Internet photo.
To the Editor:
Just two days ago, a man, as previously described here on Blogfinger, tried to intimidate my neighbor and then my spouse. My spouse sat in her parked vehicle on Mount Hermon Way and watched from the rear view mirror – watching the man who continued to explain his story of being let out of jail today, then asking for money. She declined his plea.
He then walked in front of my spouse’s vehicle, tapped the hood and then tapped the window. My spouse sternly said: “Firstly, don’t touch my car and secondly, keep it moving I’m a cop and keep it moving.”
He angrily yelled, “I was just going to ask you for a job,” and he continued to yell as he walked away.
A job? Since when do folks walk up to random people sitting in their vehicles, asking for jobs? I know it’s just a story, but come up with something better than that.
I noticed him walking up my street three times since that incident, looking around for the next prospective victim. Now, I have to think about needing to look around for mischievous characters before I just put the garbage out or get in and out of my car.
Can’t the patrol cops say something to him – to scare him off?
His description: black, tall, thin male, missing teeth, bald, about 45 – 50 years old.
WEARY
Ocean Grove, April 14, 2016
Editor’s Note: This guy has been doing his shtick for years, and yes we have described his MO on BF before. He has approached me on more than a few occasions and he seems to case his victims, because he suddenly materializes when I am removing things from my trunk. He uses charm, but make no mistake, his words contain subliminal threats.
His method is designed to terrorize and intimidate citizens when they are vulnerable near their home. Last year I saw him approach a woman one block away. He is a big guy. She was gardening on her knees in front of a house on Mt. Hermon Way, and I could see her get up and hand him money; then he walked away.
I walked over and spoke to her and learned that she was visiting a friend’s home. She was trying to enjoy the tranquility of our small town. She was alone and she was happy; and free of fear until he showed up.
This is not a trivial matter. This perpetrator is potentially dangerous and should have been arrested for his recurrent unlawful behavior. It’s about time that this case be closed. If little crimes are condoned, it gives the idea that bigger crimes might be OK.
If you see this guy, do not give him money. Instead, when he walks away, call the police. Panhandling is illegal in this town, and this law, like all others in the Grove, should be enforced. Do not feel sorry for him, because he will have no problem threatening you if he gets the chance.
Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
Here is a link to our prior piece on the “broken window” theory of law enforcement:
JOHN LITHGOW:
Yes BF I felt the same way, as though he was sending me a subliminal threat – when continually looking at my home & front door, while asking me if I had children. I said no, but I have a big German Shephard instead.
Ordinance 96-40. “Conduct annoying to persons on street prohibited. No person shall engage in any practice, exercise or conduct having a tendency to annoy persons passing on the sidewalks or in the streets within the territorial boundaries of Neptune Twp.”
“Aggressive panhandling” falls under this provision. PG checked on this with NTPD.
I, too, have observed this man on multiple occasions over the last 2-3 years. I’ve seen him approach visitors on Main Avenue asking for train fare. He approached my husband just as hubby was getting into his car in front of our home on OP. Interestingly, they chatted for a few minutes and he never asked for money. On another occasion, he materialized seemingly out of nowhere as I was leaving our home and asked for money, I simply told him that I had none and he left. But I did feel somewhat intimidated and uncomfortable.
Evidently, Neptune Township does not have a law against panhandling so this individual is not breaking a law.
Is the Ocean Grove citizens patrol still in existence?
Editor’s note: Yes they are, and they are always seeking volunteers.
But what we don’t have any longer is the Neighborhood Watch. The NTPD let that slip away to nothing. It really should be brought back.—-PG
And keep love and compassion in your heart
This man has been doing this for years! He approached me over 3 years ago with the same story and made me very uncomfortable. And many locals I talk to have had similar experiences with him. I’m sure the police have gotten many complaints about this individual and I don’t understand why they allow this situation to continue.
Well stated Blogman. Your description matches the person who accosted me on Mt. Hermon and New York Ave. several months ago. He also left the Mount’s to ply his illegal, threatening, and intimidating activities with the Heck Ave. folks, about a month after my Mt Hermon encounter. He stopped 4 people within two minutes prior to vanishing.
I try to be aware of my surroundings, and this lawbreaker appears out of nowhere, as if we are under surveillance.
I use the term “felon,” as when I asked why he was in jail he admitted to multiple credit card thefts, which is not a misdemeanor. Something must be done about quality of life issues experienced all to frequently in Ocean Grove.
I for one remain appreciative that you address such quality of life issues on Blogfinger.