Ridazz Down in DTLA
Thread started by
Joe Borfo at 04.24.09 - 3:20 am
" 4 bike run over by a hummer tonight. new tallbike is totaled cops
let the driver go. M@ "
"'mini_penny: Accident in dtla on killah cali ride. 1 rider to the
hospital for his ankle. 4 more bikes totalled. "
"Driver caught, released after reports taken. My bike is totalled. "
Any more info?
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ya wtf? cops let the guy go? what for? how did this happen?
FuzzBeast04.24.09 - 5:23 am
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I mean, plowing over 4 bikes doesn't really sound like an accident.
FuzzBeast04.24.09 - 5:25 am
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this was so fucked. the guy hit andres and tried to run, totalled three other bikes(including matts tallbike) and fucking drug one under his car for a good block, cop pulled him over, shit went down, and they said we basically had it coming and let the people go.
angrytoaster3004.24.09 - 5:38 am
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WTF?
Seriously?
You "had it coming"?
!!!!!
I mean, how did it happen, were you guys running a red?
FuzzBeast04.24.09 - 5:46 am
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wtf wtf wtf. more info please.
Someone.
Alfredo04.24.09 - 6:00 am
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no, we werent at the light yet, this asshole in a hummer h3 just plowed through like a dick and hit a guy, we started to tell him he hit somebody and had to stop and they started saying they had guns and shit, so we went in front of the car. i started to call the policeparamedics for the hurt guy, and was getting myhis bike off the street when the hummer revved up and drove over the pile of bikes in front of him. one got lodged under his car and he took it with him to the next intersection, where the cops stopped him.
then, after like two or three hours of bullshit and more bullshit, the cops reasoned that our mob mentality frightened these innocent doogooders and that we incited him to hit us by being there? The fucking cop even said ''Id have done the same thing in that situation''
this isnt fucking right guys.
angrytoaster3004.24.09 - 6:24 am
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did you get the cops names and badge numbers? did you call the watch commander? Photos? Names? What do you have?
brassknuckle04.24.09 - 6:28 am
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This is too fucking easy. Let's fight these fuckers- file a police report, and sue the pants off them. Noone make any changes your damaged bikes, take pictures of all injuries and all damage to the bikes. Just texted Matt and Krista. Who else had their bike destroyed?
danya04.24.09 - 6:49 am
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What the fuck..
So did anyone get the hummer's plates and the officer's badges. Cause that's pretty much all we need to fuck em' over. & Evidence of course, which would be the documentation (photos) of injuries and mangled bikes.
Alfredo04.24.09 - 6:58 am
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It's actually better to have the actual (remains of) bikes, if possible. I know Matt and Krista have other bikes, was anyone's only ride mangled? If so, we should get them another bike so they don't have to make any changes to the damaged bike.
danya04.24.09 - 7:01 am
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Also! Everyone who was on the ride should write up a witness statement. It's a simple 2-3 paragraph statement of anything and everything you can remember from that night. I can post up a sample witness statement from my car accident if you want, or if you don't feel comfortable writing it up, call me and I can do the write up using your information.
danya04.24.09 - 7:21 am
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once you make your statements, in addition to sending them to your local police force, send them to your local councilman/representative. i know that the echo park cyclist's death falls under district 13, which is represented by eric garcetti. i think, but am not 100% sure, that last night's incident falls under his district as well. here is his email councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org. there's also a form on his website where you can fill out an appointment form to schedule a face-to-face meeting http://www.lacity.org/council/cd13/c13cm1.htm. it's time to reach out beyond the cops. their lack of response is unacceptable and just leaving us more vulnerable to injury and theft.
nesoxochi04.24.09 - 8:27 am
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i am so sorry to all of you who went through that shite last night. i know this will NOT go by without your voices being heard - i am shocked at the stupidity and non-respect for human life altogether. i guess i shouldn't be.. but i am. i am hopeless.
ride tonight. EASTSIDE is awesomeness. it is not a BAD place to ride. no. you just need a U-Lock. we all do. bikes get stolen. U-Lock your bike. and NOT every cop is the one that you met last night - inhuman.
i wish you luck at LACM tonight. take back your streets so we may ride safely through them once again.
i love you guys..
- sara
bondink04.24.09 - 8:31 am
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would have done the same thing?????
the fact that a cop feels comfortable saying that shows us that we aren't doing our part to keep them in check. don't let them get off easy guys!
snowcone04.24.09 - 9:05 am
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WTF!WTF!WTF!
You guys have to follow up on this! This Idiot is reponsible for your Bikes and the officers should be Supended. I HOPE you got there Badge and info. Leaving the scene of the crime and using your Car non the less a HUMMER to break through traffic is Assault with a deadly weapon. No Matter what those officers said if the tables where turned and he did the same to the cops the man would be looking at 25 to life for attempted Murder on a Police officer, SO this situation Shouldn't be any different.
skano04.24.09 - 9:22 am
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this shit's like whoa.
any new news?
KiMS104.24.09 - 9:27 am
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ahhhh what the fuck!!!!!!!!!!!
do you know who the other 3 are besides andres and matts... because im calling my homies phone and hes not picking up, i want tosee if theyre okay.. you keno and alex right?
theladiesman04.24.09 - 9:32 am
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wtf??????
are you guys ok? let me know if you need anything. me and jean dipped after we stopped at the river.... did this happen on the way to the park?
f*ck. sorry to hear that guys.
sciencefriction04.24.09 - 9:33 am
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Wow............... speechless. What was the name of the officer???
Roadblock04.24.09 - 9:36 am
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Know it's last minute but maybe LACM should try to unify under a visible sign, like everyone wear white or something.
HappyLand04.24.09 - 9:38 am
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We should schedule some "ride alongs" with the LAPD for a couple of folks on the nights of some of the bigger rides. It would be interesting to see what they look like from the officer's perspective.
It sounds like we need to work on improving relations with the Police, as that office sounded a little unsympathetic.
Also, make sure that those involved in the incident fill out an SR-1 accident report and file it with the DMV.
http://dmv.ca.gov/forms/sr/sr1.htm
The more documentation you have on file, the easier it will be to file a battery/negligence/etc. claim against the Hummer driver.
JB04.24.09 - 10:00 am
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So the officer would have threatened you with guns and run over your bikes too? Wow.
neverclever04.24.09 - 10:01 am
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Please tell us you got a name or badge # for this cop and a plate # for the Hummer!!??!!
Put everything (witness information, statements, pictures, license plate #) in a neat package and attempt to file a report at the local station.
If they don't want to take the report down, be polite but firm and insist on a report to document the incident nonetheless. Ask to speak with a watch commander if you have to.
If they still don't want to take a report, file a complaint with the Office of the Inspector General. You can fill out the form online www.lacity.org/oig/isgcn1.htm
However, I suggest doing it person. Ask to speak with Daisy, she took down Alex Thompson's complaint a few weeks ago and would be familiar with the general idea of cyclist harassment and institutional bias.
DJwheels04.24.09 - 10:04 am
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we are part of the system... it's our responsibility to keep them in line.
snowcone04.24.09 - 10:09 am
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Geez. That's horrible. Don't take too much time causing a fuss. So, was there any exchange of information with the police?
Delgado Blood04.24.09 - 10:10 am
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That is INSANE!!! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?? Oh but if it they were on mopeds it wouldve been different? Cyclists are still traffic, and what "mob mentality" was going on? That sounds like a bunch of horse shit.
batgirlkarla04.24.09 - 10:16 am
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I'm really upset about this. We let the cops live above the law, and they say shit like that, and get away with it?
I think a mass visit to the Downtown LAPD HQ is in order.
Fucking Bullshit.
the reverend dak04.24.09 - 10:22 am
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GET ON THIS!!!
CALL STEPHEN BOX AND ALEX THOMPSON TO LET THEM KNOW AND SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO!!!
THIS WILL SET A PRECEDENT FOR ALL FUTURE RIDES!!!
X-Large04.24.09 - 10:26 am
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XL - westside ride to the eastside tonight - yea
bondink04.24.09 - 10:26 am
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You know I was suppose to go on this ride? I woulda went ballistic if I hear the cops say that. These guys are sorry POS's. I hope their information was taken down to file a claim against their unjust action and the driver be taken in for assault with a deadly weapon.
r1chmi3n04.24.09 - 10:27 am
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Mad as fuck. WTF is with police bias in this town? It's time to storm the bastille people, it's time to fucking get in people's faces about this shit. "Had it coming"?????
I haven't done LACM since before most of you were riding, but if LACM will turn the Ghost Bike visit into a double whammy by visiting the Parker Center, I will pedal my little legs out there.
Let's make a list of all the bullshit that LAPD has pulled lately - general and specific:
1) Hummer incident downtown
2) Mass citation of Peoples' Ride
Alex Thompson04.24.09 - 10:30 am
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that is way too fucked up.
but lets remember that these are individual of lapd and doesnt represent them as a whole
how many times have we seen lapd be so chill.
remember Pokemon ride when they blasted the theme song?
please tell me we have their names badge numbers.
also, we have to tread carefully because if we over publicize this we might bring into light all the illegal things we do. and before you know it, we will have police escorts not allowing us to run reads or have fun on parking lots.
aksendz04.24.09 - 10:31 am
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What station are the officers based out of? I think we should head down to the station tonight after the ghost bike memorial. we can picket outside the station with signs stating the officers name and that they don't care about cyclists.
brassknuckle04.24.09 - 10:31 am
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What was the location of the incident?
Street and cross street if possible.
SoapBoxLA04.24.09 - 10:33 am
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Does anyone have the facts? I want to contact the City Council and Police department. But I need
1. TIME
2. Exact Location
3. Officer's Name or Badge Number.
4. Injured rida's name.
etc.
We should ALL be contacting the city officials, because this shit is unacceptable.
This is STEP ONE, then we need to be in front of the City Council and LAPD protesting their actions.
A car driving through a ride can NEVER be acceptable. It's like saying a Bulldozer or a Big-Rig can plow through TRAFFIC, if cars are in his way.
the reverend dak04.24.09 - 10:34 am
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SOUNDS PRETTY GOOD, MS. BONDINK
X-Large04.24.09 - 10:34 am
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"A car driving through a ride can NEVER be acceptable. It's like saying a Bulldozer or a Big-Rig can plow through TRAFFIC, if cars are in his way"
A Hummer is a bulldozer. In fact, it's a military tank sans the mounted canon.
sciencefriction04.24.09 - 10:38 am
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Incredible. Let's get this cop off the street for the sake of our community.
Eric Hair04.24.09 - 10:40 am
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this point should be emphasized when filing a claim.
who should feel more threatened and vulnerable?
a guy in a military vehicle? or a guy a human powered, 2 wheeled bike?
sciencefriction04.24.09 - 10:40 am
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http://www.bicyclelawyer.com/
I'm pretty sure this guy would love to take the case.
He's not only a Lawyer, but an LA cyclist as well.
sparkypinball04.24.09 - 10:40 am
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@ sciencefriction
well, actually the H3 is far from its roots as a military vehicle. all the contemporary Hummers by GM are just built on their truck chasis. not that any of that is important, I just hate to give GM credit where no credit is due.
Eric Hair04.24.09 - 10:43 am
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@ and filled with guys and threatening us with guns nonetheless.
Joe Borfo04.24.09 - 10:49 am
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@eric,
point noted- i hate to give GM credit for anything positive. but i think portraying it as so would emphasize the point that someone who drives one of those hideous vehicles obviously feels safer in it than any person riding a bike.
sciencefriction04.24.09 - 10:50 am
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XL - bump the westside thread to LACM - let's keep knowing what we are doing.
i may be late - i need your help to start off the ride and i will hustle to meet you while enroute going down Venice - yes?
bondink04.24.09 - 10:52 am
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FUCK THAT! You need to file a complaint with the LAPD then to feds. I'm tired of this shit. I'll help you write letters if need be, I'm pretty good at filing complaints. This needs to stop. He could have KILLED you guys last night.That was road rage in a fucking vehicle that was designed to do damage. 1 ton+ vs. maybe 400 pounds of metal?
If the LAPD refuses to recognize the rights of cyclist then we need to go over them to make them play fairly. On the other hand we need to start setting a good example and play by the rules too (ie. stopping at lights, taking the right land only and being slightly more respectful). Like this isn't a war, it should be this hard to ride bikes in LA. It seems that everyone is against us: city council (which is changing because of the awesome Illuminate LA folks), the LAPD, WEHO, most cars, most pedestrians, what the fuck we just want to ride our bikes!
etu.edu (at) gmail.com
et04.24.09 - 10:55 am
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We need the information before we can file anything...
I look forward to tonight, it's going to be interesting.
the reverend dak04.24.09 - 10:56 am
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LETS GET A RIDE GOING DOWN TO THE PRECINCT.
LET'S SHOW SOME UNITY. SOMEONE TAKE LACM DOWN TO THE STATION.
THIS HAS GOT TO STOP. MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE GETTING INJURED AND I DONT SEE AN END ANYTIME SOON. THAT COP SHOULD DEFINITELY HAVE TO BE MADE ACCOUNTABLE FOR SUCH INSENSITIVE AND REALLY UNPROFESSIONAL (INHUMAN AS WELL) REMARKS.
GodLovesUgly04.24.09 - 11:01 am
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YOU GUYS HAD IT COMING!
FBI04.24.09 - 11:20 am
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Before anything can happen, we need the exact details of what happened, anyone(who was actually there)?
As said before:
Time, Location, Victims, Names, Badge numbers, License plate, etc.
PLEASE POST
X-Large04.24.09 - 11:24 am
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Holy fuck. This is unacceptable. Somebody tell the news about this, it's just serious bullshit. That cop is so done for, and the assholes in the humvee too.
dusky04.24.09 - 11:29 am
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I'm hoping that no one's responding with the details because they're down at the pig station right now, making noise...carryin' on.
If not, WAKE UP, details!!
DEE TALES
DEE TAILS
DEEZ TALES
Eric Hair04.24.09 - 11:29 am
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PS - PLEASE TELL ME SOMEBODY GOT PICS AND/OR VIDEO OF THIS HANUS CRIME.
X-Large04.24.09 - 11:31 am
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THIS IS WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED.
X-Large04.24.09 - 11:33 am
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this is unbelievable. i am interested in helping in whatever way i can. this is the most outrageous thing that ive heard since i started riding. i would never have imagined this in my worst nightmares.
tortuga_veloce04.24.09 - 11:33 am
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I think everyone involved last night is asleep- this shit went down at 3 am. I've messaged Matt, Krista, and angrytoaster, haven't heard back yet.
danya04.24.09 - 11:36 am
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Can't wait for the price of gas to go to $10 / gallon!!
User104.24.09 - 11:37 am
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Let's try to resist making comments of counter violence.
Let's just get together, make some noise, and spread awareness.
Joe Borfo04.24.09 - 11:39 am
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:(
I am deeply sorry that you had to encounter this unjustice.
revolutionary04.24.09 - 11:41 am
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huh... awareness... I know I've seen a thread about that somewhere around here...
danya04.24.09 - 11:41 am
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Violence against property isn't violence - just vandalism.
Four Bikes destroyed? Including a tall-bike?
the reverend dak04.24.09 - 11:42 am
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I'm really upset about this whole incident and I really think we all have a responsibility to do something about this! Our rights as cyclists are trampled upon repeatedly and these incidents cannot go unheard, unanswered and unpunished.
I called Eric Garcette's office to ask who I could speak to regarding the incident last week, the cyclist death, and last night.
The field office was unaware of the incident last night but did know about the death last week but did not have any information on it.
I strongly suggest that the persons involved, either witnesses or involved in the "incident" call Allexandra Marroquin with the exact information so they can look into this and do something about it.
Eric Garcette's field manager for the Echo Park District is Allexandra Marroquin. The number to reach her is 323-957-4500.
Eric Garcetti is at this moment in a council meeting.
onyurmark04.24.09 - 11:42 am
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Yeah, but one kid got hospitalized. Broken ankle after the H3 ran him down. Andre, I think someone said?
danya04.24.09 - 11:44 am
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uhhh, hate the driver, hate the mentality, hate the cops, but don't hate the car...
don't perpetuate stereotypes. I don't want to see LACM turn into Hummer Hate Fest 2009, it's so not the reason for the season...
Eric Hair04.24.09 - 11:46 am
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The fact that the dude dragged a bike for a block is evidence enough that he was fucking up.
Fear for his life? Dude was in one of the most tank like vehicles allowed on public roads.
Besides since when does "fear" allow somebody to injure people and destroy property with out recourse.
Those involved need to organize this shit tight and professional.
Make statements and present the whole thing to the police, and city council.
We need to come off as concerned citizens not animals.
There is a larger question of how the police treat cyclists and that needs to be addressed. But this incident is about specific officers and a specific diver and the issue needs to be addressed directly and not muddled with other related events.
trickmilla04.24.09 - 11:48 am
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"Besides since when does "fear" allow somebody to injure people and destroy property with out recourse."
Actually, you're technically allowed to cause any damage you want to another person if you fear for your life. It's a good loophole, it allows you to defend yourself in most cases. In this scenario, it's as bullshit as ticketing for bike licenses.
+1 to everything else you said. We can't let this get violent.
danya04.24.09 - 11:53 am
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I had hatred for Hummers before this incident. Nothings changed after this either. They represent so many things wrong with our system.
I'm still not clear if this was a hit and run or not. Does anyone know? Leaving an accident cause you feared for your safety, is still leaving an accident. He should be charged for this if he hasn't. Not really sure what he's been charged with either. Any info on this?
User104.24.09 - 11:58 am
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This is fucked. Isn't hitting someone ON PURPOSE with your car assault with a deadly weapon or even attempted murder?!
cabhauler04.24.09 - 12:00 pm
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Fellow ridazz involved at the scene might also not be posting info on this forum for legal purposes. But I just heard that the Hummer had no plates at all.
Joe Borfo04.24.09 - 12:07 pm
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I hope there is at least a report by the cops.
I'm pretty sure they are required to document a stop.
trickmilla04.24.09 - 12:10 pm
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document a plateless car that ran over 5 bikes and someone's ankle all while brandishing firearms!?!
after hearing all this, I'm not sure the cops believe they have an obligation to do anything they
Eric Hair04.24.09 - 12:24 pm
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It should be easy enough to find out who was on Duty that night, do we have the exact location? Street, etc.
It's assault, arguably provoked, but it doesn't change the fact it was a vehicle vs vehicle incident. The driver should not have been allowed to leave the scene, doesn't matter who's fault it was.
There was PERSONAL injury and DAMAGE to several HUNDRED dollars worth of Vehicles, that alone requires a police report. The cop knows this, but has decided to apply some discretion, and let the driver go.
Two wrongs don't make a right, and even if the "cyclists" antagonized the driver, the driver (or his partners) threatened the "cyclists" with a GUN. That's road-rage with a deadly weapon, that's a FELONY. So the driver should not have been let go for that, period.
I'm fucking pissed, and I think we have enough information to make a complaint.
the reverend dak04.24.09 - 12:28 pm
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we need more information. where exactly was this? do we have any names?
tortuga_veloce04.24.09 - 12:34 pm
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Official Complain form for the LAPD.
http://www.lapdonline.org/home/content_basic_view/37673
President of City Council, Eric Garcetti
http://www.lacity.org/council/cd13/
Depending _where_ it happened, because parts of Downtown is District 14 and parts are District 9.
Jan Perry, City Council (Most of Downtown LA):
http://www.lacity.org/council/cd9/
Jose Huizar, City Council (Some of Downtown LA):
http://www.lacity.org/council/cd14/
Who else?
the reverend dak04.24.09 - 12:40 pm
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did the police provide the driver's information and insurance to the injured cyclist or the people whose bikes got totalled?
tortuga_veloce04.24.09 - 12:46 pm
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I'll be there. To show my support. We cant let bullshit like this slide.
Tarmonster.04.24.09 - 12:55 pm
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"HUMMER incident - Tuesday, April 28th, 9am LA Police Commission, 150 N Los Angeles St. Do not be late"
Joe Borfo04.24.09 - 12:57 pm
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Dear LAPD and Hummer guy,
I'm in ur life, makin it crap.
Ok? Thanks, bye.
Alex Thompson04.24.09 - 1:04 pm
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BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS - Cyclists ride to protest Hummer vs. Cyclists incident in DTLA last night. Tues the 28 @ 9am. Parker Center
mikeywally04.24.09 - 1:08 pm
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that last post was from soapboxla's twitter
http://twitter.com/SoapBoxLA
mikeywally04.24.09 - 1:08 pm
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Hey guys, just got home. Can't read through this whole thread - rethinking last night makes me so livid.
Andres Tena from Highland Park went to the ER at USC county last night.
The officers took reports from us and from witnesses.
Unfortunately, the guy leading the investigation, who patrols that area, is very biased against cyclists.
The other cops were are pretty helpful in answering our questions and dealing with the emotions
The guys in the car were released - they pulled out 3 and 2 ran away...and threatened us while we walked up to where the car was detained and the cops were.
None of the bikes that were totaled had a rider on them, but it was a very close call.
We were going west on Los Angeles at the time, about to turn right onto 7th. It was about 2 a.m. I believe. I'm not sure of the time because after the incident we talked with the cops, gave our reports, and by the time we got home it was almost 4.
There were several pedestrian and other witnesses - some who saw from their apartments and called the police and came out. One of them was a rider, I don't know his name.
OK, I gotta go, I hope that answers some of your questions. The rest of us are OK.
kryxtanicole04.24.09 - 1:15 pm
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Glad to hear most of you guys are ok.
X-Large04.24.09 - 1:21 pm
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oh noes!!!!! does anyone know how andres is doing? i tried text messaging him this morning, but he hasn't replied. hope he's doing okay. and to everyone else who was involved in last night's incident, i hope you're all okay too!
katerpillar04.24.09 - 1:22 pm
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glad your okay nicole.
i'll try to make it after work.
but remember, individuals of LAPD acted badly, not the whole organization.
this should not turn into a car hating, cop hatting orgy.
aksendz04.24.09 - 1:24 pm
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If he went to county, he's probably still in the ER waiting to be seen. Best bet would be to go there yourself, alot of those buildings have cell phone canceling devices.
danya04.24.09 - 1:24 pm
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CAN WE REQUEST THE OFFICER IN CHARGE (THE BAISED ONE) TO SHOW UP AT THE MEETING TO ANSWER FOR HIS COMMENTS AND ACTIONS AT THE SCENE OF THE CRIME???????
X-Large04.24.09 - 1:25 pm
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Did people get the relevant information re: the incident.
It is extremely important that if people proceed on this that they write up their reports of the situation and present the relevant information (names/contact info of wittnesses (only the good ones), license plate numbers, officers names, photographs of the damage, a map of the scene and series of events, time/date)
The more people turn in the same, accurate report--the straighter the story, the more likely people will see the proper, legal response.
Hope it works--but seriously collect the facts, details and get the accounts of what happened consistent in a minute-by-minute breakdown.
hitsthepoles_ow04.24.09 - 1:29 pm
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when i went to county last friday night for my crash...i think i arrived around midnight or so and was discharged at 5 am. the other guy, geo was discharged around 10 am. the whole time i was there, i was able to text message people about my situation. (then again, i guess some carriers suck ass when it comes to service.)
katerpillar04.24.09 - 1:36 pm
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all right- the situation is under control. I just spoke with Matt- he's going to talk to a lawyer about sorting all of this out.
What we can do- attend the police commissioner's meeting- Tuesday, April 28th, 9am; 150 N Los Angeles St.
Continue calling council members and filing complaints with the LAPD.
And most of all, keep on riding!
danya04.24.09 - 1:38 pm
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I think that at this point, filing general complaints wouldn't hurt. It sounds like proper reports WERE taken by other police officers, so that's a good thing.
Filing general complaints about the actions of the one (or so) BIASED officers is really important. It's not up to the COP to determine who is right or wrong, in any situation. It's their job to make sure citizen's rights are PROTECTED and SERVED.
By letting the guy go, without collecting proper information IS WRONG.
Do we know if they AT-LEAST collected information from the Hummer driver? His name, and the VIN from the Hummer. Did he get a TICKET for not having proper plates and registration? etc. etc.
From the little amount of evidence I've seen, we have legitimate complaints against the LAPD, particularily against that one officer, and potential CRIMINAL complaints in regards to the driver.
the reverend dak04.24.09 - 1:40 pm
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There is an investigation taking place, there is a file # in Central Traffic, there is an opportunity for us to gather info and respond accordingly. I'm waiting on Capt. Chow of Central Division.
See you all tonight!
SoapBoxLA04.24.09 - 1:47 pm
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Lots of cooks in the kitchen -
Current proposed plan - say Yay or Nay!
Matt & Krista & Andres to get police report
Tonight - visit Parker Center or City Hall and make some noise after visiting the memorial. Bring chalk!
All of us to visit Police Commission on Tuesday at 9am
Then we will walk over and the witnesses and victims will file a complaint against Officer Cho and any others at the Office of the Inspector General. This is the same thing we did for the CRANKMOB situation.
Friday - massive STORM THE BASTILLE at LA City Council - 10 am - public comment bonanza. Complain about any and every problem you've had with law enforcement.
Alex Thompson04.24.09 - 1:53 pm
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Thanks to Stephen and Alex for organizing all of this. I'd like to stand and be counted but i cant be there until late. How do people feel about a Tuesday night People's Vigil for those who cant take time off work? Are there people getting the media in on this?
tortuga_veloce04.24.09 - 2:01 pm
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+1 soapbox, thanks for everything you do
mikeywally04.24.09 - 2:03 pm
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yes! can we do a vigil on tuesday...it's tough for me to take time from work during the day. how do we go about doing this? where can we do this?
katerpillar04.24.09 - 2:05 pm
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Cops are not paid with our tax dollars to pass personal judgments/accusations. Their complete lack of objectivity and their personal vendetta do not circumstantial evidence make. #)(*$&@()*@@!!!
Mooncake04.24.09 - 2:07 pm
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+1000000000 for AT-Rex and Stephen Box
Roadblock04.24.09 - 2:12 pm
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Cops are not paid with our tax dollars to pass personal judgments/accusations. Their complete lack of objectivity and their personal vendetta do not circumstantial evidence make. #)(*$&@()*@@!!!
Mooncake
standing ovation chap chap chap chap
blackout_blacklung04.24.09 - 2:25 pm
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@Soapbox and AT
you make safer to ride a bike in LA.
you make sure police harassment is answered for
you get people out of draconian tickets
you take the time to make it to city council meetings in the middle of the day
you've made this a more liveable city
THANK YOU!
tortuga_veloce04.24.09 - 2:31 pm
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Depending on how much i get done work wise today, im going to try and ride LACM tonight.
Alex, if you need a ride / any help let me know!
tinycities04.24.09 - 2:38 pm
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i called county hospital...andres was already discharged. i tried calling him on his cell, but it went straight to voice mail. if anyone knows how he's doing, please update.
thanks.
katerpillar04.24.09 - 2:40 pm
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Bring your cameras, press passes and your "I BIKE LA" shirts!!
GodLovesUgly04.24.09 - 3:04 pm
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Does anybodu need a frame?
it has a seat and crank
rayrayray04.24.09 - 3:35 pm
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if you're rollin out to tonight's ride and you do NOT have a I BIKE LA shirt to show your support for the ride...no fear, Team Midnight Ridazz will be here (okay, there)! we'll trade you a shirt & spoke card for your $20 donation.
katerpillar04.24.09 - 3:41 pm
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i also can't not storm the Bastille this time around do to work but I'm with Iain on tuesday night. whatever you need, I'm there! Let's be positive, thought out and respectful.
Also, Stephen Box you're my hero!
et04.24.09 - 3:54 pm
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Honestly... that sucks...
but i have a freind that is a Cop and we have had a few talks about the rides. The cops know all about us and to be honest they hate us. they dont get it... so it dosent suprise me that they let the dude go. but someone has to press charges to make it criminal. they were in the "legal" right to let him go. but something should be done. Hope everyone recovers well...
Dareduc04.24.09 - 4:08 pm
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Bring cameras and be ready to use them
Bring notebooks or paper and pens in case you need to write numbers of licenses or badges
Information is power
ephemerae04.24.09 - 4:21 pm
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That is BULLSHIT! Unfortunately it's the sad reality of the mentality in this city! And the cops have that mentality. As well! What needs to be done is having a shit load of MEDIA attention, especially in this town! If I wasn't on this forum I probably wouldn't have known about last Sundays accident or yesterdays because it's not publicized! It's like the USC student that was ran over, the ammount of media attention made LA aware and gained her support to bring the driver to justice. Filing police reports is only a part of the solution... Gaining support from NON BIKE RIDERS is whee the change will happen!
berf04.24.09 - 4:24 pm
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just got out of the hospital and still feelin a little shook up. gonna call a couple people just to check in.
andres8404.24.09 - 4:56 pm
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dude! ANDRES! so glad to hear that you're okay!!!!!!!!!
HUGS
katerpillar04.24.09 - 5:03 pm
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Shit looks like I dodged a bullet or should I say hummer last night after leaving the ride a bit early.... Hope everything is ok with andres. shits getting crazy people.
Debut21304.24.09 - 5:12 pm
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To answer some of the questions I saw above, particularly the potential charges:
The driver can potentially be charged with hit and run. I discussed this at length with one of the officers. Assault with a deadly vehicle and vandalism are not appropriate under law, according to the officer. Also, depending on the injuries, it may be a misdemeanor or a felony. In my opinion, this is quite a serious offense, but it's not in my hands to rule the outcome on this case. I DO want to be vigilant about seeing that the driver is charged. Insurance claims are one thing, but THAT IS NOT ENOUGH.
To reiterate, the car had no plates. This was a major part of the issue, whereas several cyclists were attempting to get identifying info on the car since the driver and passengers unanimously expressed hostility and unwillingness to cooperate. One passenger leaned out a window, shouting something to the extent of "there ain't no plates!" in a tone of victory...so we tried to get a VIN number...when they knew we were serious about not letting them get away, they plowed through the bike in front of the car and the two to the right, mine and Matt's.
I watched as the bikes were crushed under the weight of the H3, a surreal scene in which I stood by helpless, simultaneously shocked at every detail and there brazen actions, and the fact that my bike was being thoroughly destroyed right in front of my eyes.
The incident took place quickly. It was about 2a.m. The driver, for the record has an address recorded from Gardena, so not quite an L.A. local.
ALSO PLEASE NOTE: Pretty much all of the officers were civil and helpful, excepting Officer Cho, who was short with every one of us, biased in his investigation, and literally refused to listen to our accounts of what took place. Other officers did take reports though. Matt says he's familiar with this guy from other rides. While we often encounter hostility with LAPD, please be civil, give them the benefit of the doubt, for your own sake - let's not stoop to the level of bias we are protesting.
kryxtanicole04.24.09 - 5:27 pm
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The ride is on!
http://midnightridazz.com/viewStory.php?storyId=2803
illuminateLA04.24.09 - 5:31 pm
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if you're going to CM please make sure you have a front lights. we don't want any unnecessary ticketing.
et04.24.09 - 6:33 pm
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Wow, I'm shocked. Shocked and really scared. Fuck.
imachynna04.24.09 - 6:36 pm
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westsidebikeside.com is down right now? cant link to the article.
B-b-brian04.24.09 - 6:45 pm
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This is absolute bullshit! We need to do everything in our power to bring this guy and these cops to justice.
Blockhead Mark04.24.09 - 6:45 pm
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What the fuck, I still can't believe this.
imachynna04.24.09 - 6:46 pm
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And yeah, westsidebikeside isn't working.
imachynna04.24.09 - 6:46 pm
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repost.
WHAT'S UP, BiTCHES! THAT'S HOW WE ROLL!!!
Joe Borfo04.25.09 - 3:18 am
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It was a beautifully humbling experience to see so many people pay their respect to fellow cyclist, Mr. Castillo. What a night.
Delgado Blood04.25.09 - 4:15 am
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Laist posted the story, including both versions of what went down.
http://laist.com/2009/04/27/bicyclist_suv_incident_leaves_all_p.php#comments
B-b-brian04.27.09 - 11:27 am
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Ridazz Roulette!
Unbelievable. WTF. _1240612134.jpg)
Bummer