Fear Grips Phoenix

PHOENIX (Michael Clancy and Ruth Liao, Arizona Republic) July 11, 2006 — With nine murders, seven rapes and more than 40 shootings, residents across a vast swath of Phoenix are on edge about whether they or someone they know could become the next victim.

"It's unreal," said Phoenix resident Michelle Nelson, 28. "Enough's enough. I don't feel safe."

Nelson, who used to walk to work, bought a car to get there and back, and she is considering moving.

She works near 24th Street and Thomas Road, an area where two assaults linked to the "Baseline Rapist" have taken place.

A sense of fear has many residents concerned, with some adjusting their routines to keep safe. Neighborhood groups are also on alert, warning residents to keep in contact with each other and be especially aware of their surroundings.

Phoenix police have scheduled a meeting in one the most heavily affected neighborhoods. It will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Loma Linda Elementary School, 2002 E. Clarendon St. Residents hope for some answers.

The situation is "everybody's worst nightmare," said Tim Cahoon, chairman of the Loma Linda Neighborhood Association.

He said his group is doing its best to get the word out about the meeting and what to do in reaction to the crimes.

"It is a huge concern in our neighborhood," which covers an area from 16th to 24th streets between Thomas and Indian School roads, Cahoon said. Sgt. Andy Hill, public information officer for the Phoenix Police Department, said authorities will use the meeting to alert the public about how to communicate with them and to "let them know we take ownership of what is going on."

He said he is aware that fear is pervasive in the community.

"We are encouraging people to stay in touch with their precincts," he said. "We need their help. We don't want to upset them. We are all affected by this."

As for answers, there may not be many.

The deadly spate has shaken neighborhoods, preoccupied media reports and caught the attention of politicians.

So far, however, homicide detectives are stymied and are seeking the public's help.

They have little physical evidence and a vague description of only one assailant, the Baseline Rapist.

3 assailants on loose

But police believe there are three assailants, all operating differently, who since May 2005 have been responsible for the violent crimes.

Hill said he could not remember so many similar crimes taking place in the same time frame in his 22 years on the force. Nor could any of the other veteran officers he has spoken with.

One local activist said police have not been using the resources they have in hand.

Alma Williams, president of the Green Gables Neighborhood Association, said one of the victims was attacked just up the street from her home. Her association covers an area of 20th to 32nd streets between McDowell and Thomas roads.

She said police told her to drop plans for a neighborhood meeting, preferring to focus on Wednesday's meeting.

"I am not terribly encouraged about this," Williams said. "The Block Watches have not been involved at all."

She said that her group has had good relationships with police but that "police treat different neighborhoods differently."

"This neighborhood gets treated differently than Arcadia or Biltmore," she said.

Faye Dargan, whose Greater Green Gables Neighborhood Association covers the western half of the area, said she just wants officers on the streets.

'A war zone'

"It feels like a war zone right now," she said.

Public fears are exemplified by an e-mail sent by a Phoenix woman to dozens of friends warning about the Baseline Rapist.

The message describes the man's fearsome appearance and mannerisms, claiming he has killed seven women and raped three 12-year-old girls. "Please tell your friends and make sure they warn their daughters," it concludes.

"This guy is a ruthless animal."

Hill said elements of that e-mail, including the number of murders and the raped girls, are incorrect.

Alicia Wadas of Phoenix, who runs an organization called Mothers Arms, said being prepared is a good tactic.

"They seem to be picking out people who are alone, so why be alone?" she said.

"The principles of being safe never change."

Paige Rockett, president of the Hoffman Terrace Neighborhood Association, north of Indian School Road along 25th and 26th streets, said residents in her small area are not panicky, just "hyperaware."

John Struempf, who manages the Pete's Fish and Chips near Indian School Road and 44th Street, said he and his employees are implementing new security measures.

"We need to start doing things differently," he said.