(Aug. 18, 2016) Following a melee in the area of Fourth and Laurel Streets in Pocomoke City on July 29 that resulted in two arrests and one deployed Taser, residents of the neighborhood asked the mayor and City Council this week to institute a curfew in town.
“We need the support of citizens” to enact a curfew, and “the entire council would like to support” such action, Mayor Bruce Morrison said.
Each member of the council nodded in agreement with Morrison’s statement made during the Monday night meeting of mayor and City Council.
The issue has come up before, Morrison continued, but was stymied because of complaints made by the American Civil Liberties Union.
“There are ways to make it work, but you need a lot of exceptions,” City Manager/City Attorney Ernie Crofoot said.
Medical emergencies, employment concerns and school functions are examples of possible exceptions to a proposed curfew, according to Crofoot.
Two residents attended the meeting and requested the curfew, because they said situation in their neighborhood has not improved, and the area continues to be a gathering place for young people described as “disrespectful.”
The residents said every time anyone leaves their houses, they must endure harassment and catcalls. Both said police have stepped up patrols in the area, but the crowds disperse and reconvene in conjunction with police movements.
Morrison asked the speakers if they were willing to press charges against anyone apprehended in the area, which may act as a deterrent to unruly behavior. Both residents agreed to participate in increased enforcement.
Robert Robinson, 38, and Dashawn Riheem Ballard, 21, both of Pocomoke City were arrested on July 29 in connection with a large altercation that developed near 405 Laurel Street, consisting of approximately 75-100 individuals, according to the police report.
Before Robinson could be subdued, he was struck by two Taser rounds. He denied transport to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, but was later moved to Atlantic General Hospital because of complaints of chest pains.
According to Pocomoke City Manager/City Attorney Ernie Crofoot, officers from the Maryland State Police, Department of Natural Resources Police, Snow Hill Police and the Worcester County Sherriff’s Office arrived on the scene a short time later to help disperse the crowd.
As the crowd dissolved, Ballard was reportedly observed back at 405 Laurel Street after officers ordered everyone to leave the area, and was confrontational when asked to leave the scene again.
Police report Ballard continued to argue with police and then began inciting the remnants of the crowd into another confrontation, for which he was placed under arrest.
Both are scheduled to make their first appearance in court on Sept. 16 in Snow Hill.
“We need the support of citizens” to enact a curfew, and “the entire council would like to support” such action, Mayor Bruce Morrison said.
Each member of the council nodded in agreement with Morrison’s statement made during the Monday night meeting of mayor and City Council.
The issue has come up before, Morrison continued, but was stymied because of complaints made by the American Civil Liberties Union.
“There are ways to make it work, but you need a lot of exceptions,” City Manager/City Attorney Ernie Crofoot said.
Medical emergencies, employment concerns and school functions are examples of possible exceptions to a proposed curfew, according to Crofoot.
Two residents attended the meeting and requested the curfew, because they said situation in their neighborhood has not improved, and the area continues to be a gathering place for young people described as “disrespectful.”
The residents said every time anyone leaves their houses, they must endure harassment and catcalls. Both said police have stepped up patrols in the area, but the crowds disperse and reconvene in conjunction with police movements.
Morrison asked the speakers if they were willing to press charges against anyone apprehended in the area, which may act as a deterrent to unruly behavior. Both residents agreed to participate in increased enforcement.
Robert Robinson, 38, and Dashawn Riheem Ballard, 21, both of Pocomoke City were arrested on July 29 in connection with a large altercation that developed near 405 Laurel Street, consisting of approximately 75-100 individuals, according to the police report.
Before Robinson could be subdued, he was struck by two Taser rounds. He denied transport to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, but was later moved to Atlantic General Hospital because of complaints of chest pains.
According to Pocomoke City Manager/City Attorney Ernie Crofoot, officers from the Maryland State Police, Department of Natural Resources Police, Snow Hill Police and the Worcester County Sherriff’s Office arrived on the scene a short time later to help disperse the crowd.
As the crowd dissolved, Ballard was reportedly observed back at 405 Laurel Street after officers ordered everyone to leave the area, and was confrontational when asked to leave the scene again.
Police report Ballard continued to argue with police and then began inciting the remnants of the crowd into another confrontation, for which he was placed under arrest.
Both are scheduled to make their first appearance in court on Sept. 16 in Snow Hill.