Editor, Times-Union: I am one of Warsaw’s most contented grandfathers. I live, maybe, three blocks from my granddaughters home. Grammy and I take every opportunity to spend time with them. Such an opportunity came up Saturday (3-26-16) evening to spend time watching and playing with them. Soon it was time for my departure (10:30 p.m.) The walk is most often enjoyed with thoughts of children but was now suddenly interrupted by a commotion a half block behind me. As I crossed Union Street, the commotion grew louder. “Where did he go,” yells one voice. Another yells out, “He was just here.” Then another voice yells out, “There he is, get him!” By this time my thoughts are defensive. I’m sure that they are not talking about me. I’m almost home, one more block. Porter Street, as most streets, has some very dark spots on it where the street lights just won’t reach. I happened to be at one of those spots when I heard footsteps running toward me. I turned around to face a young man who had quickly caught up me. He carried a wooden or metal pole and yelled, “What did you say to him?” I calmly responded, “I didn’t say anything.” He continued to approach me as I walked backward asking the same question over and over. I responded very calmly, “I don’t know what your talking about.” From a house that I had just passed was a group of young men yelling, “Hit him,” “What are you waiting for,” “Just do it.” As well as a barrage of obscenities. As they prodded him on, he raised the large staff over his head. I’ve wondered sometimes what my final minutes would be like. I can say that nothing flashed before me. But God came to my aid. When I had crossed Union Street, two young ladies happened to see this young man chasing me with a pipe. They drove their car and came to my rescue. The headlights from the car now lit the street up. I could not see the young man’s face, the light silhouetted his figure like that in a Marvel comic book. The voices from down the street now changed their instructions. “Get back here, hurry!” Then in a split second the image was gone and two young ladies pulled up next to me and asked if I was OK. Of course, I called the police and made a report. Sadly, Porter Street has been a problem for officers for a few years. They regretfully informed me that aside from talking with them little can be done because they are minors. There are many things that I have taken from this late-night stroll. First, no more late night strolls. Secondly, pray for our neighborhoods, families and officers. Finally, pray for more young ladies who will come to the rescue in our community. They did not know what they were walking into but they came anyway. Thank you. Michael DeWald Warsaw, via email
