After the shooting of 3 people here in the city 2 weeks ago we are all now more aware of how violent some people can be, and that some people here DO carry guns!
Last night just as I was heading to bed Jake called me to the front of the Loft to look at a fight that had broken out in front of Hosies Tavern. A well known rough stripper bar which often spills over with drunk aggressive men.  The fight seemed to involve about 20 to 30 guys. One guy was walking out into the middle of the road and was holding up traffic.  But we all know that sometimes the middle of the road is the safest place to be.  Eventually a hispanic looking guy with a black bandana on his head and homey style clothes (American TV has a lot to answer for) followed the man onto the street and made him back up all the way to in front of the Loft, put his hand down the back of his own pants and asked the man if he wanted him to shoot him.
So I guess the fun of watching a usual Saturday night fight in front of the Loft suddenly got serious.  Jake called the police.  And within 2 minutes….  6 police cars arrived!   The guys went running down streets and lanes everywhere.  The cops ran after them.  But they didn’t actually appear to get any of them.  I really wish we’d had the camera out to photograph the guy threatening to pull the gun.  This all happened in one of the busiest parts of town while familes ate McDonalds and sat on the tram stop just metres away.  I’m so amazed that people can be so stupid!  Any more of this and the CBD will be deserted again because people will fear coming here.
