In Bush's America, Asking Directions Leads to Arrest

by **StarmanSkye** » Fri May 19, 2006 2:32 am

My jaw-dropping story of the day ... I think this kind of senseless bullying antagonism and abuse of power is directly related to the climate of hysteria, confusion, fear and anxiety created by the BushCo's war-mongering, immigrant-bashing, divisive politicking, unlimited 'special' police powers, social discord and class-war provocations. It's all one when the Gummint exempts itself from civil, decent, lawful behavior and emboldens Police officers to treat the general public with thuggish contempt. If this happened to me I probably wouldn't hesitate to file a false-arrest suit -- at least, while I still could ... Starman ****** Couple Arrested For Asking For Directions TheWBALChannel.com | May 18 2006 <a href="http://www.thewbalchannel.com/news/9229472/detail.html">www.thewbalchannel.com/ne...etail.html</a> BALTIMORE -- Baltimore City police arrested a Virginia couple over the weekend after they asked an officer for directions. WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team reporter David Collins said Joshua Kelly and Llara Brook, of Chantilly, Va., got lost leaving an Orioles game on Saturday. Collins reported a city officer arrested them for trespassing on a public street while they were asking for directions . "In jail for eight hours -- sleeping on a concrete floor next to a toilet," Kelly said. "It was a nightmare," Brook said. "I was in there thinking I was just dreaming and waiting to wake up." Collins reported it was a nightmare ending to a nearly perfect day. He said the couple went to a company picnic and watched the Orioles beat Kansas City. It was their first trip to Camden Yards and asked two people for directions to Interstate 95 South when they left. Collins said somehow they ended up in the Cherry Hill section of south Baltimore. Hopelessly lost, relief melted away concerns after they spotted a police vehicle. "I said, 'Thank goodness, could you please get us to 95?" Kelly said. "The first thing that she said to us was no -- you just ran that stop sign, pull over," Brook said. "It wasn't a big deal. We'll pay the stop sign violation, but can we have directions?" "What she said was 'You found your own way in here, you can find your own way out.'" Kelly said. Collins said the couple spotted another police vehicle and flagged that officer down for directions. But Officer Natalie Preston, a six-year veteran of the force, intervened. "That really threw us for a loop when she stepped in between our cars," Kelly said. "(She) said my partner is not going to step in front of me and tell you directions if I'm not." Collins reported the circumstances got worse. Kelly pulled 40 feet forward parking next to a curb and put his flashers on while Brook was on the phone to her father hoping he could help her with directions. Both her parents are police officers in the Harrisburg, Pa., area. "(Brook's father) was in the middle of giving us directions when the officer screeched up behind us and got out of the car and asked me to step out. I obeyed," Kelly said. "I obeyed everything -- stepped out of the car, put my hands behind my back, and the next thing I know, I was getting arrested for trespassing." "By this time, I was completely in tears," Brook said. "I said, 'Ma'am, you know, we just need your help. We are not trying to cause you any trouble. I'm not leaving him here.' What she did was walk over to my side of the car and said, 'Ok, we are taking you downtown, too.'" Collins said the couple was released from jail without being charged with anything. Brook is now concerned the arrest may complicate a criminal background check she's going through in her job as a child care worker. Collins said police left Kelly's car unlocked and the windows down at the impound lot. He reported a cell phone charger, pair of sunglasses and 20 CDs were stolen. Baltimore City police said they are looking into the incident.

by **mother** » Fri May 19, 2006 11:07 am

Starman, this is perhaps the 5th such scary story coming out of Baltimore. There was the reporter who spent the night in a very unsavory cell for yelling at an Orioles game last year, there are instances of racial profiling, it goes on and on. Being from DC, I've gone to Baltimore a lot. What does John Waters have to say about this cluster of unhappy police activity, I wonder? There have also been an inordinate number of horrible rowhouse fires in Baltimore in which children have died. I just can't figure it out-why Baltimore of all places?

by **professorpan** » Fri May 19, 2006 1:34 pm

As a long-time Baltimoron (sic), this story struck me as outrageous even by this city's standards. I've dealt with some real asshole cops, and though I've never been arrested I've had a billy club shoved into my crotch (at an antiwar demonstration) and I've been the subject of some extreme intimidation. My brother was arrested for riding his bike on the Harborplace promenade. A cop stopped him and told him he couldn't ride his bike on the brick pedestrian area, so he dismounted and walked to the street. A few feet before the brick became the street, he got back on his bike. The cop saw that as insubordination and chased him. Unwisely, but understandably, my brother and his friend pedaled off and ignored running, red-faced the cop. A few minutes later they were surrounded by a mounted cop, a cop in an electric cart, and two patrol cars. The mob of policemen surrounded and arrested the two criminal bicyclists. They spent over eight hours in a jail cell before being released. The judge dropped the case when it went to court a couple of months later. I don't think Baltimore is different than most cities, Mother. I know friends who have had similarly insane experiences in other cities. Cops are often overworked, underpaid, stressed out, and sometimes covertly racist. There are good, honest cops, though, and I'm glad they are around when they're needed. Baltimore is a wonderful town, and a terrible town. Like any community there is a mix of good and bad. I know John Waters, and he celebrates the unique weirdness of this city, warts and all. But I'm sure he's outraged by the story of the couple jailed for asking directions. I wouldn't be surprised if it found a way into one of his movies.

by **mother** » Fri May 19, 2006 1:51 pm

I've kinfolk who used to go visit Edie years ago...Maybe it's the Baltimore Foot Stomper acting up and getting the police edgy and out of sorts? My Dad has had some roughing-up at antiwar actions, but he's got a smart mouth.

by **professorpan** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:31 pm

Edie had a store on Broadway, in Fells Point. She was a hoot. I was an extra in "Hairspray" -- my biggest on-screen performance to date ;-) Waters likes Baltimore because people leave him alone. He's a fixture at local watering holes, but he's never mobbed by fans. He's a very sweet guy, and the hands-down funniest person I've ever met. His next project is a Christmas movie for kids -- no kidding.

by **zjurhgvc** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:45 pm

Perhaps the cops watched too much 'Homicide'? I always thought it curious that the somewhat highly plausible 'Sum of All Fears' ends with Baltimore getting nuked.

by **friend catcher** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:51 pm

I think I would pay good money to see a John Waters festive kids film. I met the guy in the early nineties promoting Cry Baby in London and thought he was charming. He described his appearance as everyones idea of a child molestor, which takes some nerve and I think he had an electric chair on his porch, which explains why people don't hassle him.

by **Col Quisp** » Fri May 19, 2006 6:00 pm

I love John Waters -- he's a major hero of mine. But sadly, his movies just haven't been the same since those two stars in the subject header passed on. He was lucky to have found them, and all of his other early cast members! What a crew! I totally identify with Mink Stole. She's such a great actor! It's hard to say which was Edie's best role -- was it the deranged Queen Carlotta in Desperate Living? The aging debutante in Polyester? Or the crazed heterophobic Aunt Ida in Female Trouble? Even though it's not her best, I'd say her most memorable role was as Divine's mama (the Egg Lady) in Pink Flamingos. I've been jealous of John Waters since I first saw Pink Flamingos in the mid-70's. I met him at a speaking engagement once and was so nervous I had to run to the bathroom. I wish I had his life!!

by **mother** » Fri May 19, 2006 6:09 pm

Well, if we're going to discuss cops in Baltimore we must not forget David Simon's fabulous book, Homocide. I cried laughing; it was just wonderful. I am not the slightest bit surprised that Mr. Waters is doing a kid's Christmas movie. But remember when the girl didn't get her cha-cha shoes (Female Trouble?) Anyway, the book Homocide is much different than the TV show.

by **professorpan** » Fri May 19, 2006 6:14 pm

Female Trouble is by far my favorite Waters film. And my vote for best Edie role is Aunt Ida -- especially when she's wearing her revealing (gulp) outfit. And when she throws acid in Divine's face: "Here's some acid for your face, motherfucker!" It's John's favorite of all early films, too.

by **Col Quisp** » Fri May 19, 2006 6:34 pm

Oh, yes! It's my fave Waters film too! Here are some of my fave lines: Aunt Ida: Oh, honey, I'd be so happy if you'd turn nellie. Gator: There ain't no way. I'm straight. I mean, I like a lot of queers... but I don't dig their equipment, you know? I like women. Aunt Ida: But you could change. Queers are just better. I'd be so proud if you was a fag... and had a nice beautician boyfriend. I'd never have to worry. Gator: There ain't nothin' to worry about. Aunt Ida: I worry that you'll work in an office, have children... celebrate wedding anniversaries. The world of heterosexual is a sick and boring life. ------ Dawn's audition for the beauty salon: "I'm a thief and a shitkicker, and... I'd like to be famous." Taffy walking in on Dawn and Gator: You're not my daddy, you disgusting, hippie pig. And I wouldn't get near a bed... that had been defiled by the likes of you two. I'd sooner jump in a river of snot. Dawn: Well, go jump, then! Go kill yourself and do us all a favor! Gator: Hey, Taffy, baby, come suck your daddy's dick. Taffy: I wouldn't suck your lousy dick if I was suffocating... and there was oxygen in your balls! .... Dawn: It's because you've been such a brat all your life... that now, all that brattishness is showing in your face... the face of a retarded brat. Don and Donna Dasher, on the sex act: You should know that we view sex as a violation of the spirit... and we would certainly never allow ourselves to be caught... in one of those ludicrous positions. Aunt Ida, fixing up a date for Gator: Aunt Ida: You two are gonna fall right in love. Ernie: My dear, I hope so. Are you sure he's gay? Aunt Ida: Well, I just use common sense. I mean, if they're smart, they're queer. And if they're stupid, they're straight. Right, Ernie? there's so much more!!! Go out and rent it tonight!!!

by **nomo** » Fri May 19, 2006 6:39 pm

Sure sounds outrageous, but would it have made the news if these kids were black or Latino? Not excusing thuggish behavior by the cops towards anyone, mind you, but this whole "we're just a bunch of white kids on our way home from the game" angle is probably the only reason this made the paper.

by **yablonsky** » Sat May 20, 2006 2:40 am

<blockquote>Quote:<hr> Sure sounds outrageous, but would it have made the news if these kids were black or Latino?<hr></blockquote> point taken. i wonder if it would make the paper if the kids were syrian or saudi arabian?