(please note, there is a possibly disturbing photo at the end of this post)
I had just seen/photographed St. Vincent perform at Stubbs, and it was an incredible set.

Making my way out, it was on to the next venue to hear some new music.
While walking on the street, the camera’s exposure was set for whatever may be seen on the street.
There was a rope blocking the sidewalk, making us all walk in the street.
All of the sudden we hear a car’s screeching tires, bursting through the flimsy barricade with a police car in hot pursuit.
The camera came up to my eye, with the continuous shooting sequence in action.
The driver plowed through the crowd of these poor young kids, just trying to party and get to the next venue.
The things I saw, are etched in my mind forever, and I’m not sure about posting some of them here.
I know I saw a young woman bleed out, while being attended to by paramedics.
There was a facility close by that had dispatched medical support immediately.
This one shot has stuck in my memory as it reminded me of Kent State.

Friends caring for a friend.

Honestly, my finger only hit the shutter 8 times.
Completely freaked out, I started my way back to the hotel.
2 blocks from the scene, it was as if nothing happened.
As I approached the hotel, I asked a cop if they got, they guy.
He had no idea what I was talking about.
Once I was in my room, I downloaded the media card, but couldn’t look at the photos.
I was alone and posted something about it on FB, as I wanted to share but, but it was way late. Had to put it out, as not talking about it was crushing me.
I contacted the local police, and they took down my info.
Friends posted images of their mini bars, offering a drink, and that was very kind, although I didn’t take them up on it.
In the morning, a solid friend just came by the hotel. Not asked to come over, just did.
He hung with me at breakfast, then we went back to the scene in the daylight. NBC news was there and asked if I had photos to share. Nope.
Almost 2 years later, I get a call from the police dept and city from a prosecutor working on the case. He saw notes that said I had photos. In looking at them you could see times stamps on the car chase and could determine speed. Plus, the carnage left on the street.
The driver was convicted.
And the question of what to do always came up. I am glad that the evidence I was able to provide aided in the conviction. Should I have jumped in? Still don’t know.
I have spoken with survivors of the incident, since then as well.