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Police: West Hartford Man Claims God Sent Him To Smash Up Farmington House

Levon T. Sarkisyan (Courtesy Farmington Police Department / June 23, 2011)

DAVID OWENS

The Hartford Courant

5:03 PM EDT, June 23, 2011

FARMINGTON

A West Hartford man with a history of bizarre and threatening behavior was arrested this week in Farmington after he allegedly broke into a house, smashed statues and a marble table with a fireplace poker, then told the homeowners as they arrived home that he'd been sent by God, police said.

Levon T. Sarkisyan, 27, of Eustace Drive, West Hartford, was charged with third-degree burglary and first-degree criminal mischief and was initially held by Farmington police with bail set at $50,000. He was released on a promise to appear in court after his arraignment Monday at Superior Court in Hartford.

Police said a Middle Road resident arrived home Sunday and noticed the front door had been kicked in. Sarkisyan, who identified himself as Leon Sark, then walked out the front door and told the homeowner "a light from above told him to do this," Farmington police Sgt. Stephen Egan said.

Sarkisyan then told the homeowner he'd broken into the house because "God wants me to help the world," Egan said, adding that he then told the homeowner, "I mean you no harm."

The homeowner told Sarkisyan to sit down, then fumbled with a phone trying to call 911, Egan said.

Sarkisyan said, "You see, God will not let you use the phone," Egan said.

As they waited for police, the homeowner asked Sarkisyan how he broke into the home.

Sarkisyan then stood up, "flexed his arm and said, 'You see, super-human strength,' " Egan said.

Officers arrived moments later and took him into custody without incident.

Later, Sarkisyan told officers he'd smoked "a strange strand of herb" that caused him to do what he did, Egan said.

While in the house, Sarkisyan used a fireplace poker to smash statues, including one of a Roman soldier, and a marble table, causing about $10,000 in damage, Egan said. Sarkisyan also rummaged through closets, took a shower, then dressed in the clothing of a deceased former resident, Egan said.

The homeowner did not know Sarkisyan, Egan said.

In 2008, University of Connecticut police arrested Sarkisyan after he allegedly made bizarre threats against members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Sarkisyan is a UConn graduate.

The UConn incidents stemmed from a trip to Miami that Sarkisyan took with two fraternity members and a fourth man.

According to the warrant for Sarkisyan's arrest prepared by UConn police, Sarkisyan treated the trio to an all-expenses-paid trip to South Beach in February 2008. He bought them expensive jewelry, cocaine and the services of a prostitute.

Sarkisyan told the men to "keep quiet" about the trip, court records say, but someone told another Kappa Sigma member about it, who then asked Sarkisyan about it.

That inquiry triggered the alleged threats against people who told Sarkisyan to leave the fraternity house. The threats became increasingly bizarre, police said.

UConn police provided protection for several days to a target of those threats.

The cases were resolved at Superior Court in Rockville with convictions on charges of breach of peace and criminal trespass. Sarkisyan received suspended jail sentences and two years of probation.

WREG

Family Charged in Burger King Robbery

Natasha Chen

9:46 PM CDT, June 22, 2011

FAST FACTS: -Three relatives are charged in robbing the Burger King on Austin Peay. -One of them is an employee at the Burger King. -Their family members believe the employee was framed.

(Memphis 6/22/11) Three relatives were charged in a robbery of the Burger King near Raleigh Springs Mall Monday night.

One of them, 23-year-old Ashley Fitz, is an employee at the store.

In an affidavit, police said the other two involved named Ashley Fitz as an accomplice, who helped plan and execute the robbery. But her family does not believe that.

"She wouldn't even steal a piece a candy! What is she going to go rob a place for, where she works at?" said Bettie Fitz, Ashley's mother.

Family members describe Ashley as a hard-working person who volunteered for extra shifts. They believe her uncle, Tony Fitz, was the mastermind who framed Ashley.

Police said Tony Fitz walked into the Burger King Monday night and handed a note to Ashley, who was working then.

Ashley Fitz then handed the note to a co-worker, who instructed Ashley to comply with Tony's demands.

Police said Ashley gave Tony about $1,400 from the cash registers and safe.

Ashley's sister, Cartina Fitz-Childers, allegedly drove the getaway car.

"It makes me angry how Cartina would do her little baby sister like that," said Loraine Fitz, their aunt.

Family members are shocked Ashley would be charged in this crime too, but are not at all surprised at Tony Fitz getting in trouble.

"He's been going to jail for 16 years," said Loraine Fitz.

With Ashley and Cartina both in jail, their mother now has to care for their combined seven children.

Their mother, Bettie, is waiting for real answers on what happened Monday night. She also said she's extremely angry at Tony.

"I want to kill him, but I know it's against the law. You know. I'd be in jail myself," she said.

All three suspects are charged with robbery. Cartina Fitz-Childers is also charged with driving with a suspended license, speeding, and violation of financial law.

LINK TO VIDEO:

http://www.wreg.com/videobeta/9dd28b80-688f-43d2-88d2-fbc579a40873/News/Family-Charged-with-Robbery

http://abcnews.go.com/US/abortion-billboard-lands-mexico-man-court-girlfriend/story?id=13783668

http://dailycaller.com/2011/06/23/time-magazine-cover-features-shredded-u-s-constitution-asks-if-it-still-matters/

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0623-whitey-bulger-20110623,0,3111204.story

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_polk/winter_haven/sheriff%3A-head-of-largest-heroin-operation-in-polk-county-history-is-on-food-stamps%2C-here-illegally

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/06/22/2011-06-22_southwest_airlines_suspends_pilot_after_sexist_profanitylaced_rant_broadcast_acr.html

http://www.cracked.com/article_19265_9-traumatizing-moments-from-classic-kids-movies.html

http://www.freep.com/article/20110622/NEWS06/110622007/Video-Police-pull-over-boy-driver

Sleepy Hollow volunteer firefighter arraigned on arson charges

Trent Bronner

 

WHITE PLAINS — Sleepy Hollow fire volunteer Trent Bronner was formally arraigned today on felony arson, criminal mischief and reckless endangernment charges, accused in a seven-count grand jury indictment of setting two fires in the village.

Bronner, 22, was charged in a March 20 fire at 13 Cedar St. that spread to the house next door at 19 Cedar St. and left 19 people homeless. He's also charged in a July 19 fire last year at 128 Cortlandt St. that authorities say he confessed to during the investigation.

A former standout athlete at Sleepy Hollow High School, Bronner joined the volunteer fire department three years ago and was honored last year with a plaque for responding to the most fire calls in the village.

He's now charged with two counts of second-degree arson, one of second-degree criminal mischief, one of first-degree reckless endangerment and one of fourth-degree arson, all felonies. He's also charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief.

He was arraigned before acting state Supreme Court Justice Albert Lorenzo, who ordered that he remain held on $150,000 bail at the Westchester County jail, where he's been since his arrest on April 27. He's due back in court Sept. 28 and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

A hospital has been roundly condemned for providing elderly and frail patients with a tambourine to attract attention.

The single musical instrument is the only emergency call system available to patients using a day room at the Cardiff Royal Infirmary’s West Wing.

Patients say they are “too scared” to use the day room in case staff do not hear their calls for help.

An NHS watchdog and Wales’ Older People’s Commissioner strongly criticised the hospital for not installing a proper alarm system.

Steve Allen, chief officer of Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Community Health Council, said: “This is totally inappropriate – patients shouldn’t have to resort to shaking a tambourine to get a nurse’s assistance.

“It is totally unacceptable and the health board must address this as a matter of concern.”

A concerned relative took a photograph of the tambourine in the day room after visiting his 90-year-old mother over the weekend.

The 65-year-old, who has asked not to be identified, said: “I thought she was joking about the tambourine but I went to the day room and there it was.

“My mother and other patients won’t go to the day room because of their fear of being left in a distressing situation, particularly toileting.

“I gave the tambourine a good hard shaking – after 16 minutes I gave up as no-one responded. Not surprisingly few patients use the day room, and the new television has few viewers.”

He added: “My mother has another six to eight weeks in the hospital and her time there could be made more enjoyable and bearable if she was able to watch the television.

“But she and other patients feel there’s too much of a risk of being left there.”

The man said he was also told there was a pair of maracas in the day room for patients to use to get nurses’ attention.

When he questioned staff at the hospital he was told there was no money available for a more effective call system.

“The staff do make an effort, they’re just stretched beyond belief,” he added.

Ruth Marks, Wales’ Older People’s Commissioner, said: “This does not afford any patient dignity and respect, let alone safety.

“The day room gives an opportunity for patients to relax and socialise away from their beds, which is important as the days in hospital can seem very long.

“Whatever system is in place to call for help, it is vital these areas are checked regularly by staff. If there was an emergency, there may be no opportunity to call for help.

“Resources may be limited, but installing a system so people can easily call for help whilst in hospital must be a priority.”

Ruth Walker, executive director of nursing for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “It appears well-meaning staff have looked for ways to allow patients to make better use of the day room as part of their recovery and provide a way of calling for help when physio or other staff are not nearby.

“A hand-bell had previously been provided but was deemed too heavy and cumbersome for frailer patients and staff looked for an alternative.

“Sadly the solution, while well intentioned, was not appropriate.

“A lightweight hand-bell will now be sourced as a matter of urgency and patients will be accompanied while using the dayroom in the meantime.

“We will also review dayroom arrangements in other areas.

“The care and dignity of all our patients is vitally important to everyone at the health board and we sincerely apologise for any distress this has caused.”

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/06/21/hospital-condemned-after-giving-elderly-patients-tambourines-to-summon-nurses-91466-28911325/#ixzz1Q1NTe5Od

US crime figures: Why the drop?

Tom Geoghegan

BBC News, Washington DC

For 20 years, crime in the US has been falling and new figures from the FBI show a sharp drop in the last two years, despite the recession. Why?

Through Democrat and Republican administrations and through booms and busts, crime has been falling since 1991.

Murder and robbery rates nearly halved from 1991-98, a phenomenon that has saved thousands of lives and spared many more potential victims of crime.

The pace of the reduction slowed in the late 90s but new FBI figures show the sharp drop in crime that began around 2008 continued last year, despite high unemployment.

No-one agrees on the reasons for this. Here are 10 possible theories.

1. The Obama effect could explain the increased pace of the reduction of the last few years, says one of the country's top criminologists, Alfred Blumstein. "The prior expectation was that the recession would have the opposite effect. The question then is what distinctive event occurred in '09?" The election of a black president could have inspired some young black men, who are disproportionately involved in arrests for robbery and homicide, says the professor. It's very speculative, he adds, and probably only one factor of many, as one of the cities with a huge drop in crime is Phoenix, in Arizona, which does not have a large black population. "In the field of criminology, you don't get consistent indicators as you would in physics. There are so many factors that could have contributed." A separate study on school test scores supports the view that some black teenagers were motivated to try harder by the new presidency.

2. The fall in violent crime that began in the early 90s can be partly explained by the fall in demand for crack, says Prof Blumstein, co-author of The Crime Drop in America. Word got round about the dangers of crack use and - aided by aggressive policing - the gun violence associated with its supply decreased. The converse had happened in 1985, when the incarceration of dealers led to a spiral of violence, as younger and more reckless suppliers took their place.

 

Broken windows theory

• In 1982, social scientists argued that repairing vandalism in urban areas prevented further crime
• The New York Subway adopted this premise in the late 80s
• And then Mayor Rudy Giuliani (above) used it as part of his "zero tolerance" policy
• Supporters of the theory point to falling crime rates in cities like NY as evidence
• But sceptics say crime fell in many cities over that period and it's hard to prove a link

3. Smarter policing helped the border city of Laredo in Texas to reduce car theft by 40% last year. Police spokesman Joe Baeza says they introduced a scheme whereby motorists could register their car number plates into a police database and this empowered patrol cars to stop these cars if they were spotted late at night, to verify the owners. Mr Baeza adds that they also targeted car theft networks, educated the community about prevention and promoted anti-theft devices.

4. Number crunching has also helped in Laredo, where overall crime fell 16% last year, says Mr Baeza. "CompStat is a crime mapping project that pinpoints crime peaks in different parts of the city. The police chief then sends a team of officers to reinforce hotspots for burglaries or thefts or robberies, and they hold steady the flow of criminality." The CompStat methods began in New York City and featured heavily in gritty television drama The Wire, set in Baltimore.

5. There is a controversial theory put forward by economist Steven Levitt that the increased availability of legal abortion after the Supreme Court ruling in 1973 on Roe v Wade meant that fewer children were born to young, poor, single mothers. This, says the theory, stopped unwanted babies in the 1970s and 80s from becoming adolescent criminals in the decades that followed. But some of his peers have questioned whether the evidence really supports the theory.

6. A sociologist at Tufts University, John Conklin, says a significant factor behind the fall in crime in the 1990s was the fact that more criminals were behind bars and therefore unable to offend. In his book Why Crime Rates Fell, he says sentencing was lenient in the 60s and 70s, when crime rose, and then more prisons were built and more offenders were imprisoned. But others question why crime has continued to fall recently when budget constraints have kept the prison population relatively flat.

7. An economist at Amherst College in Massachusetts links the fall in violent crime to a decline in children's exposure to lead in petrol. Jessica Wolpaw Reyes says: "Even low to moderate levels of exposure can lead to behavioural problems, reduced IQ, hyperactivity and juvenile delinquency. You can link the decline in lead between 1975 and 1985 to a decline in violent crime 20 years later." About 90% of American children in the 1970s had blood levels that would today cause concern, she says. Her research also found a link at state level between the timing of laws banning lead and subsequent crime statistics.

8. The baby boomers grew up. With birth rates peaking between 1957 and 1961, the proportion of men in the US in their late teens and early 20s was highest in the late 70s and early 80s. As time went on, the proportion of people at "criminal age" decreased.

9. A study released last month suggested video games were keeping young people off the streets and therefore away from crime. Researchers in Texas working with the Centre for European Economic Research said this "incapacitation effect" more than offset any direct impact the content of the games may have had in encouraging violent behaviour.

10. Some people have suggested to Professor Blumstein there is another technological deterrent and that is the proliferation of camera phones, which makes some criminals think twice before risking possible incrimination on film. The impact of other kinds of cameras is unclear. In the UK, the influence of CCTV on crime is disputed.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/cynthia-mckinney-claims-the-us-does-not-have-free-education-which-is-why-libya-is-a-much-better-place-to-live/