Over the past five days, reports of an assault on one woman and an armed robbery of two others have touched off a bit of a panic on social media, which may ultimately do more harm than good.
On Wednesday, a woman on an early-morning run was assaulted along First Street near the Riverwalk, by a masked man. According to the woman’s father, she screamed to get the attention of a person in the area, who called 911 as the assailant fled. The woman was not injured.
Sunday afternoon, a man and woman reported they had been robbed at gunpoint by two armed men near Fred’s Dollar Store on Fifth Street South.
No suspects have been identified in either incident, nor has the CPD suggested the Southside events are related in any way.
Thursday evening, CPD announced on their Facebook page that they are increasing patrols in the vicinity of the Riverwalk.
In the hours since Sunday’s robbery, the two incidents have been conflated, and a narrative has emerged that the crimes were committed at the Riverwalk and that the park is not safe. Other posts have gone even further, saying the city is under siege, that lawlessness has overtaken our community. No doubt, the speculation will continue to grow as the CPD continues its investigations.
We are not dismissive of the fear created by assaults of this nature. Crime — especially seemingly random crime – is troubling no matter where it occurs, but it is especially a concern when it occurs in our public spaces, such as parks and shopping areas.
While the incidents may have occurred near our city’s showpiece park, neither happened in the park. There is no evidence to support the idea that the Riverwalk is a dangerous place and, therefore, a place to be avoided. Nor is our downtown a mecca for violence. To portray either in such fashion is damaging to our community.
While it would be irresponsible to simply ignore these events, we do believe that the proper reaction is not to panic and give up visiting our public places. Instead, these events should serve to remind us of the importance of taking the necessary precautions that can help ensure our safety. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you run or walk in the early morning or evenings, it’s wise to have a companion. Keep your cellphone charged and accessible. Look out for one another.
Alert police of any suspicious person or activities you encounter.
And, finally, do not fuel the panic by adding to a fearful narrative of events you have no knowledge of. Well-intentioned though it may be, idle speculation never serves the cause of public safety.
Be calm. Be alert. Be responsible.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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