April 20, 2013
Community
3
CrossRoadsNews
DeKalb Police Chief Cedric Alexander said Biumi never reported the incident to his superiors in DeKalb before his arrest.
Veteran DeKalb Police sergeant arrested on assault charge Veteran DeKalb Police Officer Scott Biumi, who reportedly pulled his gun on an 18-year-old McDonald’s customer in Forsyth County, will have his first court appearance on May 23. Biumi, a 20-year DeKalb detective, is facing a felony aggravated assault charge stemming from the alleged confrontation that Scott Biumi was caught on tape by the Cumming fastfood restaurant’s security camera. He was arrested on April 17 by the Forsyth County sheriff. DeKalb Police Chief Cedric Alexander said the incident occurred on April 9 when Biumi, who was in the drive-through line at the restaurant, became upset over waiting for his food about 10:30 that night. Forsyth County investigators said Biumi, who was driving a DeKalb County Police
unmarked SUV, got out of his vehicle, went to the pickup he felt was holding up the line in front of him, and pointed his service gun at the driver’s neck. Forsyth Deputy Courtney Spriggs told CrossRoadsNews that Biumi lunged his head and shoulders into the customer’s pickup during the confrontation. The pickup’s 18-year-old driver, Ryan Mash, told reporters that Biumi flashed his gold star badge and asked him if he knew who he was messing with. Mash is a high school senior who also works at that McDonald’s on Old Atlanta Road in south Forsyth County but was off duty that night. He said Biumi “put his hand right here,” pointing to his upper chest and shoulder area, “then he pulled the gun and put it, pointed it at, like, my neck area.” The altercation was caught by the McDonald’s security camera. During the investigation, the Forsyth Sheriff ’s Office discovered that Biumi, who lives in Cumming, is a DeKalb detective sergeant.
Spellen retrial could begin April 23 By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Tae kwon do instructor Adrian Spellen could be in court on April 23 for his second trial on charges that he raped a 9-year-old girl who was a student at his Lithonia studio. The case is listed on the judge’s calendar, but DeKalb district attorney spokesman Erik Burton said April 18 that it may not happen on that day. “We will retry him Adrian Spellen but that court date may change,” he said. A DeKalb grand jury indicted Spellen, 28, on three counts of rape and aggravated child molestation on July 26, 2011. The indictment accuses him of having “carnal knowledge of ” the girl, who was a
student at his Powerkicks Martial Arts studio in Lithonia, between May 23 and June 3. Spellen’s 2012 trial ended in a hung jury in November, and Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger declared a mistrial after the jury foreman said they were deadlocked 10-2. During deliberations, jurors viewed a taped interview of the alleged victim describing what happened to her. Spellen is a former Olympic tae kwon do athlete for Guyana, his native country. He has said he is innocent of the charges. During his October 2012 testimony, he said the attacks never occurred. Prosecutors said he purchased liability insurance insuring himself against sexual abuse and child molestation charges after the alleged assaults occurred. Spellen, who was jailed during his trial, was released Nov. 6 on a $50,000 bond until his retrial.
Biumi, 48, is charged with felony aggravated assault. Alexander said the DeKalb Police Department is cooperating very closely with the Forsyth County sheriff ’s criminal investigation. “Sergeant Biumi was taken into custody here at headquarters this mornCedric Alexander ing,” he said at an April 17 press briefing. Alexander referred all questions about details in the case to Forsyth County, but he said his department has launched an internal affairs investigation into the matter and that Biumi has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome. The chief said Biumi was taken into custody after talking with the internal affairs officers. “It is unfortunate that we have to be addressing these allegations,” he said, “but as I promised this community several weeks ago [when I took command], we will be
open and transparent, accept responsibility, and make sure that this community is well aware of events that occur in and around this police department whether they be negative or positive.” Alexander said Biumi never reported the incident to his superiors in DeKalb before his arrest. “It would have been preferable had it taken place, but unfortunately it did not,” he said. He told reporters at a briefing at the department’s Tucker headquarters that his first reaction was sadness when he heard about the case involving one of his own men. “But within a police agency here in DeKalb County we’re going to hold ourselves to a very high standard and I’m not going to stand for any behavior that goes outside the scope of the law,” he said. “But we have to remember that these are allegations that are being investigated and we’re not finding anyone guilty or not guilty here.” After posting a $22,000 bond, Biumi was released from the Forsyth County Jail on April 17.
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MARTA on high alert after Boston bombing MARTA has taken steps to heighten security in the wake of the bombing in Boston on Monday. The transit system said it has deployed additional K-9 units, increased police presence, and placed all MARTA staff on heightened alert for any suspicious activity. “While at this time there are no credible threats to transit, MARTA is asking employees and customers to be vigilant and remain on high alert,” MARTA said in a statement Monday evening. Three people were killed and 134 hurt in two blasts from bombs set in garbage cans. The system said its police department is working directly with federal, state and local agencies, including the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority and the Transit Security Administration in Washington, D.C., to stay updated on any recommendations related to public transit. Other measures implemented include: n Placing all specialized units on standby for activation. n Encouraging the public to “See Something, Say Something” and immediately report any suspicious activity or unattended packages to a MARTA Police officer or employee or call MPD at 404-848-4911. n Encouraging all customers to download the See & Say App (available at www.its marta.com). n Maintaining communication with local emergency management offices. n Maintaining communication with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
n Preparing MARTA Homeland Security
protocols and procedures for activation if necessary. MARTA said it also is in contact with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency, and its liaison to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to ensure that it receives any pertinent information that may impact its operations. News of the bombing also prompted heightened security at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and elicited responses from Atlanta leaders. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis ordered flags on county buildings to fly half-staff through sunset on April 20. “I am saddened and appalled by the senseless attack and hope swift action is taken to capture the perpetrators of this heinous act,” Ellis said. “Every resident in DeKalb County prays for the victims and their families.” Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset April 20. Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves asked citizens to join him in prayer for the bombing victims. “Our thoughts are also with the first responders who place their own lives at risk to restore safety,” he said. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said he was deeply saddened at the news. “Here at home, first responders are currently taking additional measures to enhance the safety of our citizens,” he said.
Saturday - May 4, 2013 Hilton Garden Inn Stonecrest
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VisitAtlantasDeKalbCounty.com
By Ken Watts
DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Reunion Specialist will teach you everything you need to know to plan the perfect Family Reunion from 9 a.m. to Noon. T-Shirts, “Come on and be a part of the v Attractions and Tour Info will be available at the Vendor First Afrikan Church is an Afrocentric Christian M empowers women, men, youth and children to mov Showcase from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
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