Spike in gun violence plagues Durham, troubling leaders and residents
Durham Police are investigating an uptick in shootings within the past several weeks. The most recent incident overnight, involving a 16-year-old teenage girl near McDougald Terrace.
Posted — UpdatedNeighbors recall hearing over 20 gunshots near the intersection of Lawson Street and Ridgeway Avenue. The 16 year-old victim was found behind a home on Plum Street.
The teenage girl who was found shot in the leg adds to a very troubling trend impacting young people in Durham.
“Boom boom boom boom... they never stop,” described Pamela Diels, a long-time McDougald Terrace resident. She said what she heard Sunday night while sitting on her porch is nothing new.
“It’s really heartbreaking. I’m tired of seeing the ambulance, police and then people end up dead,” she added.
Gun violence is plaguing the city as a whole. Durham police reporting 189 people being shot so far this year, with a spike in numbers affecting young people in the past several weeks.
“Were scared to take the children to the park” said Diels.
“Whether it’s declared or not. We are in fact, in a state of emergency,” added Mark-Anthony Middleton, a Durham City Councilman.
“In conjunction with an incredible group of talented, committed black men in Durham to start the initiative 1000 black men,” said Middleton.
It’s a boots-on-the-ground approach to provide a long list of support mechanisms including mentoring, education and mental health support.
“We’re now at a state where we need to put some money behind those ideas and go beyond the well wishes,” added Middleton.
This is something Diels agrees is needed for a very traumatized community. “I’m tired of people getting shot. Innocent kids. People coming by here, shooting. For no reason.”
According to police, the 16-year-old shot Sunday will recover. Police are asking for the community’s support to come forward in helping them solve cases like this.
The Durham Police Department released a statement about the uptick in shootings.
“Durham Police Department has developed new initiatives to focus on these incidents. As a proactive and preventive measure, one initiative provides increased visibility of officers weekly in most impacted areas. This also provides a faster response to gun related calls for service. Officers assigned to this initiative can be deployed throughout the city as needed. “
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