A Clean Sweep Across PSA 603

On Wednesday, February 5, 2003, the 4400-4500 blocks of Gault Place, NE were left clean and free of clutter thanks to the hard work and initiative of Operation Fight Back. Sixth District Commander Willie Dandridge, together with Ward 7 Neighborhood Services Coordinator Rose Money, a group of officers, and dozens of city workers organized a "clean sweep" of abandoned vehicles.

More than 35 vehicles were towed and debris was cleared from the 4400 blocks of Hayes Street and Hunt Place, NE. Channel 5 TV camera crews and David A. Fahrenthold of the Washington Post were on hand to record and report on the event.

Complaints about abandoned cars have been at an all-time high in the past year. About 8,000 cars were impounded last year. Unfortunately, many more�probably several thousand�remain abandoned along streets, park and river banks. Rose Money stated that 73 percent of the calls from citizens to her office are about abandoned autos.

Beyond towing vehicles and cleaning the streets, police made numerous arrests, including several people with outstanding warrants and one facing a murder charge. Officers handed out flyers to residents declaring a Drug Free Zone, and flyers were left on the doors of those who were not home.

Not every resident was pleased with the event, but Rev. George C. Gilbert Sr., pastor of Holy Trinity United Baptist Church, saw it as a blessing. For several months Rev. Gilbert had been calling PSA 603 Lt. Jonathan Munk and other district agencies about the abandoned cars. He came to the site to watch the abandoned autos being towed away and was glad to learn that the arrests had made the streets safer