Police want families to have a safe Halloween

Fatal shooting of trick-or-treater in '08 still fresh on people's minds

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

Children love Halloween.

It's a time for dressing up in costumes, eating tons of candy and knocking on doors.

But the stark reality of last year's Halloween tragedy in Sumter that cost a 12-year-old Bates Middle School student his life has many taking a second look at how they are going to observe Halloween in 2009.

Tony "T.J." Darrisaw was killed on Halloween night a year ago while trick or treating with his family on South Wise Drive. T.J. was gunned down when Quentin Lamar Patrick reportedly fired more than 29 shots through the front door, the wall and windows of his home. T.J.'s 9-year-old brother Ahmadre Darrisaw, and father, Freddie Grinnell, were also shot, and suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

Ruth Myers said the incident has her family rethinking what they'll be doing this Halloween.

"My family loves Halloween, and we are a little bit frightened to trick-or-treat this year," Myers said. "I gather my family – three kids, my three nieces, my friend's four kids and sometimes any other children that want to come along. We go as a group and all have flashlights. We normally go to the neighborhood behind Ebenezer which seems pretty safe, but this year we might just throw a party instead and have our own haunted walk in the forest behind our house."

Myers said she hasn't reached a decision, and is concerned that Halloween falling on a Saturday this year will extend the time for trick-or-treating.

Will Saturday trick-or-treating increase the danger for children?

"Normally, we try to go trick-or-treating at 5 p.m. and stay out until 8 or 8:30," Myers said. "After about 8:30, most of the neighborhood cuts the porch lights off and we are done for the night. Law enforcement has been known to patrol and tell people not to drive house to house, and also let people know that 8:30 or 9 p.m. is the cut-off time for trick-or-treating."

Times for trick-or-treating vary a little depending on where you live. Manning Police Chief Brian Shaffer said Manning will observe trick-or-treating from 6 to 8 p.m. on Halloween night.

Trick-or-treating should end in Bishopville by 8 p.m. as well, said Bishopville Police Chief John Ewing. However, Ewing doesn't give a starting time.

Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson said trick-or-treating should be observed between 5 and 9 p.m.

Police chiefs in the tri-county area say trick-or-treating should be reserved for children 12 years of age and younger.

In Sumter and Manning, law enforcement encourages anyone older than 12 to stay at home. In Bishopville, teenagers are not allowed to trick-or-treat.

"Please remember that there is a city ordinance declaring that it is unlawful for any person over 12 years of age to participate in trick or treating," Ewing said.

Shaffer said teenagers pose a special concern for law enforcement because often they participate in tricking as much as treating.

"We have problems with teenagers," Shaffer said. "If they go out, we want to tell them to make sure they are on their best behavior. They should not be up to any mischief. In the past, we've arrested youngsters for shooting paint balls at cars and other pranks. We want them to know we will be out in force looking for any mischief."

Shaffer said often teenagers go out without adult supervision.

"And if that's the case, we advise that their parents know the route their children will follow," he said.

Patterson advises against trick-or-treating without adult supervision.

"Parents, if you cannot personally take your children trick-or-treating, see if another parent or adult sibling can accompany them," Patterson said. "Do not send them out alone."

Families are encouraged to consider sponsored sanctioned events of churches, business, and schools or public festivals.

Law enforcement in the tri-county area will be out in force, and the focus for everyone will be to make sure everyone is safe.

"Halloween is a special time for our children and I want to make sure that all the children in Bishopville have a safe and happy Halloween," Ewing said. "I would like to remind parents to slow down while driving and look out for children who will be walking."

"Your child's safety is paramount to a successful Halloween," Patterson said.



Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
The Sumter Police Department offers the following advice to keep Halloween safe:

  Make sure your child's costume is flame retardant and fits properly to avoid tripping or entanglement

  Dress your child for inclement weather accordingly and make sure masks' eye holes are sufficient to allow for good peripheral vision

  Reflective tape on costumes ensures greater visibility, and children should carry a flashlight or glow stick

  Don't carry costume props made of metal or glass or anything sharp — use flexible and plastic props only

  Only trick-or-treat at homes with a porch light or interior lights on and don't cut through alleyways, back yards, woods or fields

  Stay in populated and well-lighted areas

  Only visit familiar neighbors, friends or neighborhoods when trick-or-treating

  Always be aware of your surroundings, be attentive and look ahead to ensure safety

  Children should not eat candy or treats until everything has been inspected by parents at home

  Tell your children to shout for help is someone refuses to leave them alone or if someone makes them feel uncomfortable

  Be careful on roads when crossing the street, and walk on sidewalks when they are available

  Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic when sidewalks are not available

  Be careful around cars and homes, and avoid horseplay

  Be respectful of others' property — don't damage or engage in malicious mischief, as it could result in personal injury, property damage and prosecution

  If you believe you are in danger or have an emergency, call 911

  Parents accompany children to the door, do not send them to the door alone.

  Parents do not let them go inside any residence and do not let them wander off ahead of you, stay with the adult or group.

  Instruct your children not to go with any stranger.

  Instruct your children to tell you immediately if someone's actions make them feel uncomfortable.

  Instruct your children to tell you immediately if someone threatens them.

  Instruct your children not to go inside any rooms nor should they get in the car with anyone.

  Instruct your children not to take anything from individuals they do not know or trust.

  Motorists should reduce their speeds, drive with headlights on and use flashers, watch for pedestrians walking on the side of the road, in medians and coming off the curbs.

  Motorists should watch out for children in dark clothing always expecting the unexpected as our children enjoy the festivities of the traditional trick-or-treating