Opinion: Fusion Studios assault leaves Denver writer bruised, rattled

I was assaulted Tuesday at Fusion Studios by a man with a lead pipe.Photo byDavid Heitz

My worst fears were confirmed Tuesday when I became the victim of a random act of violence that took place at my apartment building, Fusion Studios, a Colorado Coalition for the Homeless property.

I stepped outside my room to go downstairs and check my mail when I saw my neighbor wielding a lead pipe. He broke all the light fixtures on the third floor and then came swinging at me. I put my arm up as he swung the lead pipe at my head, and he whacked my forearm good. The photos used with this article were taken about 15 minutes after the assault.

I don’t know my neighbor very well, but I know he has had noisy outbursts before. He frequently has thrown items into the hallway and beaten on doors. He is known to scream profanities and derogatory slurs.

Photo byDavid Heitz

But other times he can be friendly and conversational. Today it was like looking into the eyes of the devil as he came at me with the lead pipe. The entire ordeal was reminiscent of homelessness. Random acts of violence on the street are something every unhoused person lives with.

Case manager stands by me through traumatic experience

Fortunately, the assault took place while the Coalition staff was here. My case manager consoled me and also stood by while I was interviewed by police and examined by paramedics. I genuinely appreciated his presence. He understood it was a triggering experience. After all I went through on the street, police and paramedics give me anxiety. It’s something most people who have experienced homelessness can relate to, I would imagine.

My concern about Tuesday’s attack is that the next mentally deranged resident who goes on a rampage will have a gun. It is my worst fear. Residents regularly beat on and kick doors, screaming profanities and threatening the people inside. Sometimes it feels like I live amongst trauma and turmoil.

I was told by my case manager that this resident likely will be evicted within three days. Not only did he assault someone, but he caused substantial damage to the building, even taking out the chandelier in the lobby with the lead pipe. Glass rained down on the first floor as he batted at the chandelier, which hangs from the second floor, like a pinata.

Justice system can do some good

I certainly hope this man does not try to attack me again. I suspect he will be in jail a few days. I hope the justice system gets him the help that he needs. That’s what finally saved me from the throes of psychosis. I ended up in the Pueblo state mental hospital after a scuffle with police. I had my competency restored and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge. Life has been improving ever since.

On the topic of Fusion Studios, I am happy to report that the internet has been working. Also, the building manager hired a new pest control company which hopefully has a game plan for eradicating the mice.

I believe Colorado Coalition for the Homeless does all they can to keep their properties as safe as possible. But with the overall decline of society, they cannot control the people they place in their housing. And some of them can be quite dangerous.