Willow Glen Resident

News

Fight at Bramhall Park raises safety concerns for neighbors

By Mayra Flores De Marcotte

Willow Glen residents are concerned about safety, after a violent incident over the holiday weekend at Bramhall Park.

On Oct. 8 at 4 p.m., a fight broke out near the park's amphitheater. Willow Glen residents Harold Grey and Yoko Nakagawa witnessed the brawl, which the residents said involved 10 to 15 young men, some wearing red 49ers jerseys. They attacked two young men who were sitting on the grass near the amphitheater. One of the men fled, but the one other stayed behind and was beaten.

"We called the police, but by the time they arrived a few minutes later, the group had scattered and the guy that was beaten limped away, refusing medical attention," Grey said. "The police canvassed the area but didn't find anyone."

Grey and Nakagawa frequent the park to read near the quiet neighborhood, but were shaken up by the experience.

Incidents such as an apparent gang attack should never be tolerated, Grey said.

Although in this incident appeared to be random, Grey said residents should watch out for warning signs, such as individuals wearing gang colors, displaying tattoos and drinking alcohol in the park.

"Violence like this is a bad influence on children," Nakagawa said. "What happens if they witness that kind of violence? It could leave the child traumatized."

Grey and Nakagawa said the police department needs to step up patrols around neighborhood parks.

"It doesn't need to turn into a police state, but the police should be aware of what is going on at the park, especially on the weekends when there are so many people using it," Grey said.

San Jose police spokesman Nick Muyo said in this instance, the police were called but a report was not made.

"Unfortunately, incidents like these do pop up," Muyo said. If incidents occur regularly, the police can be out there patrolling, he said.

Muyo said in order for police to step up their patrols, everyone has to take some ownership.

"If people do not feel safe, they have to make us aware," he said. "Bottom line, we want people to feel safe."

Retired San Jose assistant police chief and Willow Glen resident Thomas Wheatley said the department is aware of problem areas and has both a gang unit and a unit that deals exclusively with parks. Residents can also call the crime prevention unit to find out more about what can be done.

"Residents should feel secure when they go to their neighborhood parks," Wheatley said. "It's rare that we have these problems, but both the police department and the city are addressing the problems as they arise."

Wheatley said that the best way to combat the issue is for residents to contact the police department whenever they see suspicious activity, even at odd hours.

Even though the incident was unsettling, residents such as Kelly Burnett, who has lived near the park since 1978, said she still feels safe and comfortable.

"Things like this weekend's event have happened periodically," Burnett said, "but there aren't many parks that don't have a history."

She said people just have to be aware of what's going on around them and respect others.