Two lovers embrace. Photo by Flydime, Flickr.com. Creative Commons

Imagine being in the heat of passion with your lover, in a romantic ‘Lovers Lane’ setting, only to have it interrupted by three armed men who want money and valuables – and are willing to beat or sexually assault someone to get it.  Enter the Lovers Lane Bandits, a group of thugs in a fancy car who are terrorizing Tucson’s Gates Pass Road, a literal “Lovers Lane” in the Tucson Mountains.

Four couples were robbed by three armed robbers driving what may have been a burgundy vehicle (possibly a Cadillac) with a white top and spoke wheels, on August 31.  The men were beaten (one man was hospitalized) and some of the women were sexually assaulted (but not raped).  The burglars stole cell phones, money, and other stuff during the 30 minute attack that started at 11 p.m.

Tucson police hope that the unusual car is recognizable to someone, and anyone who knows someone who has a car like that will report them.  This type of crime is virtually unheard of in the Tucson Mountains, where the biggest problem is usually graffiti, say Tucson police.

Anyone with information regarding the burglaries, or who knows someone with a similar vehicle (in any state), are asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME.

Barstow Mayor Joe Gomez showed up at Monday’s City Council meeting, declaring in front of council that the allegations are false.

To be fair, he has not been proven guilty.  And public figures (like mayors) are commonly accused of wrongdoing.

“Gomez also explained that he decided to remain silent last week to allow the authorities to investigate the matter. He said that on advice on his attorney, he would not be making any further public comments about the allegations.” (quoted from The Desert Dispatch).

I wonder what I would do if someone accused me of something like that. I think I’d do the same thing Mayor Gomez is doing: stay calm and allow the investigation to be carried out.

So mayor, it’s reasonable to assume you are innocent. Are we not merciful?