On Tuesday afternoon, Homewood Police arrested 31-year-old Patrick Lamar Croskey, who goes by the name "Peaches," charging him with public lewdness and disorderly conduct.
The arrest comes on the heels of escalating conversations in Homewood about how City leaders, especially the incoming council and mayor, will address the problem. Just last week, concerned parents raised red flags when a homeless man was seen bathing in a creek on their way home from school.
That event sparked fierce debate between two candidates running for Homewood City Council in a runoff election, which will be held on September 23. Chris Lane promised to address the problem, while John Manzelli initially accused Lane of making the issue "political."
According to Sgt. Mark Tripp of the Homewood Police Department, “Homewood Police Department received multiple calls about a male exposing himself on Oxmoor Road near the Edgewood Strip. It was reported that this was the same subject that was exposing himself on September 8th in the same area.”
1819 News has received images from both days from concerned residents.
On Monday, September 8, Homewood Police responded to a call regarding Croskey and provided a ride to a location of his choice in Southside Birmingham.
According to Tripp following additional calls on Tuesday, “Homewood Police officers quickly responded and located the subject.”
“While he was detained for investigative purposes, multiple citizens, who witnessed the lewd acts on both days, approached officers," he added. "Officers explained the misdemeanor warrant process to the citizens and several contacted the Homewood Municipal Court magistrate to pursue charges.”
Homewood Police put out a statement on Tuesday, saying, "The Homewood Police Department would like to take the opportunity to provide clarity on the process of reporting and arresting for misdemeanor crimes. In accordance with the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, local law enforcement may not arrest individuals for misdemeanor crimes that they did not personally witness, with the exception of Driving Under the Influence, Shoplifting, and Domestic Violence offenses. Per the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, victims of misdemeanor crimes are required to follow through on prosecution. This includes filing a police report, appearing before a court magistrate to give a sworn statement, and providing proof or evidence in order for an arrest warrant to be issued. We continue to encourage our citizens to report activity which is suspicious or criminal in nature."
In a statement on their Facebook page, Take Birmingham said in part, "We at T.A.K.E. Resource Center are urging community members to stand with us in advocating for Peaches, one of our long-term community members we’ve served for over 10 years. Peaches ( Patrick Croskey) has been unhoused for much of this time while also living with untreated mental illness, which often makes it difficult for her to stay on her medication consistently. Many of you may have seen her in Birmingham, singing loudly, dancing, or asking for money on the streets. While some may misunderstand her, we know she deserves love, care, and the full support of her community. Right now, we need folks to step in and help us organize."
The group took aim at the Homewood Police, saying, "The last place Peaches needs to end up is in the hands of the Homewood Police Department and especially as a Black trans woman, that could mean danger rather than help. We are asking you to use your voice: call, advocate, and demand that Peaches be provided with resources, not punishment."
"This moment can also serve as an opportunity to encourage her to accept housing and support, even though she has often chosen to remain on the streets. What matters most is that she knows she is not alone — she has people who love her and a community that will continue to stand behind her," it added.
According to HPD, Croskey was transported to the Homewood City Jail and is currently being held on a $2,000 bond. Additional charges are pending as more citizens who witnessed the incident are expected to come forward and sign warrants. A comment from Take Resource Center said that they were in the process of bailing him out mid-day Wednesday.
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