Police fear rap death revenge

Police fear rap death revenge BY JANICE MORSE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER Cincinnati police have increased their patrols and undercover officers' work because of fears that there will be violent retaliation after the shooting Wednesday that killed one person and hurt three members of Atlanta rapper T.I.'s entourage.

Lt. Col. James Whalen said many sources, including Atlanta-area law enforcement officials, Cincinnati-area residents and covert operatives, informed police that people from the Atlanta area might be here looking for revenge. Because police said they believe the information is credible, they added uniformed officers and undercover officers in key areas, Whalen said.

He urges anyone with information to call 911 if the situation is urgent - or to call Crime Stoppers, (513) 352-3040 or toll-free at (888) 352-3040.

As of Saturday evening, police had not arrested anyone in connection with Wednesday's fatal shooting.

Supporters of T.I.'s group may be seeking revenge at whoever shot at a van carrying T.I.'s entourage in a running gun battle on Seymour Avenue and Interstate 75, Whalen said. People in the van returned fire.

Gunfire erupted early Wednesday down the road from Club Ritz, a Roselawn nightclub that was the scene of an after-hours party for the rapper, following his Tuesday night performance with Yung Joc at Bogart's in Corryville. Witnesses reported an argument broke out at Club Ritz after people flaunted their money.

Killed in the shooting was Philant Johnson, 26, from Union City, Ga. A female member of the entourage, Janice Gillespie, 22, of St. Paul, Minn., was admitted to University Hospital. Two other men were treated for their wounds and released.