Worker Call Deputies when Threaten and They Catch Him

A worker makes a threat and is sent home. He then calls back to say some threatening things to his co-workers. They leave, call law enforcement and meet them at a gas station. That is where he is caught as he is coming in. No one was hurt.




It is unknown if anything would have happened if he was not caught. Maybe he was just coming to get his things as he claimed but it was the people who took it seriously that called for support.

Feel free to comment if you think he was planning to commit violence or how you would have handled the situation.

King County, WA Metro to Deny Benefits specifically to DV Victims

In an clear act of discrmination, the Metro of King County, Washington has considered denying death benefits to only adminstration assistants if they die from domestic violence.
While there is a movement to provide specific support measures for victims such as non-discrimination in hiring decisions or special leave options, this is the first time I have read about a policy to specifically discriminate against domestic violence victims. Additionally, it is targeted only towards a specific position.

While it is unlikely that this provision will pass, it is outrageous considering the history of the city with the Police Chief murdering his wife just a few years ago.

Sex Offender sent as Service Man

In this case of a service man sent to reface the cabinets of young woman, the news investigation team interviewed the woman, the employer and the offender. Earlier this year, Kelli L. asked Home Depot to remodel her home. It was discovered later that he was a registered sex offender with a lengthy record of assault.
Watch the video and comment in our survey link below. We will publish your responses in our next newsletter.



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Need for an accessible, accurate, comprehensive Background Check System

There have been numerous articles and posts about how the VA Tech tragedy may have been prevented if the assailant had been prevented from purchasing firearms because of his mental health history. While there are various legislative bills and orders looking to remedy this loophole, the bigger issue of how criminal histories are compiled and accessed needs to be addressed.

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System does not contain a complete list of the crimes, civil trespass orders, arrests and mental health issues that some may consider it to be. According to their site, "The NICS is a national system that checks available records in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Interstate Identification Index (III), and the NICS Index to determine if prospective purchasers are disqualified from receiving firearms."

The culprit appears to be the inconsistency of the different states in what they report and how. Some states do not provide complete information as even their database does not contain all the information available at their county level. Additionally, funding is needed to bring them into compliance with the federal regulation.

Unfortunately, it appears that it takes tragedies such as occurred in Blacksburg, VA to bring attention to the general population to motivate their representatives to make changes. We can only hope that the issue remains in the spotlight till the necessary laws and funding is put into place.

Criticism of Virginia Tech Security Response

In regard to the horrible events that occurred today at Virginia Tech, I wanted to share a few observations. While the investigation is still underway and the details of the tragedy are still largely unknown, some in the press have started the arm-chair quaterbacking routine.
There are so many experts being called and quoted that will point out everything that the security team did wrong. As the news at this moment describe two separate shooting incidents and much of the criticism has focused on the warnings provided to students after the first attack, the lack of a lock-down response and the ensuing investigation.
Every emergency situation can be handled better after given the time and respite for reflection. Emergency and crisis planning is crucial and as the details of the incident unfold, there will be mistakes identified. But if we are to assign blame, it falls squarely on the individual who allegedly chose to avoid responsibility by killing himself.
It is this knee-jerk response to find fault and for the appetite of the press to find people who want to distinguish themselves as "experts", that we criticize those who were trying their best, using the resource and knowledge they had at the time, to save lives. I pray that there are no lawsuits that spawn from this tragedy.

Stalking at Work- Who can respond?

In this month’s e-newsletter, we feature the issue of stalking in the workplace. As this crime focuses narrowly on one individual, the question emerges on who and how should the situation be handled. What can the targeted individual do and what are the responsibilities of the employer and more importantly, what should be done when there is a conflict of opinion.
Very often, especially in domestic violence cases, the victim does not want to take legal action against the perpetrator. There are a myriad of reasons for this stance and perhaps in another entry we can discuss those reasons but the point is that often the employer and employee may be in conflict on how to handle the situation.
In terms of legal issues, only the actual victim or target of the crime can take out the criminal charges such as Communicating Threats or Stalking (while states vary, all have similar statutes for these crimes). While a Law Enforcement officer can charge someone with these crimes, it often requires the support and approval of the victim. They are the one who suffers from the action. However, employers can take out charges such as Trespassing (as it is their property) or even Telephone Harassment (as it their phone being called).
In terms of restraining orders, the commonly known domestic violence restraining order can only be taken out by the person (employee) who has to want utilize this relief. An employer cannot obtain this type nor can they “persuade” an employee to obtain one. In Gavin de Becker’s acclaimed book, "The Gift of Fear", he describes the Laura Black case of the mid-1980’s where Richard Farley killed 7 workers at the ESL Corporation. He alleges that Black did not want to get the restraining order against Farley and it was just before the court date of that order when the tragic assault occurred.
However, there has been the growth of workplace restraining orders (pdf) where employers can obtain one against a stalker but just as it pertains to the workplace. In many of these laws, there are requirements to inform the targeted employee but they do not need their permission.
Naturally, it is the best option is when the employer and employee communicate and come up with a plan together to ensure the safety of everyone. However, when there is a disagreement, every party has to take the action that they believe is best. For employers, it is prudent to take the victim’s concerns into their assessment. They are often “the experts” in surviving this perpetrator. And they should never make it a condition of employment that they victim take any legal course of action. This heavy-handed approach is sure to discourage disclosure and communication. This not to say that employer is without options or the right to secure the workplace. A thorough investigation should be made and appropriate measure taken to meet any potential threat.
Your views and experience in this issue are welcome.

8/24/06 Essex, VT Man Shoots 2 Co-Workers of Ex-Girlfriend at School

Christopher A. Williams, a 26-year-old bakery worker, allegedly set out to kill his ex-girlfriend but shot two of her co-workers instead. The shootings began around 2 p.m., when Williams showed up at the home he shared with ex-girlfriend Andrea Lambesis and her mother, Linda Lambesis, 57. Williams shot the elder woman to death, then went to Essex Elementary School where the daughter was working. There were no students but there were about 39 staffers were preparing for the new school year. Williams did not find his ex-girlfriend but he did shoot two of her co-workers instead, fatally shooting teacher and wounding employee. He fled that scene and shot a acquaintance but as police closed in, he shot himself twice in the head. He survived and has been charged with the crimes.

Texas DOT Worker Makes Terroristic Threats

Terrance Anthony Murray, 38, a former TX Dept. of Transportation employee. allegedly had a detailed a plan to shoot a number of people at his office. According to an arrest warrant, Murray told a human resources employee that "he was collecting an arsenal at home and was having recurring thoughts about getting even with employees who had hurt him." He also stated that he is paranoid and thinks that everyone is out to get him.

8/25/07 Lafeyette, LA Man Kills Ex-Girlfriend at Victoria's Secret

Nathan O'Neil Jr., 21 killed Sherika Broussard, 21, as she was at work inside the Victoria's Secret at the Mall of Acadiana. She was in store's stockroom at 5:30 p.m. when O’Neil entered with a handgun and shot her to death. He was found shortly afterward in a vehicle parked near the entrance to the mall. When officers ordered the man to stop, he pulled out a weapon. Officers opened fire and O'Neil died at the scene. The relationship between O'Neil and Broussard recently had ended but he had frequented the store before the shooting.

8/29/07 Kranskop, South Africa Worker Killed after Being Accused of Stealing

After Wonder Ntiza Dube’s body was found on La Mercy Beach, showing severe injuries to his head and body, his employer, a 39-year-old man, and four others aged between 18 and 27, are expected to appear court in connection with the incident. police were investigating allegations that Dube had been assaulted after being accused of theft at 2 pm on 8/29/07 and that was the last time he was seen. Angry residents in the community reportedly went on the rampage the next day and businesses on the main road in the village were forced to close as a mob demanded to see Dube's employer.

DC Union of Youth Rehab Workers Call for Resignation of Agency Director

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Service (DYRS) employees in the largest labor union of District of Columbia has publicly called for the resignation of the Agency's director, Vincent Sheraldi. The Chairman of the District of Columbia Fraternal Order of Police DYRS Labor Committee disclosed a litany of problems which included safety and security issues, particularly at the Oak Hill facility in Laurel, Maryland and the Mt.
Olive facility in Washington, D.C. The agency is charged with the care and
rehabilitation of the Districts' youth offenders, who have been referred to
the agency through the Districts' court system.
Citing internal union projections, Adams stated, "that each year
approximately twenty-five percent of the members at Oak Hill and Mt. Olive
facilities are injured on the job as a result of assaults." Within the two last weeks DYRS workers were assaulted, with one employees requiring hospitalization. That employee, a female worker, was choked by a resident.
"We have no comprehensive safety program for DYRS employees, and it was
not until our union filed a lawsuit in 2003 that we were able to secure,
through court order, even the most basic protections against bloodborne
pathogens such as HIV and HBV," said Adams.

8/31/07 Murfreesboro, TN Man Shoots Ex-Wife at Veterinarian in Front of Co-Workers

Joseph "Joe" Karl Rizzo, 40, used a handgun to shoot and kill his estranged wife, Susan "Sue" Marie Rizzo, 29, and himself in the morning at her workplace, a veterinarian clinic. She was separated from him and was living with her mother.
The victim arrived at the office before 7 a.m. when the business opens. Her husband appeared to be following her, two co-worker witnesses told police. He told the witnesses to leave but they thought he was joking. The coworkers walked into the back of their office when the husband said he was serious. Then, the victim was heard to cry “Oh my God,” and she ran into the holding area as they tried to hold the door closed. The assailant pushed his way in. As the victim ran out, the assailant fired a shot as she was entering the hallway. She dropped, and he stood over her firing more shots. The husband then allegedly stepped into the hall, and shot himself.

7/17/06 Seattle, WA Health Clinic Worker Stabbed by Client

Marilyn Ulicia Walker, 44 stabbed healthcare worker, Maritza Rios-Dowe without any apparent provocation. Rios-Dowe, who worked with new mothers and pregnant women at the clinic, said the woman was sitting next to one of her clients. She sought out a co-worker to discuss the strange woman, but when she couldn't find her, she went to her desk. Soon afterwards, Walker appeared at her desk, produced a butcher knife from a bag and said, “I will teach you something”. Walker then began to stab the worker repeatedly, including in both eyes, which led to permanent blindness. Walker left after the attack but was picked up minutes later as she walked down Fourth Avenue, still carrying a butcher knife. She told police she blacked out and didn't remember the assault. There was a history of violence in her past. In 1998, Walker attacked an assistant bank manager who asked for her identification when she tried to cash a check. In 2001, she doused a tax preparer with gasoline, intending to set him on fire because he could not complete her tax return. She was foiled because she could not find any matches.

7/8/06 Dallas, TX Real Estate Agent Found Stabbed in Model Home

Sarah Anne Walker, a real estate agent working alone, was brutally murdered with a knife in the middle of the day. She was found at 1:30 p.m., by a couple that was visiting the show home. They found Ms. Walker’s fully clothed body face down in the kitchen. McKinney police think she had been killed around noon. She was stabbed 27 times all over her upper body with many defensive wounds. “There was a pretty brutal crime scene in the bottom part of the model home,” he said. “There was a struggle throughout the downstairs.” There are no identified suspects in the case.

Canadian Bus Drivers Vulnerable to Attack

In latest in a surge of assaults on Lower Mainland bus drivers, union leaders say that the transit system continues to boil over with problems. In recent years, there has been an average of 180 assaults on drivers annually. This year, 100 assaults were reported from January to June, setting a pace for more than 200 this year. The latest assault took place about noon, when a 31-year-old man was unable to pay the complete fare. He was told to get off the bus, after which he threw a handful of change into the 57-year-old driver's face and then punched him. This year also saw one of the most vicious attacks on a driver in the history of Coast Mountain, which employs 2,600 drivers. The 57-year-old driver was bitten and beaten unconscious about 6 a.m. on May 6 in Coquitlam. The driver has no plans to return to work in the near future.

8/2/06 Anchorage, AK Employee Pulls Trigger on Boss with Empty Gun

She was called into a meeting at Providence Extended Care Clinic where she works to discuss work-related issues. Her boss and the manager of human affairs wanted her to submit to a Fitness for Duty Exam before her next scheduled shift. According to testimony, Clifton was told that she was not to come back to work till a later date. She then reached into her purse, pulled out a handgun and basically pushed it up to the chest of her male supervisor and pulled the trigger. The chamber of the handgun was empty so the gun did not fire. Clifton was arraigned and charged with attempted murder in the first degree and assault in the third degree.

UK Bank Employee Awarded over $1.5 Million in Bullying Case

Helen Green, 36, was awarded £817,317 in damages due to the harassment and persecution she faced at her workplace. Judge Mr Justice Owen ruled that her bosses at Deutsche Bank “closed their eyes” to the “relentless campaign of mean and spiteful behaviour.” Green, who earned £45,000 a year, said she was picked on by four women in the firm’s secretariat division and “stonewalled” from day one. After nine weeks, they filed into an office where she was and Daniella Dolbear asked: “What’s that stink over there?” while covering her nose. This was the “department from hell” with co-workers seeing her as competition in a Darwinian-style “survival of the fittest”, according to the judge. The victim stated, “There was one time when I was walking over to the stationery cupboard and she was blowing raspberries with every step.” Finally, she had two breakdowns and was in hospital on suicide watch before leaving the bank in October 2001.

5/23/2006 UK Hair Dresser Killed at Door of Salon

Brian Whitfield, 44, is charged with the murder of Sharon Bell. She was found with stab wounds in the doorway of the New York hair salon as she arrived for work. As she opened the shop, she suffered a horrific attack from Whitfeld who used a sharp weapon and subsequently left. He said he did not believe recent vandal attacks on her car were linked to the murder. She had left him 6 months earlier but had experience multiple harassment and acts of vandalism. The Friday before, we car windows were smashed.

5/22/2006 Kansas City, MO Legal Secretary Killed by Ex at Front Door

Lisa Slaughter was killed at the front door of the law office as she arrived for work. The assailant, here ex-boyfriend killed himself shortly after the slaying. He fled the scene but was later pulled over by law enforcement officers. He then shot himself with a handgun. “It’s a shock,” co-workers said. “Lisa was a sweet girl ... very skilled, very good attitude, very good work ethic.”

7/15/2006 Port St. Lucie, FL Sex Offender Kills Young Woman at Smoothie Shop

Scott David Uslan, 42 shot and killed Brittany Carleo, 17 just days after authorities were preparing a stalking warrant for his arrest. Uslan was the father of her former boyfriend but there was a sexual relationship that developed between the two with several encounters in a local motel. Carleo tried to end the relationship. That is when Uslan began making harassing calls at her workplace, the Tropical Smoothie Café. On July 11, Carleo came to Port St. Lucie police and spoke with Steinkraus about harassing phone calls Carleo was receiving at her work between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Uslan was arrested on July 13, although he was quickly released on bail. On the 15th, at about, 9:15 am, he arrived to shoot her and then himself with a .357 Magnum. Uslan was a registered sex offender.