Open letter to S. Talarico, (Nov. 1 issue) Here is the report you wanted that gets to the “heart of the matter” of what really happened that night from an eyewitness. Obviously, you did not even attend this hiphop concert. Your laughing out loud at the borough-sanctioned ban on hip-hop concerts and equating 1950s adult desire to ban rock ‘n’ roll is just ignorant and missing the point.
Certain venues bring together certain attitudes and elements. This hip-hop event brought violent beatings and terror. Hundreds of youths spilled onto West Front Street the night of Oct. 13.
I was attempting to unlock my bicycle and get out of this massive crowd.
The violence was starting to rumble and tremor. I spotted only two Red Bank police officers at this time.
Suddenly, three large males ran right at me; with virtually no time to move, they ran right into me, knocking me and my bicycle to the ground. They then proceeded to punch, kick and brutally stomp their victim who happened to be standing behind me.
The two police officers swung into courageous action, however. Violent fights were breaking out all over. This was terrifying to witness. Horrific street violence ensued resulting in many people bloodied and beaten; a police officer was injured and briefly hospitalized.
Finally the Red Bank police department and police personnel from several surrounding communities put this hip-hop nightmare to an end.
The owner of Chubby’s and the Red Bank council have made a very wise decision.
Sarah Montana
Red Bank