nature all the fucking time. Animals differ in that they know they can be food. Why are we not on alert? If there is shit going down, like what happened here to Adam and his friends, no hero shit! Nothing is worth your life! But if shit goes down, stand your ground and fight back. That kid in Lincoln Heights did not deserve to die! I suggest that if you are responsible for your life, bring a weapon that is out ONLY when you need it. Brass knuckles and knives are a great idea because scum also have them. Why not You? And learn how to take them out and use them before you carry them on the regular. If you don't want to take weapons, like myself, keep your U Lock handy.
If we are to meet for rides, lets ride together for once or not ride at all.
bicicleta_del_demonio09.5.10 - 2:05 pm
reply
I live on the eastside, but your ride has been on my list.
I'm lookingforward to joining you once you have recovered.
Please do not give a second thought to sombody who is too "narrow" to understand why we like to ride our bikes at night.
Heal up, comarade.
Ride on.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by elmeromero
09.5.10 - 2:12 pm
reply
I have to mention before I leave this post that I am glad Adam is alive and recuperating. I hope to meet you when you ride again. You are a good dude and those douchebags will get their comeuppance I shit you not.
bicicleta_del_demonio09.5.10 - 2:21 pm
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Damn this makes me want to carry some sort of weapon just in case something goes down damn..
chunkylover0909.5.10 - 10:52 pm
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Dood I'm glad you're healing up Adam. Karma will do it's thing... This really just makes me angry. I think I'm going to buy a bigger and heavier sturdy U-Lock.
AestheticMynd09.6.10 - 2:34 am
reply
Hello Everyone,
I assured everyone that I would look into what occurred on the evening of Adam's assault and determine why the responce from law enforcement was slow.
A call was made to our 911 dispatch reporting 3 persons with sticks and bats attacking a victim at Stoner Street Elementary School in the driveway.
The 911 operator took down the information and contacted School Police and relayed the incident as the school grounds are School Police jurisdiction.
School Police dispatch stated that they will send units.
School Police arrived 18 minutes later.
LAPD officers were not dispatched to the call.
As a result of this inicdent we are evaluating our policies with regards to dispatch practices and jurisdictional responcibility.
I will advise of any changes in policy as a result of this incident.
Take care,
David
Sgt. David Krumer09.14.10 - 2:43 pm
reply
Thank you for following up and keeping us informed...hopefully something positive may develop out of this....
dayone09.14.10 - 4:05 pm
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I used to work for LAUSD. From my experience with School Police, you might as well just call a random number in the phone book. I advise you to see to it that School Police are never EVER again called to handle a "there now" crime against a person.
PC responding to a
comment by Sgt. David Krumer
09.14.10 - 5:05 pm
reply
i'm glad you're doing better dude
666 responding to a
comment by elmeromero
09.14.10 - 5:48 pm
reply
+1.
school police? that's so stupid! pacific division is 4 blocks away! thank you sgt. krumer. i hope policies do change.
tortuga_veloce responding to a
comment by PC
09.14.10 - 6:03 pm
reply
Sarge, this is absurd! I can understand why school police have jurisdiction over crime on campus during school hours, but why do they need to dispatch school police to an ADW in progress from points unknown when Pacific is right up the street? Don't tell me that if the same thing was happening in front of a closed post office late at night, LAPD would let the Postal Inspectors roll instead?
liquidpremium responding to a
comment by Sgt. David Krumer
09.15.10 - 7:31 am
reply
More importantly, has there been any progress on the case lately? If the suspects are truly gang members from the area, then LAPD definitely has the resources to identify them and see if any of them can be picked out by victims and witnesses.
liquidpremium09.15.10 - 7:35 am
reply
FYI, brass knuckles are illegal to possess in California.
liquidpremium responding to a
comment by bicicleta_del_demonio
09.15.10 - 7:39 am
reply