Another day in paradise

Mankato's "Barmuda" triangle seems to be getting a reputation as a paradise for street fighters.

Weekend police reports tell of two gentleman who had to be tasered after a discussion gave way to a head-kicking. Apparently combatant number one was held down by associates of combatant number 2, who whacked away at combatant number one's cranium. If you've ever witnessed this kind of assault (I have), you know how shocking it can be to watch. Humanity gone inhumane. It usually builds into a frenzy, and few bystanders are willing to jump in to stop it. Had police not arrived at the time they did, we indeed might have a much more serious injury situation on our hands.

Charges will include underage drinking and assault.

We may think the fights are inevitable, but how long are we going to put up with this stuff?

Our crime map tells the story of just how prevalent these altercations are becoming. http://is.gd/wWCk

Some 11 incidents in the first three months of 2009 involved assaults mostly in the downtown bar district. Many involved reports of police officers being assaulted as well. Some of the incidents involved weapons.

And now there are two more bars open in the Barmuda triangle, even though there is a supposed "moratorium" on liquor only licenses in the downtown area. One got the liquor only license because it was a transfer from another location. Another bar has the restaurant/liquor license because it will serve the required amount of food. While business is business, this will likely increase the traffic in the bar district and the amount of alcohol consumed - never a good combination.

At some point, the danger to officers and community cannot be swept under the welcome mats. To their credit, police are doing as much as they can and keeping the real serious stuff from happening. It's hard to keep saying this is business as usual. We should look to prevent these things from happening. Sooner or later, a bad situation will turn ugly. Then it will be real tough to defend a reputation of a "civil, enjoyable entertainment district."