Guardian Angels return to Wicker Park streets to aid in safety

Michael Fuentes, National Director of the Guardian Angels stands outside Damen El Blue Line station

As he was passing out flyers for a free Saturday evening self-defense training class, Miguel Fuentes, National Director of the Guardian Angels, explained how everyone should engage in community safety by being aware and involved because it can have an impact on tragedies like the robbery and stabbing at the Asrai Garden  flower shop on Thursday.

" A woman walking along North Ave. was yelled at by the man who would become the perpetrator later that morning at the flower shop. If she would have gotten some type of description, called 311, given the description then maybe the police would have more to go on.

While a few grabbed a flyer about a defense class, many commuters acted as though no one was offering anything

"We've been out patrolling the streets here for the last week and a half and now we are offering a two hour class Saturday night. We are covering how not to be a victim, how to get away and we are focusing on knife attacks."  The class will be held at Champions Tae Kwon Do Institute, 2142 N. Milwaukee Ave., call for reservations at 312.217.7245.

A few stopped and listened to Fuentes warnings

Curtis Sliwa began the Guardian Angels organization in New York City in 1979 because he was tired of witnessing rampant crime on the streets. They set up their first Chicago office at 1726 W. Division St. in 1981. Then they opened on Damen across from the Busy Bee (now the Blue Line Lounge and Grill) and at the same time moved their headquarters to Leavitt at LeMoyne. From there they went to Humboldt Park and then into Logan Square.

Their original presence in the area was looked upon by many suspiciously by residents but their good work turned doubters into believers as their work resulted in giving residents more confidence in safety on the streets.

While the Asrai Garden employee was released from the hospital Thurs., the police investigation for the offender is one going. The store is scheduled to open Saturday morning.