GIMME! BY KATE "K8" ERWIN 6-9-04
I am from North Carolina. I used to joke that I was more worried about my safety there than I was in New York I was mugged at gunpoint in North Carolina. It was an awful thing ....
Here is my story. ...
My friend Kat Summers (Of k97.5 the BDS in the triangle) and I were going to a talent show. She is a bigger woman than me, and that night she had on a plain black outfit. I was wearing a colorful outfit with a big belt and hat. But Kat wasn't poor, I was.
No sooner had we stepped into the car, when this guy starts tapping the window (like the way you are used to bums asking for money, women are used to men hitting on them). I thought he wanted to talk, I don't really remember if I had closed the door yet or if it was already open. But he stuck a gun in and put it on my leg.
He said "GIMME!"
I reached for my bag and said, "All I have is four ...." I stopped and said "Here, just take it." I gave him my bag which had $4, a pack of Newports, a pad of paper, two sharpies, lipstick and a photo of me Hits and Redman.
Back to the robber, who couldn't have been more than 17 years old. His hand was shaking but I wasn't risking anything. Kat then reached to get her bag, which was in the back seat.
She started to say "Do you want this?" but before she could say it, he motioned for her to not reach back there (We think he was worried that she might pull out a gun of her own) ...
We sat there for a full minute or so, before he left. He just kept the gun held to my leg. Then he ran off.
After that I never went to Durham, North Carolina at night without friends who carried (guns), but even so, I only went there a few times after.
I thought that I would be OK, and I am today, but exactly a week ago I came home from work to find my room (I have a Railroad apartment that is sectioned off... my room is in front with its own door) in shambles.
I am a neat freak, I couldn't understand, but I soon did. I was robbed, which was one of my worst nightmares when I lived in NC because of all my DJ stuff, but here in NY I have barely anything.
The worst part is that someone was in my room. Getting mugged is better away from home -- not the gun but the fact that you can go home after.
The police came, but it didn't stop this guy who came back the day after and also has tried to get in my upstairs neighbor's apartment twice, Tuesday and Thursday (after we changed the front door locks).
I am living in fear, who knows what else can happen? I am in my room by myself. I cry a lot. My boyfriend gets really mad at me, and my roommate is mad - I don't know why but she is just frustrated.
I am pushing my landlord everyday (whose wife won a trip and made him leave with her on Tuesday)...
I can't live like this. I think you understand. I am a mess. I get better everyday and then I find out that they came back and I am a freak again. I can't live my life. I don't know what to do.
Sorry to go on. but I am so nervous and worried. I am losing my grip.
-Kate