Gathering at 5th & Taylor

[from Joe Martin via 4D-Neighbors listserv]

About 40 people gathered this evening [Thurs 12/1] in a light rain at the corner of 5th and Taylor St NW, near the scene of yesterday's shooting... to pray, share their thoughts and hope for an end to senseless killings in our midst.

Rev. John Goodloe of the Victory Church of Jesus Christ comforted with a hopeful prayer. Neighbors shared their thoughts about youth alienation and gun violence. MPD's Captain Anthony Poteat asked for assistance from any neighbors who might have information that could help solve the murder. Bill Crandall of the Petworth News circulated a sympathy card for signatures that was delivered later to the victim's family at their Shepherd Street NW home.

Councilmember Adrian Fenty spoke. Tapping into the emerging sense that neighbors wanted to meet again to come up with an action plan to deal with youth violence, Councilmember Fenty pledged to work with area neighbors and call a town hall-style meeting in the coming days.

Watch for an announcement.

Comments

[Kevin Morton]

I have heard late night gunshots in the alley bound by NH, 5th, Taylor & Shepherd 3 times in the last few weeks. I called 311 on two of the occasions and I did eventually see a cruiser drive down the alley. On the other occasion, I ran out the front door and was able to flag down a cruiser almost immediately. Unfortunately, the police I flagged could not have been less interested and wasted time questioning me about the pliers in my hand. I was able to flag down the police less than 5 minutes after hearing the shots, so they had a pretty good chance of finding the person firing the gun. Unfortunately, the officers let opportunity pass.

[Brenda]

I have a problem with the police force and politicans who keep calling this a hotspot, but the only time I see a patrol car is after an incident. There was a shooting the Sunday before this happen, my husband called, left his name, but no one came. I have lived in this neighborhood over 25 years, some good times some bad. I don't understand what is going on because you don't see people hanging out like in the past. I think the police should be patrolling every day not just issuing running stop sign tickets.