Police Ramp Up Patrols in Third Ward Following Recorded Shooting Incident
DEBARYLIFE – Increased patrols, including one by Houston’s top police officer, are coming after a homeowner’s video caught scores of gunshots being fired in a Third Ward area.
Officers with the Houston Police Department reported that someone opened fire at the intersection of Arbor and Emancipation late on Monday night. It was also captured on video.
Jimmy Swayn described it as an unsettling sight that happens far too frequently.
We grew up in this area, Swayn remarked. “The gunshots are nothing new to us. We’re accustomed to the murders and bloodshed.”
J78togo, a food truck owned by Swayn, is just a few blocks from the shooting scene this week.
Overnight in Houston’s Third Ward, a man was shot many times while driving on Emancipation Avenue, according to police. Seeking assistance, he hurried to a local club.
Swayn clarified, “That’s not surprising.” Surprisingly, law enforcement patrols our streets. The fact that we lack the necessary protection is what disturbs me the most.
HPD has heard this message. Chief Troy Finner announced that he and other officers would be on patrol following the shooting.
“You’ll see the chief of police and other team members with our feet on the ground out there working with those residents,” explained Finner.
Some who are working to improve the region are not surprised by the response. Tomaro Bell, President of MacGregor Super Neighborhood, stated that Finner’s activities are consoling.
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“I am aware that some individuals claim, ‘We don’t see officers.’ We are not able to say that,” Bell clarified. We receive the assistance we require when we cry out to HPD, Precinct 7, and Constable May Walker’s Office.”
Based on a study of HPD crime data over the last five years, 13 investigators found that theft, simple assault, vandalism, aggravated assault, drug-related charges, and burglary are the most common offenses in the Third Ward area.
The neighborhood is experiencing more assaults than other regions of the city, according to ABC13’s Neighborhood Safety Tracker. Four years ago, there were 643 attacks.
There were close to 700 two years ago. The figure dropped to 650 the previous year.
Although the number of crimes has decreased, neighbors have expressed concern about the nightlife and believe that additional shootings could occur if improvements are not made.
Bell stated, “Names don’t belong on bullets.” “They do not. All you’re doing is firing. On the side facing you are those houses. Those aren’t deserted buildings. We are therefore really concerned about this.
Third Ward residents accuse the adjacent strip of bars of being the reason behind the rise in car thefts, shootings, and break-ins on Emancipation Avenue.
According to neighbors, HPD informed them that more patrols would begin in a few days. They also heard from Councilwoman Carolyn Evans-Shabazz on Thursday during a meeting about public safety. Bell claimed that she informed them that she was in the process of installing lights and cameras in the vicinity.
“The attendance at our town hall meeting was impressive,” Evans-Shabazz wrote to ABC13. The community responded quickly and forcefully, even with only two days’ notice, which exemplified the true spirit of District D. In the face of our challenges, we stood together with the support of other committed municipal officials and community leaders, including the newly hired Director Herbert Sims.
Prominent officials from TIRZ, Management District, SuperNeighborhoods, and civic clubs, as well as Fire Chief Pena and Executive Assistant Chief Satterwhite, backed us. Further support was provided by the Chief of Police at TSU, Gizette Thomas, the CEO of YWCA Houston, Smoke Phillips, our prospective constable, Mike Knox, a former council member, and Christina Novak, the deputy inspector general for police reform and accountability. This magnificent gathering proves that we are more powerful as a team and prepared to take on our obstacles.
The community has voiced its concerns and we have heard them, but what gives me the most hope is our shared commitment to establishing a secure environment and our united opposition to crime.
Our district’s resolve was on full show last night, and it was this proactive involvement that will truly establish us as the District of Destination. Tonight demonstrated that you are under notice for people who are thinking about committing crimes.
In addition, we are implementing specific measures to improve safety inside our district. I have designated funds from the Council District Service to buy safety cameras for the Flock. To increase our coverage, the Management District and the Department of Neighborhoods have agreed to match this expenditure.
Additionally, we are working with Houston Public Works and HPD to undertake a thorough evaluation of our roadways to identify areas that require more lighting and those that benefit from tree canopies being cut to enhance safety and visibility.”
The neighbors anticipate that new technologies won’t lag too much. Some claim that technology not only helps prevent crime but also indicates to police where they are needed in the community when it does occur.