'I'm concerned about safety': Downtown Raleigh residents meet with police over crime 'hotspots' on Martin Street
Police met with Raleigh residents Wednesday to address concerns about gun violence in downtown.
Residents on Martin Street met with three Raleigh police officers and Mayor Pro Tem Corey Branch at the Roberts Park Community Center.
Over three dozen residents came to the meeting to air their concerns.
Organizers said having an inclusive meeting about Martin Street safety and the safety of the larger neighborhood and community is their goal.
“I’m just concerned about safety, not only for myself but for the entire community,” one resident said.
Since May 2023, there have been three shootings at the intersection of Martin Street and Haywood Street.
Neighbors have called the area a “hotspot” for trouble. In October, WRAL DataTrackers reported crime in the eight blocks surrounding Moore Square, which included part of Martin Street, spiked 51% from 2022 through 2023.
“Can we target Martin [Street]? Can we commit some technology?” one resident asked.
The most recent shooting on Martin Street in December involved a man firing shots at police officers.
That particular shooting still troubles one man, who declined to share his identity with WRAL News.
“My wife and two of her pregnant friends were walking home and they missed one of the shootings…by a matter of minutes,” he said.
It’s also a violent start to the year in Raleigh. Since January 1, five people have been murdered in Raleigh, including one person in a shooting on Poole Road Monday.
Matt VanAntwerp with the Raleigh Police Department said the police want to fully engage with the community.
“That doesn’t just mean being responsive for a 911 call, but before the crisis arrives so we can have [an] open conversation,” he said.
Branch mentioned during the meeting the city manager and Raleigh Police Chief are having conversations about the funding for more officers and better technology.
