We have some very unfortunate news to share with you today. If you recall, less than a month ago, we posted a story about a small business here in Church Hill that was robbed at gunpoint (you can read that story here).
We got a call that this same business was robbed AGAIN Wednesday night (July 25th) around 8p. The business, no longer wanting to remain anonymous, is Seven Hills Studio on 25th and Clay. Luckily, no one was hurt but this is something that is inexcusable.
Elizabeth Nall, owner-operator of Seven Hills Studio, is a long time Church Hill resident having grown up in this same neighborhood. This situation has been very challenging for her and her staff. Not feeling like you’re safe in your own space. Feeling violated.
This story began a little earlier in the day and maybe that will help set the stage.
This starts at Gather, owned by Melissa Micou, which as most of you know is a beautiful little plant shop that sits on Marshall St here in the Church Hill neighborhood in Richmond, VA (soon moving to a new space). Melissa was in Gather and the front door was unlocked but she wasn’t actually open. She was inside prepping the store to move to her new location.
It was over 90 degrees that day and a customer walked in wearing a printed black Sweatshirt/hoodie. Hood was up and drawn tight around his face hiding most features. Melissa told the customer they were closed and was immediately set on edge and felt unsafe. Not just by someone wearing a hoodie with the hood drawn tight in 90-degree weather but also because the customer wouldn’t look at her and kept shuffling around like he was nervous. The man in question mumbled that he had a question and started to reach into the pocket of his hoodie. Luckily, the wind just happened to blow open the door at that moment. The man, caught off guard, turned around to shut the door and Melissa quickly took this opportunity to go around the counter and step outside. She told the man that he could ask his question outside. Her neighbor also happened to be outside at that time and he noticed Melissa seemed upset so walked over. When the customer made eye contact with the neighbor he quickly left the store and briskly walked down the street without another word.
Melissa was a little shaken and was confident that she had just avoided being robbed. Thank God for that gust of wind and instincts. Melissa also had the forethought that if it was an attempted robbery the man failed and would probably be going somewhere else soon. Melissa did everything she could to notify the neighborhood. 911. Contacting local businesses. Instagram. Contacting us here at CHPN. The really unfortunate thing is that the 911 operator would not take a description over the phone. The 911 operator also said they couldn’t do anything unless Melissa stayed at the store to meet an officer which she couldn’t at that moment because she had to pick up her kids from school. Melissa then made another call to an RPD contact and was notified the officer had retired and the message she left for the new officer who took over was never returned.
Why is this story so important? Because, just a few hours later, that same man went into Seven Hills Studio and robbed them. Melissa was able to watch the surveillance video you can see part of here and verify it was the same man in the exact same clothes.
First, if you recognize this man or have any information regarding this incident please call crime stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
We had a chance to sit down with Elizabeth Nall, owner-operator of Seven Hills Studio. This incident happened when they were closing right at 8p. Elizabeth had just left the studio an hour earlier. In the shop was a front desk person but there was also a client and stylist in the back. Seven Hills STudio actually keeps the front door locked since the last time/first time they were robbed not even a month ago. However, the front desk person had unlocked the door because the client was leaving momentarily and that was when the assailant entered, threatened the front desk person, and stole the cash on hand.
When asked about her staff Elizabeth said they’re “Tough. Awesome. Resilient. At this point irritated. The things we’ve had to traverse have brought us closer together. It’s a very positive work environment and we draw on each other’s strengths”.
I want to put this in perspective. This is a single individual that has robbed this location twice. As a community, we have to demand action by the police. We want to grow this neighborhood and make it a place for all to enjoy but part of that is stopping the small handful of people that want to ruin that for everyone. There can be no tolerance for this type of potentially violent crime.
When you attend a 7th district meeting and the heads of RPD tell you to report suspicious activity that is well and good but they need to ACT on those reports (and coordinate/instruct 911 operators to pass along info as necessary). Especially one as serious as this when Gather was potentially robbed just hours earlier and the owner of that store tried to notify the police but no action was taken.
With that in mind, what can we do as a community? I have heard suggestions of a phone tree to keep business owners in the loop. There are always mentions of a neighborhood watch. Ultimately, I think all are viable ideas it just needs someone to take the lead and coordinate it.
Please share your idea/thoughts in the comments AND make sure and get an appointment at Seven Hills Studio (804) 344-0620). They’re an awesome bunch in a beautiful space.
I have to trust the community to hold us up. To actually support us through this and have it be more of a reason to come here and to say, yes, we understand, we live here too. It’s not just on us to fight against this. – Elizabeth Nall
We will not let crimes like this slide, we will not let it define us as a community, and we will NOT let a few people intimidate us in our own neighborhood from living our lives or patronizing our great local businesses.
93 comments
Simple solution….edc a firearm, defend yourself and don’t rely on the government to protect you from those who would do you harm.
People like the man that did this only speak one language, if you start speaking it they will listen.
This is happening in the “good” part of Church Hill. Imagine what it’s like living in the less refined areas….
Even simpler solution: ? Stop gentrifying neighborhoods! Jesus, white people. It’s not that hard. Stop oppression. Stop creating & oppressing neighborhoods of their resources, then complain when the have-not’s come for those who have. Lol! It’s not rocket science. Care more, with deeper context to fully understand the damn problem. But noooooooo, you sound like the typical white European colonizer, “shoot them” ?????
Everything isn’t the white man’s fault. I was born to poverty, went to public schools, and busted my ass to get where I am. I’ve been pushed out of my job more than once by illegal immigrants and by affirmative action. she put a black guy and a white guy side-by-side and give them the exact same credentials and they’re going to hire the black guy every single f****** time but yet I have white privilege right?
As soon as people quit blaming the white man they will be able to progress. But that’ll never happen. It’s been 200 years. Your not a slave. I’m not an owner.
Telly Hankton so legally purchasing property, fixing it up, and making the neighborhood and city a better place to live is oppression? ???
I wouldn’t consider myself a “have”. Got kicked out of my parents house(in the shittier part of CH) at 18 with nothing and I’ve worked my ass off to get where I am today. If someone wants to come and try to deprive me of what I’ve earned? That won’t happen without a fight, it’s simply called self defense.
This nonsense is why I moved out of CH 2 years ago, and I’ll be damned if I ever move back.
Oh and btw you presumptuous twat, I’m first generation born in the US. My mother is an immigrant. How’s that for bursting your bubble?
Trebor Noteek white men colonized 90% of the world, never rectified slavery or oppression properly & the president is a white supremacist.
Yup, not the white mans fault at all.
I almost died in a drive by off of cary and Robinson after I was trying to have some drinks with friends after a show. That was 3 years ago. is that the good side or bad side of the fan? just asking
Anna Diaz Ummmm, yea, usually when people are poor, oppressed, disenfranchised by their government & forced into ghettos, there’s going to be high crime. This isn’t just Blacks, this isn’t just America – it’s global. How about educate yourself and realize the deeper context to you almost being killed. Because I dunno, fuck man, the world doesn’t revolve around you trying to have some cheap drinks in a gentrified community.
In reply to Zapp Morris.. http://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10215406474588240&id=1628346802&comment_id=10215406966280532¬if_t=group_activity¬if_id=1533039488966118&ref=m_notif
In reply to Zapp Morris. I guess you have the same feelings towards this?
I got my hair cut yesterday and they never mentioned it!
Some businesses are going cashless and it’s posted on the front door. Maybe consider it.
Cash is legal tender…..can you legally not accept it?
Teresa Nieding Carrel I went to a concert in DC, the entire venue is cashless, including all the bars within the venue. No cash or checks accepted.
Teresa Nieding Carrel https://slate.com/business/2018/07/cashless-stores-and-restaurants-are-on-the-rise-to-the-delight-of-credit-card-companies.html
Translation: “We’re sorry that poor Black people are being uprooted and forced out of their life long homes (again, and again) but hey, there’s no need to get violent about it”
Lol! Those sentiments are literally symbolic to apologetic American colonialism.
Have more coffee and a poop.
Blame the victim much?
If you feel that strongly about colonialism you should leave. Or at the very least, give up alllll your possessions to a “marginalized” person. If you plan on doing neither then please STFU.
Yeah it’s so terrible we now have places like this and nice restaurants in Churchill instead of another corner store selling booze and cigarettes or another pay day loan place.
I am curious how people are being forced out of their ‘life long homes’ when the city has programs that will eliminate property taxes for anyone over 65 or on disability, etc. So people are not forced out of their homes if the neighborhood so, so tragically actually improves. This is specifically for neighborhoods to have private money incentivized to fix the blight still present in many places.
But yeah, it’s not criminals fault for robbing people, it’s the people’s fault for having stuff to rob.
Chris Dosier Well if you’d like to acknowledge ONE side of Church Hill gentrification, with your lack of contextual thinking, then sure bro. Cool story. We’ve heard it all before. Good job. Continue on with the destruction of Black people & their neighborhoods. I mean, all of the past white leaders over 400yrs have used that same ideal and look where we’re at.
Telly Hankton Richmond hasn’t had a white mayor in 17 years and the last one was Tim Kaine… so yeah good point man, the problem with the revitalization of Churchill has been white leaders.
Chris Dosier Yea, these arguments exemplify that you’re just a mediocre white man with basic illogical responses to rectifying racism. *Yawns*
Telly Hankton doing a little self projection there no? Try taking a look in the mirror. Let’s hear your brilliant solutions that would A) improve the neighborhood by reducing the blight and dilapidated houses, B ) have businesses want to relocate or establish themselves in Churchill, and C ) reduce crime in the area, and D )do the aforementioned without private investment from the white man since anything we do is because we are racists and just want to hold you down. Until then, keep blaming others bro, you’re on a roll with that.
Chris Dosier Lol! Man go away with these lengthy, mansplaining word salads. You legit have not made one point and all of your comments are short stories.
Telly Hankton so you got nothing. That’s what I figured. Sorry for actually asking you for a solution, it is easier to just blame others.
Chris Dosier You keep asking questions that don’t pertain to your argument, nor do they have logical answers. You sound like the usual long-winded man who thinks in terms of dichotomy. You’re presenting yes or no propositions, when the situation is no where near that simple. So no, I don’t want to waste my time talking to you lol!
Chris Dosier And you’re asking my solution when I’ve stated it already ? STOP GENTRIFYING POOR BLACK COMMUNITIES & COMPLAINING THAT GENTRIFICATION IS HARD! Lol
Telly Hankton so your solution is keeping poor black people poor. Sounds like a great fix. You should run for office.
The reason you find my questions illogical is because they are pointing out the fallacies of what you are asking for. Neighborhoods don’t just magically increase in value without investment or recruit businesses without a market to which it can sell it’s goods.
And as I have pointed out the city has instituted programs that mitigate the issue of rising property taxes due to neighborhood improvement so people who have lived somewhere their whole life is not forced out of their home. Plus, if they do decide to sell their house they will benefit from the higher property value. What a tragedy.
All you want to do is complain and blame others, including this business that has been robbed twice, for actually offering services to the neighborhood that was not here before.
People aren’t saying gentrification is hard, they are saying don’t rob people.
I was chastised for “complaining ” that the police had not contacted me for my car break in. Well, I STILL have not been contacted and I have video clearly showing faces of the THUGS that did it even with hoodies pulled upon a hot, s teamy night. What the hell does it take?
I realize that hold ups at gun point and shootings should take priority, however, I think that when you have recognizable images of criminals, the police would be a little bit interested.
Not again. So sorry. I think the phone tree, micro/local social alerts, cameras, etc.. may help. A zillion years ago, we used to do neighborhood watch patrols in the Fan – on foot and in cars. I’m up for helping any way I can, beginning with laying on the pressure on the RPD.
simpl solutions Stop pushing out lower income class people from the city. stop turning buildings into lofts and into community spaces and most of all invest more into public schools. this city is a disgrace knowing school rely on non profits and parents’ donations of toilet paper. as some who’s a transplant to Richmond from some time ago, it really baffles me how separated different class groups coincide in this city. more so with the recent influx of Richmond non natives.
So we’re blaming the victim of a robbery now? Say what?
So your solution is to stop investing in the neighborhood except for schools? So when the students are out of school 17 hours of the day and are in dilapidated houses that will make everything better?
You do realize the renovated properties leads to increased tax revenue, which I will agree should be spent more on fixing the school buildings, but maybe blame city hall for their incompetence instead of blaming shop owners for opening in a neighborhood that up until a few years ago they never would have or could have had not private investment happened in the area.
no. I’m blaming the city of Richmond for the way they’re carrying out this city revitalization. I honestly don’t see This any different from when a student leaves a laptop in plain sight. I’ve had friends who were stylists there, it’s a nice place. I really feel bad for them. I don’t think it’s a bad idea for owners to go take a shooting class and own a firearm to protect their shop. If anything I’m just saying there are going to be a lot more desperate people trying to find ways to make ends meet. this city is putting a lot of pressure on that population and instead of enriching them Richmond’s brushing poor folk to the outskirts
Anna Diaz well I’ll agree with you on the City of Richmond mismanagement part.
Chris Dosier my solution is to invest in the neighborhoods. Bringing people into Richmond who have little respect or knowledge for the current community to bump up property taxes is wrong. City of Richmond can do so much better. These 2 robberies could should have been avoided
The reason the schools are in their current state is because the city, for YEARS, has had an inordinate amount of poverty, along with a non tax paying big player, VCU. In order to raise the bar in the city, the money from private investors and new home owners was needed. The recent nationwide trend of populations moving back to the cities is a lot of what is causing property values to go up. Couple that with the housing bust that turned a lot of home owners into renters and created a shortage of rentals that drove prices up. Now, we have a housing shortage that continues to drive up rental and home sale prices. Housing is tough now FOR EVERYONE. But, my point is that the latest gentrification is mostly an effect
of the market. No one forced anyone to sell their homes. A lot of people were happy to sell their run down houses at probably the highest values ever. I actually have heard a few people say they were happy to head to the counties. I do think the city is doing as much as they can to maintain some low income housing opportunities. But, they can’t do everything. They are still in catch up mode from decades of being a relatively poor city.
Thanks CHPN. I agree.
Anyone that excuses this sort of violent crime by blaming gentrification or “oppression” is a piece of human garbage. If you think it’s ok to rob honest working people at gun point for any reason, you are a piece of shit that needs to be swept into the gutter as quickly as possible. Period. End of argument.
Imagine being this upset over the concept of nuance
I wonder if this is the same criminal who robbed the Family Dollar in Manchester/Blackwell 4 separate times in quick succession. These repeat hits of vulnerable places are often related and can be spread throughout the city (e.g. the restaurant burgler heist that hit a half dozen different restaurants including Boulevard Burger & Brew until he was caught). https://wtvr.com/2018/07/17/suspect-accused-of-robbing-richmond-family-dollar-four-times/
There are multiple ways to approach an issue. Reactive and preventative.
The reactive way to approach an issue like this often results in loss of life, whether by death or incarceration. Some people will say that’s justified.
The preventative way to approach an issue like this opens a door for both parties to grow and thrive. Some will says that’s naive.
What I hear in this thread is folks speaking for the reactive way and being challenged by those who want them to see the other side, something they’ve likely not personally experienced.
What I hear in this thread is folks trying to speak for the preventative way and being scoffed at and accused of not caring for the victims of this crime. It is possible to care both for a victim and a perpetrator, especially in a situation like this when the perpetrator is likely a victim of something happening in the neighborhood that a lot of other people are also experiencing and few are willing to see, or listen about.
CHPN asked what we as a community can do to avoid situations like this. Neighbors have responded. And there has been very little authentic willingness to hear each other in this thread.
What we could do as a community is change that for sure.
For what it’s worth, DaVinci’s on Brookland Park Blvd. posts this sign in their front window: “No Hoodies”
Criminals like easy targets. Arm yourself.
Have you all been in touch with RPD? What was RPD’s response and response time to 7 Hills? Their response to The Gather situation seems appropriate. What you’ve described here while unfortunate, does not seem to evidence a crime, which absent additional information from a witness or victim likely foreclosed dispatching resources. To solutions, trimming back the trees outside their front door and enhanced parking enforcement would likely go a long way to making their vestibule more visible.
So sorry for both business’s experiences. Just to clarify, do they think this was in fact the same individual that robbed Seven Hills last time?
In reply to UH. Yes, that’s what we were told. Same guy both times.
Am I reading this correctly? The same establishment was hit by the same robber twice? The police have to make this a priority or this guy is going to keep doing it.
Oh my gosh. I get my haircut there! Crazy. Won’t stop me!
I bet the moderators are now understanding why John Murden doesn’t host this any longer.
In reply to Katherine Jester. Public discourse about things like this is always contentious. However, it is needed. We’re tough. We can take it 🙂
Get a system where you have to buzz individuals in. Or, have an alarm button placed under the desk just like the banks. So sad.
will their insurance cover their losses?
I totally agree with Church Hill People’s News.
I would like to know how many of you who commented on this post are actually black, or who knows what it is to be black and poor? That’s one thing that I hate sometimes about the comments on this site, is that you have certain individuals who try to rationalize why crime is committed by blacks in this city, or why this man robbed the store. I doubt that it was because of gentrification. I don’t think he even knows what it is. I know what gentrification is. Ive been in the east end for close to 40 years,and I’ve watched this neighborhood flip-church hill-and I’ve seen taxes and property values rise, pushing people out. My dad grew up in church hill, on Roger street, and I was driving him around last week, and he was explaining to me how this entire neighborhood used to be black-Roger street, 25th street,Chimborazo, how some of the stores were black owned,instead of being owned today by these Muslim Immigrants, etc. He’s not upset about it, because he has a 200,000$ home in eastern henrico. I doubt if this young man knows anything about paying bills or rising property values. I don’t know if he ever paid a bill in his life.I think that he just needed money, and he saw an opportunity and he took it.Eventually, he will be caught, but please, stop trying to rationalize what black people go through in this city, especially if your are not poor and black.
study shows gentrification has little effect on crime rates: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/449122
While I do think we need to address the problem of gentrification, especially in growing areas like Church Hill, we have no evidence supporting this individual felt it necessary to rob a business because he was being driven out of his home or neighborhood. We don’t know that he lives in this neighborhood. We don’t know his economic status. I understand the residents on this feed wanting to discuss a fair and proper evolution of the city that provides equity to all, especially long time residents, but I don’t think it is healthy to assign motives to this individual with no basis. I have very strong reason to believe this same individual said sexually graphic and upsetting things to the owner of another business. Would you like to argue he used that form of intimidation because he is being forced out of his neighborhood, in need of money, or unfairly disadvantaged because of his race? I think you would find that a difficult argument to make.
This is the salon i go to ? they’re wonderful
They should get a dog! People are so scared of my pitty they literally run across the street. Apparently robbers are also deterred by big dogs. Or, start with getting a door handle that automatically locks?
So I guess the “stop gentrifying” crowd would support the following law: “No improvements shall be made to any property in any area which is predominately [fill in the blank: black; poor; of color].
(Also, I truly never thought educated people could be so [fill in the blank: empty-headed; short-sighted; foolish].)
Telly Hankton, do you realize half of the gentrifying flippers and builders getting the tip top dollar ($400-500k) for houses in the neighborhood are NOT white? Ridge Point, KC Enterprises, Xtreme Homes, Integrity Construction, etc… all companies owned by black guys who live outside the city.
No tolerance? Define that because in this city its tolerated if you get away and not caught.
I am former security Director and if I can help teach you how to keep community safe call or message John Cox 904-980-4103
So gentrification – a nice person owns a house in a “terrible” neighborhood, worth about $50K, for a long time. Then, without them doing A THING, house is now worth $250K. And that is bad – how? Like another poster talked about, there are lots of programs to help people with increased income taxes. But basically – the “gentrifiers” gave these people $200K. And people complain??? This makes NO sense. “Gentrifiers” don’t push people out – they give the existing homeowners lots of money. I’ve never understood why people don’t realize this. Are you just thinking about renters and rental prices? I’m sure lots of long-time homeowners in Church Hill are thrilled that there houses gained so much value.
@57 – good point. Also, a lot of the “gentrifiers” are black. I’m in a block that’s being majorly redone, and four of new neighbors are black families, 1 is white. Also don’t assume that a white person doesn’t have connections to Church Hill. I’ve lived in Church Hill for 10 years and recently bought a house for the first time, and some of my black neighbors are like – welcome to the Hill. Well, I’ve lived here longer than you. At what point can I be considered native? Never, because I’m white? I’m super involved in a lot of community things too, so I’m a bit off-put by this un-welcoming behavior. I wish I could afford the Fan sometimes.
@51–Will Hall. Good points. By the way, I’m black, have been poor, and I’m old.
Also, Telly Hankton, please please please tell me that you are NOT using the handle of the New Orleans gangster convicted of murder, drugs, and firearm charges…
There is NO excuse for burglary. None. I think it’s insane to say that what is causing folks to steal others property and commit crimes is because of the changes going on around here. That person CHOSE to rob that salon, nobody forced him to do it. Stealing is stealing- it is a crime. Someone stole our weedeater last week and it infuriates me that there are people out there saying that what is going on in Richmond right now, is why folks are taking things that aren’t there. They need Jesus and a change of heart!
Stop gentrifying church chill it was much better when it was dangerous as hell and had people dying all the time. Yall sound stupid as heck. Black person robs white person, black person still the victim in the situation somehow lol
The good old comment about needing to hear each other/both parties get involved.
The other side…the people committing the crimes…aren’t reading this thread.
They know what they do. Don’t get caught. Continue to do it. Period.
We knew about the crime in Church Hill when we moved here.
Unfortunately we have learned to live with it and hope we dont become victims.
BUT…I’m still gonna walk the streets and continue to live.
The person that is blaming gentrification for a thug committing robbery of an upstanding business needs to have their head examined… The person who robbed this place is nothing but a POS. Business should arm themselves and blow a bullet in his ass. That should serve as a nice deterrent for others hoping to get away with the same.
@63
A person who chooses that handle does appear to be making a statement, as in a statemwnt of their values.
https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/article_55d6a6b4-657c-5e03-80b8-7279536bb71d.html
My hair salon. So sorry to Elizabeth and her staff to have to endure this yet again. Thank you for not giving up!
The police finally called to get the video! Yeah!
CHPN, @ 45, Thank You! John Murden was not always unbiased and would block certain people he did not like especially if they criticized the CHA.
Wondering if this thug was caught on somebody else’s security system, and without his hoodie on.
I am so sorry that the staff and owner have had to go through this horrible experience. Thank you for opening your business in Church Hill. We appreciate and value you, your staff and your business as a member of our community. I am sure you will move past this incident and continue to prosper. The thug that robbed you needs to be in jail. There are no excuses for this behavior, and hopefully he will be caught. If there is anything the general Church Hill community can do to support you, please let us know.
@72 Agreed. John, for all of the good things that he did with this site, was definitely biased and would post comments based on his beliefs. It was his site, so it’s whatever, but it happened to me a few times and sounds like it happened to others also.
OK enough with the John bashing. Yes it was his site. Now it’s not. He did a great thing for a lot of years. Move on.
Business should be insured for this. Crime happens and it sucks but none of the arguments on this page will change anything. Everyone is just tapping their keys thinking they are smarter or more in the right than everyone else. Your opinion / my opinion on this page doesn’t matter. If you feel passionately about protecting local business than go post up and do it . Otherwise make improvements where you can and hold local law enforcement accountable. But again if you spent more than two seconds on this you are wasting your time…. as I have just wasted mine.
Liz @ 76
Stating the truth about a situation, actions and or the clear bias of someone who professes not to be biased is not bashing, it is just statement of fact. I for one like the new openness of CHPN. Clearly, I am not the only person to hold these views about Murden and nobody is denying his work on CHPN. So move on !
This is not just about the money lost for Sevin Hills Salon, IMO. I’m sure the money was a huge financial hit for them and I feel that pain having been a previous victim of robbery myself. The bigger picture are these thugs that are hurting this neighborhood. There’s still a lot of people on the south side of river and elsewhere that think Church Hill is a sketchy, scary place with a lot of crime. It’s not, and the area is way less sketchy then when I moved here 11 years ago. There are a lot of new businesses and people working hard here and I hate to see anything that could possibly damage their hard work. And before any of you get started, don’t throw gentrification at me. This type of situation is not about gentrification. It’s about criminals that are taking advantage of a neighborhood’s resources and I’d be glad to see those types run out of here.
Damn. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this, Seven Hills. You are a great business to have in our community and we have an obligation to help.
My best suggestion is that folks get active in the events that engage/support our marginalized communities and our law enforcement organizations. There’s no shortage of them listed here on CHPN on a weekly basis. Sitting at your computer pontificating about “thugs” is empty bluster.
How many of you have been involved in community building events in the past month? The past year? What are you doing besides being sideline quarterbacks? I don’t see any of these names and faces out there working in the community. If you had, you might have a little broader perspective of why most people are committing crimes. The societal/historical effects of inequality are real, just as real as the privilege that you enjoy unawares.
Despite some of the ignorant suggestions in these comments, the answer isn’t for a business owner to shoot the person that’s committing these crimes. Defending yourself and your place of business is certainly one’s right/prerogative. But if the goal is to rid our community of violence, then shoot-outs are pretty counterproductive. Besides, wielding a gun and defending against intruders shouldn’t be the salon cashier’s job.
For the record, John Murden did a wonderful job starting, maintaining and moderating this site. If you feel otherwise then you probably a) don’t understand how ignorant your comments sound, and/or b) you don’t have the gumption or commitment to start your own community website. Stop hating.
Kudos to the cool cat behind the counter.
@82…who’s spewing the blather now? OMG are you serious??? If so, totally naive!
@82 that’s a lot of work you suggested the law abiding citizens to do. How about instead we arrest this robber and get rid of him from the neighborhood for a long long long time. Felony robbery with a gun – twice. No sympathy.
So disappointed in the level of the discussion here. We can have some improvement in the neighborhood without outright gentrification at the expense of others. The owners of this shop put in a lot of sweat equity with the building and their finances and I’m sure there have been other times their personal safety was at risk, but they persisted. They also showed initiative and applied for grants that are aimed at improving the neighborhood and available services. Would you not want non-profit grants awarded to local hard-working business owners because their work might improve the neighborhood and thereby eventually potentially push out some people who didn’t keep pace? I’m sure Bon Secours knows the impact that $10k can have on a small business, and in turn the community, which is why they encourage people to strive. I have no tolerance for the victim blaming here. The owner has already endured personal tragedy and persisted with this business despite the odds because she is a badass, not a victim.
I used to live there- loved it. Unfortunately I don’t head back much- we were considering moving back but the violence has notched up- doesn’t seem like the mayor cares ??
No, the mayor doesn’t care unless there is a photo-op involved.
Bill, keeping the statues in the limelight is more important to his political ambitions.
Everyone here went on a derail that some troll started. You have no evidence that the robber was local or a “native” from Church Hill. The anti-gentrification crowd made a huge assumption based on this criminal’s race…way to profile!
Supportive Information. I value your diligent work. It will be useful for each servant. A strong door knobs can protect my house from anti theft. Thanks for sharing this informative post.
I read the article about the small business that was robbed twice in a month. What a terrible situation! I’m so sorry that you and your staff have to go through this.
It’s clear from the article that you and your team are doing everything possible to keep your business safe, but it’s just not enough. You need some extra security measures to help protect your business from future robberies.