Violent crime in our long, hot summer

BY ED FELIEN

This summer there have been reports of shootings on 38th and Chicago, armed robberies south of Powderhorn and, finally, a murder on 38th Street in the 1500 block. When police arrived at the murder scene, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18, they found two adult males inside the home with gunshot wounds. One was pronounced dead at the scene. The other was taken to HCMC with serious but not life threatening wounds.The 24-year-old man who was shot and killed was likely targeted by an acquaintance, said Gary Schiff, council member from the neighboring 9th Ward, just across 38th Street. “This was a targeted killing. The victims and suspect knew each other. It was not random. It was not gang related.”

Council Member Elizabeth Glidden, in whose ward the shooting occurred, told Southside Pride on Wednesday, Aug. 1, that one suspect is in custody and the police are still searching for another.

In response to the daytime shooting at 38th and Chicago, Glidden wrote: “Dear Neighbors: This was a brazen and unacceptable broad daylight crime—and while we are so fortunate no one was hurt, that is likely pure luck, which is incredibly sad. I understand from neighbors that the police were on the scene very shortly (minutes?) after the gunman fired shots and fled on foot. While I know that the police are investigating this as a very serious incident, I do not have further information from MPD at this time. I (or MPD directly) will provide information as soon as received.

“This is an important time to support our neighbors and to support the businesses at 38th and Chicago. And this community has been amazing time after time in supporting one another while also asking hard questions about our individual actions and biases and demanding resources to increase our safe existence. Please let us continue this respectful dialogue.

“At 38th and Chicago, vacant properties are now occupied and many businesses have made improvements to their property with the partnership of the city and neighborhoods’ façade improvement funding. The leadership of the business association, and the owners of new businesses, continue to reflect the racial and cultural diversity of our area. I spoke to one business owner a couple weeks ago who just signed a three year lease … showing commitment and investment to 38th and Chicago. Change IS happening and I suggest that change continues to support this area’s residents and creativity and diversity.

“From working with the business association to seek funding support, to partnering with Pillsbury House Arts on Chicago initiative, to continuing to work with MPD around safety resources, I want to thank you, the amazing neighbors and business owners and neighborhood organizations. And I thank you for all of your comments and suggestions for continued change and examination of what we do to promote safety.”

In most other communities where there are instances of this kind of visible crime, business associations raise enough money to hire private security firms to patrol the areas and report suspicious activities to the police. Perhaps it’s time for the business associations at 38th and Chicago to consider that alternative.