Pantagraph.com | News | Six people reportedly robbed at gunpoint on city's east side

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

ConcernedBNCitizen wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:15 PM:

" You are right, I am being sarcastic. But I have mixed feelings on this issue. Part of my is teed off at these thugs and I won't hesitate from showing them how I feel should they attack me. Part of me knows many of these kids are part of a vicious cycle where they know no better and grow up to pass on this ignorance. Part is also due to a lack of jobs for the working man/woman in today's economy. They are all overseas. "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Jul 28, 2008 9:58 AM:

" TO: THE CATS

Can you explain to me how these thugs were "ready to use their weapon" seeing as one of the guys resisted and it took all 3 fighting with him to get his hands out and even then only after they pistol whipped him did they get his cell phone. HAD my brother (a law abiding FOID carrying citizen) been allowed to have his firearm, as he did in, AZ then these thugs would have been in jail as we speak. My brother lived in AZ for 4 years, moved back here, lived in Schaumburg for 1 year was robbed at knife point, moved to B/N and was robbed at gun point. Neither of these would have ended with HIM being the victim had our politicians pulled their noses out of Dailey's hindquarters long enough to look at the stats and realize his plan DOES NOT STOP CRIME, BUT ENCOURAGES IT! "

townie here... wrote on Jul 27, 2008 10:47 PM:

" to Concerned BN Citizen...nice sarcasm (I'm being sarcastic myself). "

Sigh wrote on Jul 27, 2008 10:36 PM:

" Nevermind, after some research, I see you are most likely referring to his 1994 crime bill, obviously this would have been passed before the Republican majority took over so you can ignore my remarks about the congress passing it.

I can guarantee you that not a single one of those "100,000" police officers has lost their job as a lack of funding after W took it out of the budget. The communities, which should be who funds their local police force to begin with, simply raised taxes to compensate or cut un-needed projects.

But since we have a nice active thread going here, why not back to the subject at hand. Please elaborate for me why CCW does not work, without making up scenarios or using what you "think" as your guide. Tell me why it won't work and use some real statistics to back them up, and not the fake ones prevelant on anti-gun sites. "

Sigh wrote on Jul 27, 2008 10:26 PM:

" re:"The Cats": I see what you were talking about, grant money, not the federal government actually hiring local police. So you are saying that Clinton proposed, herded through and passed a federal crime bill, completely unsopported by the Republican congress? You do know how our system of government works, right?

I am actually guessing at what you hope based on empirical evidence because when I call you on things you typically fade into the sunset and are never heard from again. This may be the first time you have ever responded to me.

Sorry I didn't respond earlier I didn't know this was still an active topic. "

ConcernedBNCitizen wrote on Jul 27, 2008 5:01 AM:

" Lets start a website called "Take Back our City" then plan marches through known gang neighborhoods. Lets see if we can get 20,000 plus people to march through these neighborhoods handing out pamphelts on educational opportunities, mentoring assistance, skilled trade training programs. I know lets create an "Adopt a Thug" program! We can all adopt a thug to mentor his/her way back into society as a responsible caring citizen. For only pennies a day......... "

MikeHawk wrote on Jul 27, 2008 1:18 AM:

" To THE CATS...
Personally, I believe your view on Concealed Carry to be completely and utterly absurd. Have you ever even held a gun before? If so, you would realize that if equipped with the proper holster a weapon can be drawn rather fast. Reaching for your 'valuables' would have been the perfect way to grab the gun under your arm or in your purse.

As for your comment about the other 47 CCW states, you again are ill-informed. Vermont has the right to carry a concealed weapon, and, per capita, has the 49th lowest murder rate. A gun is used against an attacker every 13 seconds in the world.

I am assuming that students shouldn't be allowed to carry weapons at school either? No, that student in the other room would be shot by the shooter because, in your words, he 'surprised' the gunman.

That mugger and these wannabe hardcore thugs coming down from Chicago trying to take this town by force might think twice about mugging or raping you if they have a reasonable belief that you may be able to put a hollow-point through their skull. "

The Cats wrote on Jul 26, 2008 11:10 AM:

" I haven't heard from "Sigh". Wonder why? "

The Cats wrote on Jul 26, 2008 11:09 AM:

" Nice comment...

"happyinillinois wrote on Jul 25, 2008 10:24 AM:
" Too bad none of these victims had a permit to carry a concealed firearm, these thugs might not be on the street anymore if they did. The theives in this town are so brazen someone will teach them a lesson eventually "

Yes, then there would have been 9 guns instead of 3. The criminals still would have had the advantage since they had surprise on their side. They would have still had the advantage since they would have been prepared to use the guns...do you think they would have stood there and waited for the victims to draw their weapons?. The "more guns crowd" does provide me with hours of entertainment. 47 states have CCW laws and they still have crimes exactly like this. Don't let facts get in your way boys. BTW "happyin illinois" your last line gives you away...revenge is not a good motivation for anything. "

meandmyscoot wrote on Jul 25, 2008 10:56 AM:

" I would not be so worried about the ones who don't have a gun. If they pass the law i'm sure even the poorest can figure out how to buy one. it's following the 12/6 rule ! "

happyinillinois wrote on Jul 25, 2008 10:24 AM:

" Too bad none of these victims had a permit to carry a concealed firearm, these thugs might not be on the street anymore if they did. The theives in this town are so brazen someone will teach them a lesson eventually "

cocoa wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:14 AM:

" jj2 - I always say that God is an eternal optimist. ;) ...But I also wonder how much more patience he has in him. "

The Cats wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:19 PM:

" To Sigh...it has been a long time. Clinton proposed, herded through and passed an anti crime bill. In it were grants to local police organizations that funded 100,000 new police officers. "W" dumped it as too expensive. It was in the news at the time and was a campaign issue in 2000. Thanks for asking. Your words...

"Police officers are hired by state, county, or city bodies. Anything else would be federal officers which would not be enforcing anything to do with local crime or ordinances unless there was a federal crime committed.

I'm waiting - but it just seems like you randomly say things and hope nobody calls you on it. "

Thanks for the insult but I post on a lot of subjects and follow up frequently. BTW how would you "know" what I hope...? I haven't seen you on lately but at least you are still consistent. FYI...Federal Officers work with local police all the time on a great many cases, not all of them federal. "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:39 AM:

" romothesavior - Thank you very much, I try and be honest and fair in everything I do & say in life. : )

If your name means what I think it does, we might disagree on one little thing though...

GO BEARS! *L* "

jj2 wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:24 AM:

" Way back when God got tired of all of it, there was this great flood. He did promise not to do that again but I wonder how much more patience he has in him. "

romothesavior wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:32 AM:

" Wildbill: I am a young man and I like to be outside, and often times I do so late at night. It isn't like these people were just wandering around town looking for trouble. These people were right outside their homes enjoying the pleasure of each others company! You have said multiple times that they have the right to be outside at any time they like, but you also criticize them for exercising that right. I sit outside late at night smoking cigars or drinking beers with buddies, so does that mean I deserve to be beaten up or mugged? I mean, like you said, I couldn't be outside at 3 am for any good reason!!! You are coming off like some old stiff who thinks all young people are ruffians and thugs.

Jimmychoogirl: I see your posts on a lot of message boards and I think we agree on so many things. Its nice to see someone with some rationality and sanity in this town. "

Two Cents wrote on Jul 22, 2008 5:50 PM:

" To Wild Bill: Sorry.....I just don't get your reasoning or where you're coming from. When a crime is committed someone is responsible, and under most circumstances, it is the CRIMINAL! Of course, we all make choices in our life......but choosing to sit outside and have fun and have a few beers with friends does not constitute getting robbed at gunpoint! It is an absolute shame that thimes have changed so much that people are afraid and unable to go outside of their own home (or apartment) without the fear of attack or robbery. I put th blame completely on the person committing the crime. "

cocoa wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:09 PM:

" wildbill05 - You say the women that were raped fell into Pelo's profile. Then you go on later in your post to state "All these things where at some level under somebody's control." WTF??? So say I was born blonde. Maybe there's a predator out there somewhere in the great big world whose stereotype I fall into, unknowingly. But even if I did know, so then what? I dye my hair red to try to "control" the situation and avoid being a victim? Suppose there's a predator out there who goes after red-headed women? With every post you type, you sound more and more ignorant, do you realize that? I can't even believe the nonsense you are coming out with! However YOU want to try to spin it, the fact remains that NO ONE DESERVES TO BE A VICTIM just by going about their daily lives. Can you be careful? Yes. Should you live your life locked in a little bubble because SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE might hurt you? Get real. And stop blaming the victim. "

wildbill05 wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:09 PM:

" Random murders and rapes are two much different scenarios and higer level crimes where the victims have no blame. Even though it's the right of the 6 involved, it's still a high risk behaviour to be out at that time of the day.
Go ahead and say it's not risky and you are fooling yourselves.
Hang out in a bank long enough and it will be robbed and the women who fit Pelo's profile, like it or not, automatically were at higher risk. Eventually he got around to victimizing them. All these things where at some level under somebody's control.
I didn't invent the concept but I fall under it's definition. Anyone who lives and breathes is responsible for a certain % of what happens to themselves. Don't kill the messenger. "

Sigh wrote on Jul 22, 2008 2:16 PM:

" re "The Cats" Could you please explain to me how Bill Clinton, the President of the United States, put 100,000 police officers on the streets? Police officers are hired by state, county, or city bodies. Anything else would be federal officers which would not be enforcing anything to do with local crime or ordinances unless there was a federal crime committed.

I'm waiting - but it just seems like you randomly say things and hope nobody calls you on it. "

Super Grover wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:49 PM:

" Another Gift from Judy's legacy.......

CONCEAL AND CARRY NOW AMERICA !!!!
FIGHT BACK NOW !!!!! "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:22 PM:

" Wild Bill - I think most of us know what culpability means (deserving of blame).

Please tell me if you think the victim in the below scenario is culpable for what happened to her, okay?

A young woman goes into a bank and is waiting in line to make a deposit. A gunman comes in and starts shooting the place up, the young woman is killed.

So??? "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:47 AM:

" TO: WILDBILL

"and admit that considering a crime on this level takes at least 2 people to tango."

IT DOES NOT! I don't care WHAT someone is doing, whether it be drinking celebrating a friends return or passed out drunk on a street corner. It DOES NOT (!!!) give others a right to commit crimes against them. True, people can take steps to make themselves less of a victim, but they SHOULDN'T HAVE TO. It is NO ONE'S RIGHT TO ROB SOMEONE ELSE, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THAT PERSON IS DOING. Go back to the sewer where you belong. "

cocoa wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:03 AM:

" wildbill05 - Um, so you are saying then that the rape victims of Pelo were in the wrong place when they were attacked? Even though they were safely (or so they thought) locked into their homes at night, sleeping? Your post strikes me as absurd. Yes, the victim and attacker were in the same spot at the same time, but please tell me where else the victim should have been to *not* be raped in a case like that? You think those victims should "share a portion of the blame"? I guess you are calling those rape victims "stupid" then too, because by your definition they put themselves in the wrong situation and caused themselves to be raped by a mentally sick cop who happened to be in the same place at the same time as them (the victims' homes)? Wow. I'm stunned by your reasoning, and not in a good way. "

wildbill05 wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:01 AM:

" Glad to see I've got a couple people thinkin! Now look up "culpability" and remove all your personal feelings about who you are related to and admit that considering a crime on this level takes at least 2 people to tango. And please continue to hang out all hours of the night. It's your right as the next potential victim.
Mass murder and serial rapes are at another level and very sadly this town is slowly graduating towards them. Now be thankful for curfews, speed limits, firearm ID card laws, and forums for expression like this. It all feeds awareness.
My soul is in tact and so are my shooting skills! Pray for your own and we'll see ya after dark. "

Geez! wrote on Jul 22, 2008 10:55 AM:

" I wonder how they were "masked", and if they are the same three people who broke into the house on Fell St in Normal.

In any case, there seems to be a rash of violence and robberies in the B/N area, and the police need to do something.

On a lighter note, isn't it odd to hear about robberies in B/N and NOT have a bank involved? "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:56 AM:

" TO: WILDBILL

"You can't be a victim if you aren't in that place at that exact moment."

Did you REALLY just say that? So by your statement, that all victims are to blame for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the victims of Sept 11th are to blame for the terrorist's actions? The victims of the Okl. City bombing are to blame for Tim McVeigh's actions, the woman who were assaulted in the rash of rapes in Bloomington are at fault for Pelo's actions? Or Olamide Adeyooye is resposible because had she not been in the exact place when the crime was committed then it wouldn't have happened? Saint's alive, I can ONLY hope you are attempting to goade someone into an arguement, cause if you SERIOUSLY think this way, then God help us all. I will say a prayer for your soul. "

JimmyChooGirl wrote on Jul 22, 2008 8:16 AM:

" wildbill05 - That's sort of funny that you mention Hawthorn, that is where my boss lives. He tells me about his neighborhood garage parties that he has on the weekends, neighbors drink beer in his garage with the door open in the middle of the night. But you are saying that rich people that live in places like Hawthorne don't do these things huh? Hmmm....

And Hathorn Hills can hardly be called a "housing unit" C'mon!

I also think it's quite interesting about your short skirt line, you need to get real billy. "

wildbill05 wrote on Jul 22, 2008 7:31 AM:

" Look at how upset everyone gets when it comes time to consider culpability.
You can't be a victim if you aren't in that place at that exact moment.
Ask yourself if it's the short skirt that caused the crime or the fact that a criminal and a victim where both in the same place at the same time?
Just keep acting stupid people and you will be preyed upon. And yes, a group of apartments can be considered a housing unit. If you don't like that reality move to Hawthorn Hills, it's just another style of housing unit. Better yet while you are up at 3 am, take a tour of Hawthorn and see how many of those folks are just "hanging out" at that time of the morning. Act responsibly and you'll live a lot longer and safer life. Wake up B/N! "

The Cats wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:35 PM:

" WOW crime on the east side...must be the crimianls from Chicago? LOL. Crime is everywhere...too bad we don't have the 100,000 Police Officers Bill Clinton put on the streets and "W" took off (too expensive in his words). LOL in November. "

cocoa wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:44 PM:

" wildbill05 - Yes, people need to be cautious and alert, but be careful starting down that slippery slope of blaming the victims. The victim could be you one day and how would you like to read all the armchair quarterbacks on the Pantagraph blog saying you should have not been where you were, or said what you did, or dressed how you did? Give that some thought. When you blame the victim you are supporting criminals, whether you believe you are or not. "

jimmychoogirl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 6:31 PM:

" I thought those were apartments on Rainbow, not housing units? Because I live in an apartment complex surrounded by other complexes and since I don't have a yard, on occasion my hubby and I will play some music and chill on the bed of our truck in our parking lot about 5 feet from our nice apartment door drinking Corona with lime. We both work 40 hrs a week (him usually more) and I think we have very valid reasons for being outside that late. I imagine there are hundreds, no thousands, no millions of people who also have very valid reasons for being outside at that time of night/day. I understand you are only trying to be cautious and caring (and as a young female I appreciate that) but this is a big world and people live it differently, even in Bloomington Normal. "

jimmychoogirl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 6:23 PM:

" WildBill - " I don't think anybody is defending the criminals, but I do think that the victims have to share a portion of the blame."

You really believe this? Of course everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings, especially these days. But if a group of adults want to chill outside the apartment complex, mansion, trailor, etc. that they pay to live in and are just having a good time, they have every right to do so.

Billy, your comment could be compared to saying that a woman who dresses a *certain way* is just asking for it...both comments are ridiculous!!! This isn't the 1800's, try and enjoy life. "

iluvchoc wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:56 PM:

" Cont:

And just for the record:

I do not feel everyone should just automatically be allowed to carry a gun....there needs to be proper screening, evaluation and training....but law abiding responsible citizens should be able to have this right. "

iluvchoc wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:54 PM:

" It is a shame out community ( Both east and west side! ) is degrading at such a rapid rate. Crime seems to be spreading to all areas of B/N. What a shame!!!!!!! Pass the proper gun laws and let all of the law abiding citizens have the ability to defend ourselves if need be. There are two points of view on this topic and I do agree everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I feel if someone see a gun strapped to my belt they will know I am able and ready to defend myself and this is a deterrent to crime. "

chales55 wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:44 PM:

" Mule: O what a small town this is. The women is my older sister and her boyfriend was there also. "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:17 PM:

" Understood, but when you say "hanging out in housing units " are you refering to gov't subsidized housing or any apartment complex parking lot? This didn't happen in gov't susidized housing. This was in an apartment complex and I don't think you can classify Rainbow drive anymore of a "housing complex" than any other street in B/N (save maybe the areas of Hawthorne hills and other uppity neighborhoods). So are you saying that anyone outside of their home at 3 am is to share in the blame for what several people do to them? Do you blame a rape victim if she was wearing a short skirt for "asking for it" because she should have known better? This assumption is absurd (to say the least.) "

wildbill05 wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:00 PM:

" I don't think anybody is defending the criminals, but I do think that the victims have to share a portion of the blame. Just like people choose to defend themselves against violence however they feel they should, some people choose to lead lives that lend themselves to become victims. We've all got the right to be outside at 3 am, but the majority of us aren't hanging out in housing units at that time of the morning and for very valid reasons. Personal accountability is what we are talking about. "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Why is it that a majority of people on here are defending the criminals? Just because someone is out at 3 am does NOT give someone else the right to rob them. When did this country turn to blame the victim and excuse the CRIMINAL? "

Govt oppressed Mule wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:36 AM:

" TO: COUNTRYBOY

I couldn't agree more. This is a prime example of our gun laws hurting innocent people. My brother was one of the 5 males robbed in this case and we have been raised around guns since we were chidren. We ONLY handled guns with the utmost respect and have been well trained in their usage. My brother has a FOID card and owns several firearms. He was talking to a friend when these punks came up. From what he said not only weren't even sure the gun was loaded, but the criminals were fumbling around when the one guy resisted. Had he been allowed to have a firearm (or even a stun gun-thank you Hot Rod) or even an open carry (as he was allowed to in Arizona). This would have ended with the criminals being arrested. Thanks Chicago politicians for handing the streets to these criminals. "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:00 AM:

" RE: wildbill05-I think we are pretty much on the same page here! "

wildbill05 wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:38 AM:

" I hope that everyone who feels the need to be out in a group at 3am, for whatever reason, understands the risks they are taking in this town.
It doesn't matter which neighborhood any more. Be carefull.
Bloomington Girl...stay out of harms way and follow your own advice and become aware of your surroundings. I get the feeling that you don't want be anywhere around the "victims" in this case, at 3 am.
Good luck defending their right to be out getting robbed at that time of the night.
Evolution is slow for a reason "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 7:54 AM:

" RE:wildbill05-Okay first off lets calm down buddy. You misunderstood my post. I am refering to the VICTIMS who were out at 3am and all the comments at why are people even out at 3am. OBVIOUSLY the attackers were out for no good reason and that was probably the ONLY reason they were out. There is plenty of other decent law-abiding citizens who may have logical reasons to be out so late, such as the reasons I posted below. I am not in denial, I was standing up for the victims or for any other decent person (myself included) who needs or wants to be up or out late. I was NOT BY ANY MEANS defending the attackers..... "

Country Boy wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:07 PM:

" lbr2000, I agree with you, there are some dumb people out there that should NEVER be allowed to own or handle a gun. There is also some people that have grown up with guns, hunted, shotting ranges, etc. To some of these people its always been a part of their lives and family functions. I spent my childhood and early teens hunting with my grandfather and its some of the best memories I have of the time spent with him. He taught me how to respect and properly handle a weapon. I believe a CCW law should have strict guidelines, background checks and a mental evaluation as part of the process. "

Randall Flagg wrote on Jul 18, 2008 3:53 PM:

" I agree Bloomington Girl, my comments were sarcastic. Everytime I see an article about a crime on the west side I notice the comments are nothing but, "figures", or "they deserve it" or "they're animals". I just find it humorous that all of the smug comments from the East siders aren't returned by the west siders. Maybe the west siders have more class even if they don't have more money. "

lbr2000 wrote on Jul 18, 2008 3:19 PM:

" These crimes are scary. But I must say, I am alarmed that every crime that is reported on turns to a CCW debate. I, personally, would be very alarmed if the number of people carrying guns increased greatly. Even if there was a training and safety course required. There are a lot of...for lack of a better word...dumb people out there and I don't want them pulling out there gun when I ask them for directions. I have seen the CCW supporters are very vocal and they are entitled to that, so its okay to rip me :) "

wildbill05 wrote on Jul 18, 2008 2:21 PM:

" To Bloomington Girl; WAKE UP! You and your bleeding heart are the prime targets for these predators. You are suggesting that 6 people who all work the same shift just happened to be in the same place at the same time as the criminals?!?!?!
Or maybe the same 6 people live so near to each other that they walked home drunk at that time in the morning?!?!?! No wait the same 6 people that live near to each other, all suffer from the same sleep disorder?!?!?!?!?!
Why haven't you suggested they were walking home from church?!?!?! I'm sure they were all praying together till 3 am and the crooks where on their way to morning mass as well!!!!!!! I guess some people are slow learners
Floating down the river called "Denial" "

Country Boy wrote on Jul 18, 2008 10:07 AM:

" prairiemon, I can check criminal records online all day, might have to pay for a few out of county or out of state ones but they are easily obtainable and not a lot of privacy issues involved. I run a business where I screen potential hires and all I need for them to do is sign a release form for criminal and driving records and my insurance company does all the work for me.
Proud Conservative and Middle of the Road, I am with you all!! If someone knows I am armed (open carry) they are gonna think twice about trying to rob or harm me. If we have a CCW law its still gonna make them think before doing. I have handled guns since I was a child, taken the safety and training courses. This is not about being cowboys or vigilantes, its about protecting myself, my family and my property! "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:38 AM:

" Many people work all different hours than the norm 9-5 type jobs. People could just be getting off of work at 3am and walking home, or people could be up late partying sitting out in front of their house, or just couldnt sleep and went outside for awhile or people could have drank too much and are walking home from a nearby friends house... Just because you are out at 3am does should not mean you have to be a victim or preying on a victim. Just be aware of your surroundings people! "

wildbill05 wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 AM:

" Has anyone ever thought about what the thugs wanted the money for?!?!?!
At 3 am you are not out looking for people to rob so you can pay your rent????
The big picture to me is the question, what drives any person to be out at 3am? They are either being victims or preying on them... I'm guessing, no I'm stating that drugs are driving these violent issues within B/N. Desperation has caused people to go as far as they have recently. The need for cash to feed addiction.
The balloon analogy is brilliant! "

middle of the road wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:13 AM:

" UMM
Those that prey on others prefer the defenseless. "

lizzie wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:01 AM:

" I'm with Middle of the Road here. I am all for open and carry. "

New Nana wrote on Jul 18, 2008 8:01 AM:

" Rainbow...Orlando....There have been soooo many problems in these areas for quite some time.

To BPD....a similar situation happened to a friend of mine in Springfield, you may want to contact SPD to see if the car you have matches the description there. "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jul 18, 2008 7:58 AM:

" The whole east side vs. west side thing needs to cease. Its not an issue on what side of town things happen in, but which apartments in town. If you notice, most apartments complexs in this town are falling apart and becomming more and more unsafe. Its a shame how many slum landlords we have in this town who don't enforce anything.
And the comments about not being able to be out at 3am. Thats a bunch of BS! If i want to sit outside at 3am I should be able to do so w/o fear of my fricken life!!! This town is much to small to be having to worry about what losers are going to come up and rob and beat me. I was against the whole conceal and carry thing, but I'm starting to think thats not such a bad idea. If these people want to act like "big boys" and run around with guns well maybe once the tables are turned they will think twice.... "

so what wrote on Jul 18, 2008 7:36 AM:

" I lived on Rainbow 19 years ago. It was a very quiet, safe place to live at the time. I wouldn't want to be there now. "

Ummmm wrote on Jul 18, 2008 6:52 AM:

" Or so you say middle, what's to stop them from using your gun on you? "

Archie Goodwin wrote on Jul 18, 2008 5:31 AM:

" Heard an interesting constitutional suggestion the other day. The "Full Faith and Credit" clause of the constitution guarantees that marriage licenses, drivers licenses, etc. issued in one state are legal in all states. So technically, a concealed carry permit or an open carry permit issued in another state should have to be recognized in Illinois. Would be interesting to see this litigated. "

babyfine wrote on Jul 18, 2008 4:28 AM:

" and i am movin back to this town !!! "

phydeaux wrote on Jul 18, 2008 2:09 AM:

" This is not a bad area. I have lived here for 5 years and love this neighborhood. The problem is that normal has FINALLY started to crack down on Orlando. Now all the problems that have been there are going to go to other areas. The usual west side, Tracy drive, Gettysburg, Todd drive, and Rainbow. The police told me 4 years ago when we got hit that the town is like a balloon, you squeeze 1 part and another part expands. Until we get rid of the bad element we all will be dealing with it for a long time. "

sparkie wrote on Jul 18, 2008 1:26 AM:

" I live in a house, several blocks from Rainbow. When I moved here 9 years ago, I thought this was a perfect place to have my children grow up in. Now, something always is happening late at night. Cars speeding and driving around all hours, screaming and yelling. It's aweful. This entire town is slowly getting out of control. It really doesn't matter what part of Bloomington/Normal you live in anymore. These criminals are like vulchers, looking for lives to destroy and upset. For those of you readers that are not experiencing this stuff yet...your lucky. "

Annienap wrote on Jul 18, 2008 12:34 AM:

" I have a 357 magnum and shoot hollow points. Still - it depends on who can pull the trigger faster - the robber (if he has a gun) - or me. I'm fast on the trigger, but I also know that I can pull it TOO LATE. So - it could be ME and not the robber who is dead. I guess it depends on the exact circumstances as to whether I would try to use my weapon or just give them what they want. "

Proud Conservative wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:31 PM:

" Rivers...right on, man. Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

Pass all the gun laws you want, folks. Criminals don't follow them, anyway. Just the good guys - and that makes us easy targets. But not me...and not my family. It's not about being a cowboy or having a shootout. It's about being licensed, trained, and prepared to protect what's most important to me. Illinois is one of only 2 in the nation that prohibits that right, but I refuse to be a victim. "

prairiemon wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:29 PM:

" I was a property manager for many years. You can screen everyone who is renting til you're blue in the face but you really never know who you rent to until its too late. Privacy laws are tough. If it was that easy to tell who is good or not why are so many banks going under? Landlords can only check so much. Even criminal records are private from checking. Just look at how many employers hire people convicted of bad crimes and get burned. "

BigBrother wrote on Jul 17, 2008 7:36 PM:

" The 200K the city council is attempting to waste on yet another study of the downtown disaster would put two new officers and squad cars on the streets. Let me see ....... do we need another downtown study or more police? Would a study on how the Bloomington police department can't seem to make any arrests or find the criminals in Bloomington be in order? Maybe they can't make any arrests because thier radois don't work!! "

it's her wrote on Jul 17, 2008 5:23 PM:

" "The apartment complexes should be doing a better job of renting out apartments. Screen those applications until you can't screen them anymore. Bad surroundings attract bad company." "

msgprincess wrote on Jul 17, 2008 5:17 PM:

" Has anyone stopped to think that maybe the crime rate is escalating because your kids are growing up into "degenerates"... honestly B-n is not heaven and crime is everywhere... seems to me maybe 5 years ago your kids were too young to think about robbery or shooting ... hey but times have changed... so it could be the kid who helped you w/ your groceries or whose mom helped you w/ the annual bake sale...kids do grow up and they are mislead by other bad kids... so its unfair to say anything about where they came from ... because we simply dont know...it is fair to say they could be home towners that went astray, right? "

chales55 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:09 PM:

" diveinn: Exactly what I was thinking. These were responsible adults enjoying a nice summer night. When you grow up here you know the safe neighborhoods. Even though it was late no one from this town would expect 6 adults to be robbed in this manner, in that area. "

Zambrano11 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:07 PM:

" And also, diveinn-

I didn't call the police. People in this neighborhood do have jobs, work, have children, etc. They need to get sleep. It was a wednesday night and they were in a parking lot...I think it is fair to want them to go inside their apartment. It's terrible that they were robbed. No one wants that to happen to anyone. "

michelle24 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:07 PM:

" Yay! My sister just moved outta that area! "

Rivers wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:06 PM:

" You know what? That's it. It's open season, CCW laws in this state be-damned. "

Zambrano11 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:04 PM:

" Diveinn-

I never said that they were the criminals. I just mentioned that they were up late making a bunch of noise. Yes, I could have asked them to quiet down, but that probably would have made it worse. I didn't want to approach them since they were drinking and whatnot. I never thought they would get robbed. Have you ever been to a party where there was drinking? Is that what you would do? Just go over and tell them to stop having fun....that would call attention to me and make it worse. "

diveinn wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:36 PM:

" Zambrano, have you ever heard of asking someone to quiet down instead of calling the police? Bean bags, what criminals. "

who cares wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:34 PM:

" they were all old enough to be out that late but if you're liven after mid night that's when a lot of weird things happen.thats from what i've always noticed. "

Jarhead71 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:34 PM:

" What a great description of the ALLEDGED robbers! Hgt/wgt/build/clothes type of car that was described and found by BPD and taken for processing, etc.. There just might be someone in B-N that saw that type of car with 3 males that night that match the descriptions of the three armed robbers. BUT, nobody knows because nobody printed any of that information. We know that 3 masked men robbed 5 men and a woman and where and at what time. If the robbers were wearing short-sleeved shirts, since it was warm last night, we COULD know their skin color, tatoos, scars, type of gun or guns. Color of shirts, pants, hats, shoes. I certainly hope that the police report had more information than this. "

*rolls eyes* wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:15 PM:

" Randall - If this had happened on the West side, it wouldn't be news. ;) "

Zambrano11 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 2:36 PM:

" and to 3 pete...you are totally right. Nothing good happens at 3 am. These kids should have been in their apartment. "

Zambrano11 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 2:34 PM:

" To 'Just a comment'
justacomment wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:29 PM:
" "Looks like the East side is giving the West side and Orlando Ave a run for their money! " Rainbow is giving Orlando a run for its money- not the best street with those apartments there. "

This can happen anywhere in this town. What happened to these people is sad. I live nearby and the apartments aren't the problem, nor the street. Unless you live here you can't say that. The people who were robbed were out in the parking lot drinking and playing bean bag toss until 3 am. I'm not saying they deserved to be robbed but they were drawing attention to themselves. They should have gone inside. I should have called the police last night when they were making as much noise as they were making in the parking lot at midnight. I'm sad that this happened and this really bothers me. Hopefully someone will pay attention to the growing crime in our town. "

cats55ire wrote on Jul 17, 2008 2:22 PM:

" something needs to be done here in b/n . . .

anybody who can work during the day (or night at a third shift job) and sleeping at night to work later, should NOT be "out and about" confronting people!!!!!

these attackers are LOSERS and need to be off the streets! "

charlie wrote on Jul 17, 2008 2:18 PM:

" artful dodger:

Unless they were looking for real estate for a family member. That isn't allowed here. "

CubFAN24 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 2:11 PM:

" On the EAST SIDE??? "

diveinn wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:43 PM:

" It's time to start eliminating the element driving up our violent crime when they are found positively guilty. "

Govt oppressed Mule wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:43 PM:

" TO: BRENSTALKA

The idea (and this has been proven hundreds of times over) is that a a majority of criminals are cowards (as is evident by the fact they attack those who are perceived victims e.g. senior citizens and woman) and will not rob someone if they fear that they may die from the robbery. It's called risk versus reward. Are you going to put your life on the line for the POSSIBILITY of getting 6-10 dollars? A good majority of these crimes are committed by youths who see easy money, plain and simple. You can talk social status, welfare, and gov't aid all day long, but it boils down to kids see easy money. If they instead hear about muggers being shot while attempting to rob someone for mere pocket change, that job at McD's doesn't look so bad. Will A CCW or like MIDDLE recommends (and I agree) an Open carry end all crime? No, you will always have crime, but it WILL (and has) greatly reduced the numbers of deaths, rape, and other violent crimes by upto 19% in places that CCW was enacted. "

ktlin wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:36 PM:

" Maybe we need the national guard to help us here too. You would think the crime would be going down in Chicago since it moved here. "

pseudo-intellectual wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:33 PM:

" Whether people should be out and about at all hours of the day and night, news of this kind of criminal activity can't be good for downtown business. "

Randall Flagg wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:32 PM:

" East side....figures!!! Must be the people from Chicago, right? Where's the smug comments about the west side now? "

justacomment wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:29 PM:

" "Looks like the East side is giving the West side and Orlando Ave a run for their money! " Rainbow is giving Orlando a run for its money- not the best street with those apartments there. "

floyd wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:26 PM:

" Brenstalka you're correct but I'll win since mine is a 45 colt that has a cartridge as big as your thumb and will blow a hole the size of your fist. Long live the 6 shooter and short lives the thug! "

sumnergrad wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:21 PM:

" The people on the Eastside need to realize that they are no safer than the ones on the Westside. Crimnals know that the eastsiders are easy targets because they think their community is safe. Eastsiders, remember Criminals look for what they think are easy targets. We all need to be vigilant, because criminals will go anywhere. "

grumpy wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:15 PM:

" well bren it looks to me, then we will be one less robber right and I bet the other robbers who got away would think twice the next time. "

middle of the road wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:14 PM:

" and someone was hurt with out anyone but the crimminals armed. so staying unarmed does not work either if it did we would not be having this discusion now would we. Good day "

middle of the road wrote on Jul 17, 2008 1:12 PM:

" NO brenstalka
when they see the gun in your holster on your side. They tend to go pick on the unarmed. they do not really want a gun fight and neither do I. that is by definition what a DETERRENT is. "

Brenstalka wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:58 PM:

" To middle: So, when they pull a gun on you and ask you for your money, you're just going to pull your gun out and they'll flee? My guess is that someone will end up hurt or dead. "

The Artful Dodger wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:57 PM:

" 3pete-there are 24 hours in a day, and adults can use any one of them for anything they choose as long as it's legal. You were never a shift worker, were you? "

bnormal wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:37 PM:

" Why won't the police/media release identification factors for those doing these riots,muggings, attacks, robberies, stabbings, etc ?!?!? "

Country Boy wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:16 PM:

" I hear ya middle of the road!
Looks like the East side is giving the West side and Orlando Ave a run for their money! "

3pete wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:13 PM:

" Why are people out and about at 3 am? It seems like nothing good ever happens at this time of day. "

wkndwrrior79 wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:09 PM:

" I agree 100% with u middle. Look how it helped crime in Florida. Now criminals wont go near any vehicle with a Florida License Plate for fear they might get shot. They still attack out of state plates though. It'll never happen as long as the corrupt politicians from crook county control the government. Plus our lovely governor Bag 0 $#!t would never allow that. "

middle of the road wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Can anyone say open carry law like AZ. has? I actually prefer open carry to concealed carry. It is a major deterrent. "

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