Guardian Angels in The News
Guardian Angel assaulted at Metro station
March 15th, 2011 by dc
Monday – 3/14/2011, 12:46pm ET
But one Angel became the victim of a fight himself over the weekend.
Alex Kaufer, an Angel in training, stepped in when a black male youth allegedly assaulted a white woman on a train as it pulled into the Anacostia Station on the Green Line about 11 p.m. Saturday. The youth and his friends apparently were making racial comments to the woman and her friend.
“The youths were harassing the girls. They were making fun of them because they were white and because of the way they were dressed,” John Ayala, East Coast director of the Guardian Angels, tells WTOP. “The girl got up and told the youths, ‘We are not afraid of you.’”
That’s when the fight started, says Ayala.
Kaufer, who was about to leave the train, heard the commotion and stepped in. Ayala says that’s when Kaufer was punched in the face.
Once Kaufer was punched, another Angel on the train gave the signal for a “Code Red.” That’s when a number of other Angels rushed to Kaufer’s aid. Kaufer suffered some bruises.
Eventually, five young people — three youths and two adults — were detained by the Angels. Metro confirms that the five were later arrested by Metro Transit Police.
Still, the Angels were concerned with how long it took Metro police to respond.
“We held them from about 11 o’clock until 11:20,” Ayala tells WTOP. “After 10 minutes went by (after Metro Police were called), we said, ‘We need to call D.C. Police.’
“Actually, one of the youths we had said, ‘What’s taking the police so long to get here? I’m ready to go in,’” says Ayala.
Metro has not responded to a request to check how long it took for police to respond.
But in this case, Ayala says the Angels did their job.
“It could have been a whole lot worse,” Ayala says. “There’s no telling what that youth could have done to that girl. He could have beat her up really bad. We were there to head it off.”
The woman had a busted lip, but decided not to press charges against the youths. Ayala says Metro Transit Police may try to get her to press charges.
Guardian Angels Patrol the Metro
March 12th, 2011 by dc
Guardian Angel fame, on Friday morning sent a post to the MPD-2d listserv saying that the group of vigilantes is looking for new members.
“The Washington DC Guardian Agels are still looking for more individuals ages 15 and older, willing to volunteer their time to discourage crime and KEEP OUR CITY SAFE! … You’ll be helping keep crime off the streets and making our city a safer place to live, work and play through applying the unarmed combat skills we teach, to deter criminals,” the post reads.
Ayala says the group is always recruiting new members but is trying to step up its efforts because of increased patrols on Metro, which the group started after a recent attack.
“We have to get people to come forward and start patrolling with us,” Ayala says.
The Angels will be meeting at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Anacostia station, according to the posting. They’ll start patrols immediately afterward. In case you were wondering, extra Metro patrols started Wednesday. There have been no incidents to report, Ayala says.
So who are these Guardian Angels anyway?
March 5th, 2011 by dc
Earlier today TBD Justice ran an item on the D.C. Guardian Angels‘ pledge to boost their patrols on Metro in the wake of an attack on a good samaritan at the Suitland station last week. On a more comical note, the post detailed how the hottest piece of action the Angels saw on a recent patrol was when a young jokester decided to hurl an unidentified object at one of red-beret-clad vigilantes while on a train. The kid was promptly picked up for a curfew violation.
Angels, 1. Random juvey, 0.
In response to the item, Mary Hartney tweeted at TBD asking for “an explanation of who the Guardian Angels are… None of the stories I’ve read on this yet today describe the group.”
Well, Mary clearly never watched the 1981 made-for-television movie We’re Fighting Back, which starred Ellen Barkin and brought the Angels’ story to the small screen, and she probably didn’t get the gag whenever In Living Color star Jim Carrey did his “Dickie Peterson, Cherub of Justice” routine, a not-at-all-veiled knock on the self-styled street avengers that probably still stings to this day.
And she most certainly never read the 1998 City Paper cover story by Chris Peterson (no relation to Dickie) called “Angels Without Wings,” which told the story of longtime D.C. chapter chief John “Unique” Ayala and sought to answer the question of whether these aspiring comic-book superheroes were “more comic than hero.” Come to think of it, the Angels may still be smarting more from Peterson’s story than from Carrey’s digs. Here’s a little taste:
“This is a normal street patrol,” Unique explains on the wide Columbia Road sidewalk, leading his patrol to the Safeway for 25-cent cans of soda. “We walk around, nothing happens, we did our job. Maybe nothing would happen. Who knows?”
So there you have it, Mary. A 7,000-word explainer on the D.C. Angels. The story may be old, but our guess is it holds up pretty well.
Guardian Angels seek free fares while protecting Metro
March 5th, 2011 by dc
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid619268946001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAGuN0bcE~,rS1wzGXkRNnM7ynsy5nmlPrzt_utevY_&bclid=0&bctid=814582123001
For 24 years, the Guardian Angels have tried to keep the peace in some of the city’s meanest streets and more dangerous Metro stations.
But every time they volunteer in the Metro, they pay a fare. The Guardian Angels’ director said they have been asking Metro to foot the bill for years.
Now they are formally issuing a complaint.
The guardians normally patrol two to three days a week. But with the recent spree of violent assaults on Metro the director said they are spending even more time riding.
A Metro official said the peace keepers have always been welcomed to ride the system and provide extra coverage for transit police as long as they pay their fare.
This nationally recognized volunteer group is not sanctioned by the city, they don’t carry guns and can’t make arrest.
Some riders we spoke with don’t believe the should get a free.
“They are regular people, they ride the trains just like us,” said one Metro rider.
Yet through a local blog, a group of District residents have teamed up to find a way to cover fare costs for the 30 members.
“If they are helping let them have a free ride or reduced fare,” said Metro rider Jennifer Hanson. “[Give them the] ability to do what they are doing.
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Guardian Angels are accepting new members
March 4th, 2011 by dcWe are a 100% Volunteer
Safety Patrol Organization. The Guardian Angels were originally
founded in 1979 in New York and 32 years later we proudly have over
110 chapters around the world. We train in CPR, First Aid, and Real
life self defense tactics. We rely heavily on team work to execute our
mission and that is to ensure the safety of everyone; Civilians and
Angels. Below are some links that describe in better detail what we do
and a youtube link that shows you Guardian Angels from different
chapters; past and present. If you are interested in joining up with
the organization, you can text me or call me at 202-359-0601. We
normally meet up on Saturdays at 6:00pm at Anacostia Metro Station (Garage side)
PS. Bring a pad and pen. We will be out until 11;00pm
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/traffic/metro_news/guardian-angels-stepping-up-efforts-in-protecting-metro-riders-030311?CMP=201103_emailshare
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/traffic/metro_news/guardian-angels-to-increase-patrols-after-spike-in-attacks-at-metro-stations-030111?CMP=201103_emailshare
Guardian Angels Stepping Up Efforts in Protecting Metro Riders
March 4th, 2011 by dc
Updated: Friday, 04 Mar 2011, 12:14 AM EST
Published : Thursday, 03 Mar 2011, 11:51 PM EST
By MAUREEN UMEH/myfoxdc
WASHINGTON – The Guardian Angels are stepping up their efforts to keep Metro riders safe.
They will be patrolling four days a week and concentrating on Friday and Saturday nights between 6 p.m. and around 11:30 p.m. when they believe there may be more trouble.
They’re also looking to recruit young people 15 years or older in their crime fighting efforts.
“We can show them that there is a chance out here that you can do something with yourself, but you got to want it or have someone who can lead by example,” said D.C. Guardian Angel John Ayala.
The Guardian Angels are spreading out in groups on trains and buses. Their mission to stop trouble before it starts.
“It’s getting out of control, Ayala said. “The kids are in wolfpacks and we’re hoping to be a deterrent.”
The Guardian Angels’ presence got the attention of 21-year-old friends Dwayne Hamm and Dominique Harris. Hamm, who is unemployed, says he’s interested in the training that the Guardian Angels’ offer. He’s hoping it can help make a better life for himself and his community.
“We can show them that there is a chance out here that you can do something with yourself,” Hamm said. “But you got to want it or have someone who can lead by example.”
His friend Dominique Harris adds, “Everyone goes through things, so I feel being 21, because I’m in that age range, I can be more of a guide and assist and help.”
The increased patrols have come in the wake of several violent attacks in recent months where innocent riders have been attacked mostly by young people. Ayala says the guardians can reach the troubled youth.
“They know we are from the same hood they’re from. We talk the same talk. They don’t give us a problem,” he said.
The Guardian Angels approach is to counter the trouble with non-violence. They fill the gap where Metro Police may fall short.
“Metro Police is doing the best they can, but their manpower is limited, and because it’s limited, we need to get more people that can help,” Ayala said.
The extra protection is welcome by Metro riders.
“I actually have three friends who are Guardians, so I’m happy with it since sadly Metro Transit can do but so much, which is not a lot,” said Janeia Prentiss.
“I think having a presence, wearing a uniform looking like someone of authority, can really make a difference,” Diane Tate added.
The Guardian Angels are passing out fliers with safety tips for riders and numbers for the how to reach and join the group. It’s a volunteer effort, but they do provide training.
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Guardian Angels to increase Metro patrols 03/ 1/2011
March 2nd, 2011 by dc
[This post has been updated: 4:05 p.m.]
The D.C. chapter of the Guardian Angels plans to patrol Metro’s trains and buses with more frequency following reports of teen fights and attacks on some portions of the transit network.
The group announced in January that it would increase patrols, which have been taking place since this summer. The latest decision follows reports of an attack at Suitland Station on the Green Line on Friday. The news of the fight was publicized this morning on nbcwashington.com.
The NBC report said 41-year-old Robert Joy was waiting for his niece at Suitland Station when he saw a group of youths beating another. Joy said he was attacked by the group when he tried to call 911. The report said Joy’s two front teeth were knocked out and he required stitches for facial injuries.
John Ayala, East Coast director of the Guardian Angels, said in a statement that both uniformed and nonuniformed members will be on Metro’s trains and buses. Ayala said the members would intervene if they see an attack — and detain people for the police.
“The attacks are out of control,” he said. “It’s time for the community to do their part to make the Metro safe for everyone.”
According to an e-mail from Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein, people believed to be minors were involved in a verbal dispute with a minor at Suitland that escalated into a physical confrontation. An adult attempted to call 911 and was assaulted by the suspects, she said. A minor was treated at the scene and the adult was transported to the hospital, she said.
Farbstein said police received calls from multiple bystanders and Metro employees, and are pursuing leads.
“We regularly remind our customers that if they see something to say something,” Farbstein wrote. “At the same time, we never want our customers to put themselves in harm’s way. Here is an instance where a customer saw something and was attempting to do the right thing by reporting it, and unfortunately he became a victim.”
Ayala said patrols have regularly noticed groups of 20 to 40 “rowdy and disorderly” teens traveling in the Metro system. The presence of the Angels is intended to be both deter bad behavior and to encourage positive actions, he said. The group wants to recruit young people 15 and older to assist their efforts — and earn community service hours, he added.
“They’re exhibiting a lot of energy, and a lot of that energy has been going toward negative stuff,” he said, “but we know for a fact that there are a lot of positive young people out there.”
The Guardian Angels have been mostly patrolling on Saturday nights between 8 and 11 p.m. on the Green and Yellow lines, Ayala said, but that will now expand to twice during the week from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 11:30 p.m. The efforts will focus on buses and certain rail lines: the Orange Line from L’Enfant Plaza to New Carrollton; the Blue Line from L’Enfant to Stadium-Armory; the Green Line from Fort Totten to Congress Heights; and the Yellow Line from Fort Totten to L’Enfant Plaza.
Ayala said the Guardian Angels typically deploy three to four people on a single bus and six to eight on a train (one person per rail car).
The Guardian Angels have been detailing some patrol activities on their Web site.
A recent report from Metro said that serious crime has hit a five-year high on the sprawling transit network, with an increase in thefts of electronics devices leading the way. Aggravated assaults had been declining, but grew from 2009 to 2010. The system experienced 119 in 2006; 106 in 2007; 92 in 2008; 94 in 2009; and 136 in 2010.
Videos on YouTube and blogs have increasingly appeared on the Web in recent months, drawing more attention to the issue of fights in the Metro system, which covers 86 rail stations, more than 300 bus routes and dozens of parking facilities.
Metro Transit Police devised a plan last summer to escort potentially disruptive groups through the rail system after a brawl where dozens of people boarded a Green Line train at Gallery Place. When the train arrived at L’Enfant Plaza, police have said, a fight spilled onto the platform. That fight led to the arrest of one adult and two juveniles and the hospitalization of four people.
Metro also announced that it would increase patrols at L’Enfant Plaza following a report of an attack on an adult at the station in early January.
Coming soon to a Metro train near you: More Guardian Angels
January 11th, 2011 by dc
It’s a Washington criminal justice tradition as old as D.C.’s annual summer crime emergency: The Guardian Angels have pledged to amp up their patrols in the wake of a high-profile assault.
Following Sunday’s attack on a Metro rider at the L’Enfant Plaza station, D.C. Guardian Angel honcho John “Unique King” Ayala sent out an email to local listservs announcing that his red-beret-wearing squad would increase its presence on trains and in stations. Since the Angels don’t actually have arrest powers — aside from the citizen’s arrest powers you’ve perhaps seen on television — Ayala says they will “contact Metro Police if we see a crime in progress.”
Give these guys a tip of the cap when you see them.
Guardian Angels step up Metro watch
January 11th, 2011 by dcThe Guardian Angels will increase patrols on the Metro after the filmed attack
on a passenger at the L’Enfant Plaza Station on Sunday, January 2, the group announced today.
“Guardian Angels will patrol as a deterrent to crime, and will contact the Metro Police if we see a crime in progress,” John “Unique King” Ayala, DC Chapter Leader of the Alliance Of Guardian Angels, said on a police neighborhood e-mail list.
The Metro Transit Police Department said it has also adjusted patrols at the L’Enfant Plaza Station.
Angels in the Metro
September 14th, 2010 by dc
The next time you’re on an empty Metro train and a man or woman walks in with a red beret and white shirt, know that someone is on your side. The Guardian Angels — clad in their signature headgear — have increased their presence on the D.C. Metro in recent weeks, and we commend them for their service.
After the 70-person brawl in the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station early this August, the group of specially trained volunteers announced they were stepping up their patrols of the Green Line to three nights a week. Last Friday, the Angels made a citizens’ arrest of three men involved in a brawl on a Green Line train.
Founded in 1979 in New York City, the Guardian Angels is a volunteer corps that patrols the streets and transit systems of over 100 cities worldwide. The red berets go where cops often cannot — generally because of sheer numbers or budgetary restrictions. They have been successful, rarely receive bad press, and are publicly supported by major metropolitan city leaders.
The Angels are a positive presence in communities that need it. Famous for breaking up fights and subduing assailants in a vigilante effort to keep the most vulnerable safe, they also provide other volunteer services in their communities.
Though in their inception they were controversial — officials often point out the dangers of citizens intervening in crime — the respect and presence the group has achieved over time is nothing to scoff at, and D.C. should be proud to have them. Some have argued that police could do better, and perhaps the city does need a larger and better-funded police force. But the success of the volunteer corps cannot be denied.
In an ideal world, of course, we would not need the Angels. But within the limits of reality, we ask you to smile, say hi and maybe a thank-you the next time you spot the scarlet berets in a Metro crowd.
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Metro Train Safety
September 1st, 2010 by dc
31 August 2010 9:05 PM | By Prince Of Petworth in Transit, quality of life
Photo by PoPville flickr user AWard Tour
“Dear PoP,
I keep reading accounts of people being attacked on sparsely populated Metro trains (late at night, on weekends, etc) – it seems like occurrences are becoming more and more frequent as reported on Police Department listservs.
Metro keeps reporting budget crunches, and I’m sure criminals and petty thieves know MetroTrains are easy venues for their activities, since Metro Police can’t be in every car, or even on every train.
Whenever I’m on Metro late at night, I always choose to enter a more populated car, but can we take our protection to the next level by collectively occupying the first or last car of each train – say after 8pm?
You know what they say – safety in numbers! How could we organize such a publicity campaign, or has something like this been attempted in the past?”
That’s why the Guardian Angels ride the metro. From the MPD listserv:
Friday August 28, 2010 aapproximately 8:20 pm Guardian Angels was patrolling
the green line from Annacostia to Gallery Place. When the doors opened up at
the Navy Yard stop, three males approximately 20 years old, were engaging in
a loud, heated argument. The three males began to fight. Guardian Angels
rushed in to stop the fight. The males were very aggressive. The Guardian
Angels had to detain the three males and call Metro Police. When the train
arrived at L’Enfant Plaza Metro Police took one male into custody for simple
assault and disorderly.
Honestly I ride the metro (including the Green line) quite frequently late at night and have never felt uncomfortable. There have been some highly publicized fights (featured on this blog) but I’d say they are still rather rare. I’m not saying I’m a tough guy, maybe I’ve just got lucky, but it’s always been fairly uneventful (perhaps some yelling and music but no fighting).
Anyway, what do you guys think – does riding the metro late at night make you feel uncomfortable?
Would you like to see a campaign to fill the first and last cars for safety or something like that? If so how would you recommend that campaign be launched? In cooperation with WMATA?
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Guardian Angels Detain Three on Green Line Train
September 1st, 2010 by dc
The Guardian Angels, who have been patrolling Green Line trains since last month’s large brawl, detained three men who were fighting Friday night. According to John Unique Ayala of the Guardian Angels, three men were observed arguing at the Navy Yard station. The argument escalated into a fight onboard the train, at which point a Guardian Angels patrol intervened. The patrol detained three men in their 20s until Metro Transit Police arrived at L’Enfant Plaza Station. Transit Police took one of the men into custody for simple assault and disorderly conduct.
So Can The Guardian Angels Legally Detain Someone on Metro?
September 1st, 2010 by dc
In recent weeks, the Guardian Angels — the unarmed, volunteer crime patrollers — have stepped up their patrols on Metro trains. Aside from the rare beating, the Angels are generally a positive force, especially on a sprawling system like Metro, which has plenty nooks and crannies that are really difficult for police to monitor. Angel patrols have been stepped up after several fights on Metro this summer: in the wake of the 70-person brawl that broke out earlier this month, the Angels dedicated themselves to upping patrols around the Gallery Place/Chinatown station. They’ve started riding on Metrobuses more, as well. This is nothing new, of course — the Angels have a sizable presence in D.C. and are often quick to offer up their patented brand of group policing.
Photo by Matt.Dunn.
The increased presence paid off last Friday, when Angels detained three men after a fight broke out on a Green Line train. But one DCist commenter on that post was curious: is it actually legal for the Guardian Angels to detain someone like that?
According to MPD Lieutenant Damion Taylor of the Seventh District, the Angels are usually in the clear — it’s all about the intent of their actions.
“Generally, we do not encourage untrained and/or non-law enforcement personnel to approach or attempt to restrain violent or potentially otherwise dangerous individuals for obvious reasons,” Lt. Taylor wrote in an email. “However, in the event of some crimes in progress such as an Assault on another person, citizens acting within good faith (e.g. good samaritan observing a domestic assault) and otherwise reasonable means (e.g. immediately contacting police) generally will not be criminally charged by police officers,” he added.
Teen arrested in fight stopped by Guardian Angels on Green Line train
August 31st, 2010 by dc
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The Guardian Angels stopped three youths involved in a fight on an inbound Green Line train Friday night and turned them over to Metro Transit Police when the train arrived at L’Enfant Plaza Station, according to Metro and one of the Guardian Angels.
Transit Police arrested one of the youths, Jermaine Washington, 18, of Upper Marlboro, for simple assault, according to Metro spokeswoman Cathy Asato.
The incident was the latest in a spate of violence surrounding L’Enfant Plaza Station. Last week, two men were injured and taken to the hospital from L’Enfant Plaza after they reported being assaulted on a Green Line train headed to Branch Avenue. Two suspects fled, and police are investigating, Metro said.
Earlier this month, a fight that spilled from a rail car onto the platform at L’Enfant Plaza left four people injured and led to the arrest of one adult and two juveniles.
John Ayala, director of operations for the Guardian Angels of Washington, said the three youths had boarded the train about 8:20 p.m. Friday at Navy Yard Station, where they were engaged in a heated argument, and soon began to fight aboard the train.
Ayala said there were eight Guardian Angels on patrol, and he helped break up the fight.
“The Guardian Angels rushed to stop the fight” and then called Metro police, Ayala said.
Metro police have increased patrols Friday and Saturday nights at L’Enfant Plaza after the large brawl earlier this month. Metro asks riders to report suspicious or criminal activity by notifying the train operator or calling police at 202-962-2121
Fight On Green Line (DC Angels First Arrest On Metro )
August 30th, 2010 by dcOn Friday August 28, 2010 approximately 8:20 pm Guardian Angels was patrolling
the green line from Anacostia to Gallery Place. At 2025 hours (8:25 pm) there was a fight between three males approximately between the ages of 18-20 years of of age broke on in a loud and dangerous fight. At the Navy Yard Metro station on the green line train(when the doors opened). With in seconds All Angels on patrol stepped in to brake up the fight between the three young men. Three males where detained by the Angels for the disorderly fight on the train. When the train arrived at L’Enfant Plaza Metro Police took one male into custody for simple assault and disorderly. One of the males involved in the fight was treated on the scene for an injury over his left eye by EMS.
Send In The Marines!!
August 12th, 2010 by dc
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Oh?
What?
The Marines are busy?
*sigh*
Ok, We’ll settle for the Guardian Angels I guess :-/
I saw this story on WJLA news this morning, and it is also reported by the local Fox station. The Guradian Angels will be patrolling the green line three nights a week in effort to thwart the misbehaving antics of the teens we love to hate. The move comes in the wake of the 70 person brawl that occured last Friday night at Gallery Place Chinatown and L’Enfant Plaza Metro Stations.
In addition to this new batch of enforecement, Metro Transit Police has announced new tactics to cope with the bad apples within the system. According to MTP’s Deputy Chief, “when we are dispersing groups of rowdy kids we will follow them to make sure they get to their destination safely. We will do a better job this weekend.” Oh yeah? Really? Who believes this is feasible? The presence of Metro Transit Police is pretty diluted as is. Am I to believe they have the resources to execute this objective? It looks good in the newspaper though…I guess
Guardian Angels expand Metro patrols after fight
August 11th, 2010 by dcGuardian Angels expand Metro patrols after fight
August 10, 2010 16:25 EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — The D.C. chapter of the Guardian Angels says members will start patrolling Metro’s green line three nights a week after a large fight broke out at a station over the weekend, injuring four people.
Chapter leader John Ayala says between eight and two dozen people will be involved in first green line patrol on Tuesday evening.
Ayala says the group already patrols the area around the Gallery Place/Chinatown station on Friday nights. He says fights break out all the time, but not as large as the one that reportedly involved dozens of young people on Friday night.
Guardian Angels will patrol the green line between the Congress Heights and Fort Totten stations on Friday and Saturday nights and one night during the week. Ayala says they will report violent crime to Metro police.
Broke and Battle-Scarred, D.C.’s Guardian Angels Scrounge for Cash
June 4th, 2010 by dc
The D.C. Guardian Angels have put out a call via email for more members and donations.
The citizen crime fighters are revving up to, among other things, continue patrolling Metro this summer.
As founding member John Ayala points out in an email, riders could certainly use the safeguarding:
“In the month of May, there was a 17 yr old shot on a metro bus, a grandmother ass[a]ulted on a metro bus, a 15 yr old girl sexually ass[a]ulted outside a metro station, a 21 yr old man was fatally stabbed at a metro station and there have been several fights on Metro buses and trains and the summer has not begun.”
Ayala says this summer the Angels will be keeping an eye on on both trains and buses, and also conducting “foot patrols in Chinatown, Anacostia and other places thoughout the city.”
If you’re not familiar with the do-gooder group, it consists of trained volunteers, armed with nothing but radios, who help out cops when they need it, break up fights, and generally protect those who need protecting. All while wearing a red beret.
Unfortunately for Ayala and crew, they’ll likely be doing so completely broke. That’s no exaggeration. Ayala tells City Desk: “Our account in DC is actually zero.”
Ayala founded the local Guardian Angel chapter 21 years ago, when drugs and violence plagued D.C. streets with an intensity that makes many who experienced that time shudder.
One reason the organization is broke, he says, is that in the two decades they’ve been fighting for DC, the city hasn’t given the group a single dime.
Ayala says he’s tried to get money from the District in the past but was discouraged by all the “red tape” he has to go through.
That the city has never chipped in to help the Guardian Angels would seem amazing, as the bereted criminal stoppers have rarely shied away from putting themselves on the line for their city. Ayala has a wound to prove it.
Back in the 90s, when the Angels were running an operation they called “Crack Down on Crack,” Ayala took an ice pick to the back.
“We got into a big throwdown,” he recalls of the incident in Southwest D.C. Around the same time, he says, another Angel was clobbered with a baseball bat, and had to have a steel rod put in his arm.
Still, none of the blood spilled by Angels has earned them any cash.
Ayala says it’s been hard to get by. The Angels can’t afford an office right now, and have a hard time paying for uniforms. New recruits need to be outfitted with pants, t-shirts, and boots, plus a jacket with the angel logo on it.
The cost can run more than a $100 per recruit. Ayala once hoped to cover the expense through citizen donations, but that hope has fallen flat.
The last public donation the group got was for $200, he says, and that was a year ago. That means the expense of getting a uniform and paying bus and train fares comes out of the pocket of the individual crime fighter. “Sometimes it discourages the guys who go on partol,” says Ayala.
Despite the shallow pockets, Ayala sometimes thinks the lack of public funding is a blessing, considering how other nonprofits have gotten millions from the city, and squandered it. “The guys are messing it up for other nonprofits,” says Ayala.
It’s obvious that Ayala is talking about the Peaceaholics organization, an anti-violence group made up of reformed criminals. The organization–which works with at-risk youth–has enjoyed municipal support in the form of multiple grants.
Ayala says the Angels have run similar programs for youth without getting much support for it. He says the Angels have done school presentations that teach youth about issues like bullying and date rape.
Ayala scoffs at the idea that the ex-offenders have supposedly been given so much help because, regarding violence, “they’ve been there.”
“Well, we’re Angels,” he says, “We’ve been there, too.”
