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Gun incident at Uni-Mart raises concerns over police policy |
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Wednesday, 24 January 2007 |
 By Jonathan Schwab A gun incident at the Johnsonburg Uni-Mart has caused additional concerns over a recently adopted police policy to not enter the store. By Jonathan Schwab A gun incident at the Johnsonburg Uni-Mart has caused additional concerns over a recently adopted police policy to not enter the store.
According to store manager Cindy Oyler, at approximately 4 a.m., Monday, Jan. 22, a man entered the store with a gun. While the man apparently did not attempt to rob the store, Oyler said his presence combined with a new police policy barring officers from entering the store is cause for significant concern.
Johnsonburg Police Chief Bryan Parana said the adoption of the policy is unrelated to the petition, but rather tied to a stream of local complaints about loitering at the Uni-Mart.
“We had numerous complaints of loitering by law enforcement and inappropriate conduct at the Uni-Mart,” Parana said.
Oyler said the lack of police presence is a problem for the store, which is the only one in Johnsonburg open 24 hours.
“We are open 24 hours,” Oyler said. “The police officers will stop in and they keep an eye on us.”
Parana said the change in policy has not had an impact on the law enforcement presence at the Uni-Mart.
“It does not affect their presence at the Uni-Mart,” Parana said.
Naheed Malik, owner of the Johnsonburg store, believes the police have a responsibility to the business.
“I’m very upset,” Malik said. “I feel, being the owner here, I have rights. It is their responsibility; it just deters the kids and the people involved with wrongdoing.”
Oyler said in a small town like Johnsonburg, news of this policy leaves Uni-Mart vulnerable to criminal attacks.
“Johnsonburg is a small town,” Oyler said. “Everybody in town knows the cops are not allowed in here. That leaves us as sitting ducks.”
In Oyler’s eyes, Monday morning’s incident reinforces that perspective. No charges have been filed though and Parana emphasized it is not uncommon for an individual to possess a weapon.
“We got a report someone was in the store and there was a potential firearm on the individual,” Parana said. “It’s not unusual. We have no indication it was brandished.”
Malik said she plans to take action before a dangerous situation evolves into something worse.
“I am still planning to do something, even if I have to go to the police commissioner,” Malik said.
Oyler would like to see the police officers once again allowed into the store as a deterrent to potential criminals.
“I would like for the police officers to be allowed to come back in here,” Oyler said.
Despite the wishes of Oyler and Malik, Parana insists the policy was the right decision for the integrity of the police department.
“The integrity of the police department was being relinquished by Uni-Mart,” Parana said. “The local voice of the community was upset with the loitering.”
Oyler just hopes the department’s decision doesn’t lead to her worst fears becoming reality.
“I’m afraid we’re going to get robbed and somebody is going to get hurt,” Oyler said.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 April 2007 )
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