Posted on 05/22/2010 7:42:08 PM PDT by Bad~Rodeo
Austin police teamed up with code enforcement for a little club hopping last night. The goal was not the usual weekend checklist but reducing violent crimes.
The party at La Rumba Night Club on East Riverside was cut short last night as police, fire and code inspectors hit the dance floor in search of violations.
“We want to go out there and make sure everyone is in compliance. People aren't creating more victims by serving them too much alcohol so people can't make sound decisions and protect themselves at night,” said Lt. Paul Christ with the Austin Police Department.
APD's South Bureau is focusing on nightclubs all along E. Riverside, an area which police say sees a spike in violent crime this time of year, like aggravated assaults and robberies.
They’re checking it all out, making sure security guards are licensed, the place isn't overcrowded and building codes are being met. One guy's night ended with a cocaine possession charge.
“Some of our officers went into the men's room saw a dope deal going down and made a cocaine arrest…They were trying to flush it down the toilet and the baggies didn't quite make it down the drain,” Christ said.
Police also found a room that had been renovated without the proper permit. Some of the people who were turned out of the club had their opinions about the crackdown.
“I think this is discriminatory. This is racist,” claims Jose Rodriguez. They weren't happy at all what they were seeing.
“Sure there's the side the police department puts out but there's another side to this. And what coincidence is it that they're condominiums going up a block away from here.”
Police say it's got more to do with the criminals who prey on the population already living in the area, Spanish speaking immigrants who are sometimes reluctant to seek police help when victimized.
For some though that answer just doesn't satisfy.
“I'm just shocked to see so much police presence here. I've come here before. I’ve eaten here on Riverside. What's the difference here I go to 6th street, warehouse district and I never see this kind of police presence. I don't see police just barging into an establishment,” club-goer Yvonne Montejano said.
Along with that man who was charged with possession of a controlled substance. La Rumba was cited for code violations.
APD also notes violent crime dropped in the E. Riverside area compared to last year because of efforts like this.
Yeah. It’s definitely “racist”. ROTFL!!! That poor race card is really catching hell these days. People of every color, including whitey, are wearing that poor puppy out.
My only problem in Austin came in that neighborhood.
Would it be racist of me if I wanted to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America?
Austin the sanctuary city did NOT I’m sure check anyone’s status on citizenship or permanent residency.
Austin, the San Francisco of Texas.
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