Larry and I live in Bethesda, one of the safest neighborhoods in the D.C. area. So when I heard about a 24-year old woman being sexually assaulted in an alley less than a block from my house, it made me queasy.
Police say that “the attack was most likely an isolated incident.” You just don’t expect this type of thing in Bethesda, right?
In this video, a local ABC newscast from Monday night, even the reporters seem shocked at the incident, not quite sure how to react to such a violent crime in such a safe, family-friendly neighborhood. And if you watch the video, you can see the back of our apartment building, our local Rock Bottom Brewery, the Lebanese restaurant Bacchus (which is right behind us), and Cafe Europa–quite literally our very own block.
From now on, I think I’ll have Larry pick me up from the metro station if I’m walking home by myself late at night.
Comments 1
Wow. The news people did seem a bit amazed too. That would shake me up living so close.
However, it might be just as it seems: an isolated incident. The attacker might well shy away from the area with all that attention.
I live in a ghetto type of area and gun shot go off frequently on holidays and other days too. It’s best to stay indoors here during those times. So I do understand that queasy feeling.
Don’t let the jerk make you uncomfortable in your own neighborhood. There are clearly more decent people there than otherwise. A man went running to help right away. That is such a positive thing.
Posted 10 Jan 2007 at 12:38 am ¶