Captain Michael Gromley from the 7th District said police will have an expanded presence at the carnival next year.
Capt. Michael Gormley, commander of the 7th Police District, addressed the BVM Carnival assault that happened on May 19, when a group of 20 or more teenagers assaulted a couple outside the carnival.
A resident asked about the incident at the Greater Bustleton Civic League meeting on May 24.
“It’s a black eye on the neighborhood,” Gormley said. “We can’t be everywhere, and unfortunately we weren’t there to prevent that.”
Gormley also said police have the name of a suspect and are investigating further. He described the incident as a “group of kids who were in a fight or about to fight” surrounding a woman and her two young children.
When the woman’s husband tried to mediate the attacks, the kids “turned on him.” When the woman tried to run away, they turned on her.
He said the injuries were not severe enough to make the attack a felony.
Gormley noted five officers were stationed inside the carnival, but the attack happened outside. Next year, more officers will be stationed at the carnival.
“It’s a shame,” he said.
He also emphasized that police can’t be everywhere, and urges the public to notify authorities whenever they see anything suspicious.
Outside of that incident, Gormley said crime level was “really good,” citing the biggest issue as property crime.
Crimes such as thefts are expected to rise in the summer months as people travel to the beach for the weekend and leave their houses unoccupied. He encouraged residents to look out for their neighbors.
He also emphasized keeping all cars locked, windows up and possessions away from view.
Gormley said, this year, burglaries are down 20 percent from last year, which already saw a steep dropoff from 2015.
In other news at the meeting:
• Five elementary school students were recognized and awarded for their participation around the community.
Hafsa Rana, a fifth-grade student from Anne Frank Elementary School, was recognized for raising and sending money and food to those in need in Pakistan.
Anna Maria Grigolashvili, an eighth-grade student from Baldi Middle School, participates in her school’s recycling group, fundraising activities and a family day cleanup. She also provides entertainment to daycare facilities, preparing a special recipe called Anna Maria’s bacon cheese bread.
Julia Atkinson, an eighth-grade student from Maternity BVM School, helps out with hosting dances and teaching younger children dancing. She is also the leader of the stage crew at the school play.
Gianna Dinofa, an eighth-grade student at Joseph J. Greenberg Elementary, is a member of the junior honor society, and has earned straight As through her entire eight years at Greenberg. She has also participated on the field hockey, basketball, softball and lacrosse teams, and serves as the president of the student council.
Meghan Campolongo, an eighth-grade student from St. Albert the Great School, donates food and blankets to those in need. This year, she played the lead role in her school’s play. She showed off her singing voice with a live rendition of God Bless America that had the entire room applauding.
• Sections of Krewstown Road will be closed Sunday, June 4, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to make way for the Krewstown Road Festival.
A variety of activities are planned for the event, which include tours of the Pennepack Baptist Church and cemetery; visits to the historic Baptismal rock; old-time woodworking and blacksmithing presentations; mountain bike rides; and nature and history tours around the park.
• The Greater Bustleton Civic League held its yearly inductions. All officers ran unopposed to continue their roles for another year. Jack O’Hara will continue to serve as president, John McKeever will continue to serve as vice president, Joan Rhodes will continue to serve as treasurer, and Jim Stewart will continue to serve as corresponding secretary.
• To learn more about proposed development plans for the Grant Plaza located at the corner of Bustleton and Grant avenues, attend next month’s meeting on June 28. ••
Logan Krum can be reached at lkrum@newspapermediagroup.com. Follow The Northeast Times on Twitter @NETimesOfficial.
