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Romenesko reports on the misfortune of Flint, Michigan-based freelance journalist Patrick M. Clawson, who recently visited Cleveland, Ohio for a conference of Investigative Reporters and Editors.

Cleveland Plain-Dealer columnist Michael K. McIntyre tells the story: "Within an hour of his arrival, his (Clawson's) 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass (Michigan plates: BGS9943) was stolen from a meter on Frankfort Avenue near West Third Street." Along with the car, the thief/thieves got Clawson's computer, prescription medicine and a box containing "newspaper photography and editorial cartoon entries that he was judging for the Society of Professional Journalist's "Green Eyeshade Awards." Those awards, for 11 southeastern states, may be canceled."

Adding insult to injury, the police officer who responded to Clawson's 911 call offered to drive Clawson back to his hotel, even though it was only a block away and it was daylight. Clawson said "the officer warned him that he was likely to get mugged if he walked and told Clawson to warn others not to leave the hotel at night or risk a mugging."