Tale of Two Cities: Akron bicyclist killed in blackout; Orlando biker defends

Akron Beacon Journal
August 19, 2003

Police have arrested a 24-year-old suspected gang member and charged him in the Friday morning shooting of a bicyclist during the blackout.

John Isaacs of the 500 block of Kenmore Boulevard was being held in the Summit County Jail on a charge of attempted murder for allegedly shooting Dave Drushal, 45, of Akron, as he rode his bike at Sweitzer and East Miller avenues about 1 a.m. Friday.

"We suspect he may be involved in the K-town gang,'' Cozart said. He said the gang is active in the Kenmore area where the shooting took place. "We're still working on that angle.''

Isaacs is a felon, and prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.

The day after the shooting, Drushal's sister, Cynthia Fields, said her brother was out riding his bike during the blackout because he wanted to see what the city looked like in total darkness.

Meanwhile, in a state that allows its law-abiding citizens to carry a
concealed handgun for self-defense, a different outcome resulted when this bicyclist was attacked in broad daylight: (click on the "Read More..." link below)

The Sentinel, Orlando, FL

Peter Sabatini of Orlando was riding his bicycle one afternoon when he was attacked by a youth armed with what later turned out to be a pellet pistol. The attacker threatened him with the gun and tried to take the bike. Fearing for his life, Sabatini, a carry permit holder, drew his .45 pistol and fatally shot his assailant. The youth had a criminal history.

• Could the lifting of Ohio's unconstitutional ban on carrying a concealed
weapon for self-defense have saved this Akron murder victim?

Contact information for the area's elected officials is provided below:

State House of Representatives
• >Rep. Robert Otterman (D-45)
Phone: (614) 644-6037
Fax: (614) 644-9494

State Senate
• >Sen. Kevin Coughlin (R-27)
Phone: (614) 466-4823
Fax: (614) 644-5879

Click here to read the entire story in the Akron Beacon-Journal.