Part two of my story is about where I’ve been and what lead me here. I’ve been locked up since July 8. I was a little short of money and wanted something to eat, so I was asking people, going into McDonalds on 19th and M Streets Northwest, if they would buy me something to eat.
I was respectful to everyone I asked to help me. But two security guards, probably on their break, were going into the McDonalds when they saw me. They told me I had to get up off the ground and away from the door. I told them if a McDonald’s employee comes out and asks me to leave, it would not be a problem. I would move or they can call the police if necessary, but you (the security officers) don’t work for McDonalds and I don’t have to obey you.
He was angry and threatened to get me barred from this property and the whole block! Then he invited me into the alley for a fight. I kept refusing, but he wouldn’t take “no” an answer. I let my anger get the better of me. When I got up and went with them to fight, he hit me first.
I was the only one to get arrested.
I’ve been in a halfway house in Southeast D.C. since August 2. I’m halfway home now: they have work for us here paying $11 an hour and allow us to work 20 to 30 hours per week. So, I’m trying to turn something negative into a positive.
I’m allowed a certain number of hours away from the house every day to take care of personal business.
This is my story, but to be continued.
