A HUG FROM THE TYRANT

A HUG FROM THE TYRANT
By: Deon Joseph

So a year ago, I ran into this woman on Skid Row who was extremely bipolar and schizophrenic. When I first saw her, she was putting voodoo hexes on my station for it and my fellow officers to burn to the ground. I asked her why, and she said it was because she was a Goddess and they would not follow her commands. I begged her to spare their lives. She said for that day only. But the following day, everything would burn.

The next time I saw her placing another on the hex station. She looked at me and said “I was waiting for you to leave. I think you are one of my angels so I didn’t want you to get caught up in this inferno.” I pleaded with her to spare my fellow officers. She said she would if I told them to obey her. I told her I would and she was cool with that.

The next time I saw her hexing my station again, I was off duty. I drove up to the station and there she was casting away. I called to her. “Hey. Don’t hex my officers please.” She looked at me and said “I’m not killing anyone today. I thought you were off! Damn.” She had a great sense of style. I complimented her on it and we had a great discussion on fashion.

The next week she walked by the station. No hexing or flexing. She just gave them the evil eye. Then she asked if I carried out her commands. I told her I did, and noticed a new tattoo on her face. I told her it was awesome. Her frown turned into a smile.

Three weeks ago we had a setback. She was arrested for assaulting a woman with a bottle. I was the only one who could talk her down, but this day she cursed me too.

I was kind of bummed. I thought we were gaining ground.

Today I see her walking. Being that it was hot, I feared a hexing was a’ comin’. I greeted her. She smiled. Asked me how I was then told me she loved me; then she hugged me through my car window.

I wasn’t expecting that. I think the lesson here is that she probably felt unseen as many people ignore her because of her condition. But I could see her, and in a sober moment she showed appreciation.

Today was a good day to be a cop. Sometimes you do win y’all.

Deon Joseph is a 28 year veteran of law enforcement in Southern California - 24 of those years working in the homeless community to create an environment conducive to change for those in recovery, as a Lead Officer. He’s been recognized for his work locally and nationally, and news stories and documentaries sur¬rounding his work in crime fighting and community relations, featured him. www.deonjoseph.org