Pubdate: Thu, 05 Oct 2006
Source: Reading Eagle-Times (PA)
Copyright: 2006 Reading Eagle Company
Contact:  http://www.readingeagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1399
Author: Steven Henshaw
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials

CHEERS AT RAID HEARTEN MAYOR

Police Say They Have Been Trying To Be Visible When  Searching 
Suspected Drug Houses To Show Neighbors Their  Complaints Are Heard.

Mayor Tom McMahon said Wednesday that he was encouraged  residents 
cheered police as they handcuffed and hauled  away a pair of suspects 
after a drug raid this week in  the 100 block of North Third Street.

"I think this could be the start of neighbors from  around the city 
being able to step forward and be  visible to take specific actions 
to not only support  our police officers, but disrupt the activity of 
these  people who are continuing to disrupt neighborhoods,"  McMahon said.

The mayor has organized anti-crime forums in response  to growing gun 
violence in the city, including the  fatal shootings of two patrolmen 
since 2004.

One problem mentioned often at the meetings is  reluctance by some 
residents to cooperate with police.

But it was complaints from neighbors that prompted the  investigation 
that led to the raid Tuesday night,  police said. The rear of the 
property abuts the parking  lot of The GoggleWorks Center for Arts.

Neighbors cheered from their front porches as police  raided the 
apartment and arrested two men on charges  they sold crack cocaine to 
undercover officers.

Sgt. Michael E. Kalin of the vice division said police  conducted the 
raid while it was still light so  neighbors could see they were 
taking action to follow  up complaints.

Narcotics investigators said they having been trying to  be visible 
when they execute search warrants at houses  where uncover agents 
have bought drugs.

Police said they seized a small amount of crack  cocaine, about $400 
and drug paraphernalia.

Members of the vice and narcotics division and VIPER  arrested [Name 
redacted], 23, who lives in the  first-floor apartment, and [Name 
redacted],  22, of the 800 block of [address redacted], without incident.

Undercover officers said they recently bought the drug  twice from 
both [Name redacted] and [Name redacted].

Both were committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of  $100,000 bail 
following arraignment early Wednesday  before Senior District Judge 
John F. Dougherty in  Reading Central Court.

Investigators said most of the people who bought drugs  at the 
apartment walked there, knocked on the front  door, bought drugs and left.

A resident who asked not to be identified said she  complained to 
police because she was tired of watching  an endless procession of 
people walking to the house to  buy drugs.

"I was glad that something was done about it," she said.

Some other residents said they weren't aware of any  drug activity 
until they saw newspaper reports of the  arrests.

Others didn't want to know.

"I mind my own business," said another woman who  declined to give 
her name. "I find it's better that  way."

Neighbors' complaints prompt many undercover  investigations into 
suspected drug houses, police said.

It's also common for neighbors to cheer after a raid,  Chief William 
M. Heim said.

"For the city resident to show their appreciation of  what we're 
doing is something we really do look forward  to," Heim said.

(Reporter Jason Kahl contributed to this story.)
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine