Mays Street & Old Settlers Park
Trouble on Red River During SXSW
RECEIVED Fri., March 13, 2009
Dear Editor,
I am wondering whether there is any plan for an article or ad concerning safety during South by Southwest. My curiosity stems from being assaulted last year, by three guys, for my cell phone. Through discussions with police detectives last year, I was informed that there were something like 77 reports of assault on Red River last year during SXSW. I know, I know: 100,000 people; stuff is going to happen. But we're not talking about everywhere during the event or even all of Downtown. That was just Red River. And in my case, this wasn't just a stolen phone. I required stitches in multiple areas, had fractured cartilage in my ear canal and "floaters" in one of my eyes from kicks to the head. While I don't compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, I am 6 feet 4 inches, 190 pounds. This was well-calculated stuff. I have a close friend, female, who was dragged into the street for her car keys and cell. So, I think it's something attendees of the Festival would like to know. Not necessarily my story, but people should know the stats. People should be aware that last year, Red River was an area of well-organized, serious criminal activity.
As for a potential story, I think it brings up the question … where was all the extra police presence? While I am a supporter of the police force and recognize that they can't be everywhere, I was in the middle of the street next to Emo's brawling for two minutes, and no officers anywhere around. Same such luck for my friend.
I appreciate your time and hope this letter might influence the Chronicle to include some serious mention of safety during the Fest.
I am wondering whether there is any plan for an article or ad concerning safety during South by Southwest. My curiosity stems from being assaulted last year, by three guys, for my cell phone. Through discussions with police detectives last year, I was informed that there were something like 77 reports of assault on Red River last year during SXSW. I know, I know: 100,000 people; stuff is going to happen. But we're not talking about everywhere during the event or even all of Downtown. That was just Red River. And in my case, this wasn't just a stolen phone. I required stitches in multiple areas, had fractured cartilage in my ear canal and "floaters" in one of my eyes from kicks to the head. While I don't compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, I am 6 feet 4 inches, 190 pounds. This was well-calculated stuff. I have a close friend, female, who was dragged into the street for her car keys and cell. So, I think it's something attendees of the Festival would like to know. Not necessarily my story, but people should know the stats. People should be aware that last year, Red River was an area of well-organized, serious criminal activity.
As for a potential story, I think it brings up the question … where was all the extra police presence? While I am a supporter of the police force and recognize that they can't be everywhere, I was in the middle of the street next to Emo's brawling for two minutes, and no officers anywhere around. Same such luck for my friend.
I appreciate your time and hope this letter might influence the Chronicle to include some serious mention of safety during the Fest.
Julian Phillips
