Trenton needs to address the public intoxication problem
The man on Washington St. lay in perfect position for a crucifixion, on his back and looking up with arms stretched away from his side.
Death had not come for him this early Sunday afternoon, only public intoxication and a mental and physical surrender that delivered collapse.
Several firefighters from nearby Engine 7 on Hamilton Ave. had failed in their attempt for revival. An automated external defibrillator (AED) had not been used.
A Trenton Emergency Medical Services ambulance arrived. Medical technicians exited that vehicle as the situation appeared surreal.
One paramedic leaned over this alcohol victim and gently poked his index finger into the man’s chest.
“Jorge,” he said. “Hey, Jorge. It’s time to get up.”
Several more pokes and vocal prods proved successful as Jorge moved then sat up. Paramedics helped Jorge to his feet. They walked him to their van. Helped him into their van and closed the door.
Jorge survived another public intoxication event but this incident highlighted a severe alcohol problem in Chambersburg and other city enclaves.
Public intoxication occurs on Bayard St. near South Clinton Ave. Alcohol drinkers, many of them Latinos, start early and drink into the afternoon without any interruptions from law enforcement.
A similar situation occurs on Chambers St. near Walnut Ave. where one liquor store contributes to the social deterioration along with a row of abandoned houses where African-American clientele dart in and out of those drug dens.
Alcohol consumption takes place near the Columbus statue on Hamilton Ave., not far from the city’s most recognizable public intoxication drinker who panhandles near Route 29.
Police have accepted his drinking.
“They don’t want to deal with the guy. He’s violent,” South Ward Councilman George Muschal offered.
“He struggles. Or sometimes may hit his head against the wall at police headquarters. They just don’t want the headaches that come when he’s taken off the street.”
Meanwhile, Trenton looks pathetic as this man darts in and out of traffic and approaches vehicles for money without police interruption.
One day, this man stepped toward a male driver who refused a handout. Movement occurred inside the vehicle as the driver fumbled around.
He finally handed the man a canned beer.
Welcome to Trenton.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist.