A typically quiet Laveen neighborhood was disrupted by gunfire on a recent Friday night, sending residents of the River Walk Estates into a state of fear and confusion. Several homes in this Phoenix suburb were struck by bullets, raising concerns about safety and the reckless behavior of unknown shooters. A local family, the Hrones, told FOX 10 Phoenix about the moment they were startled by gunfire, describing the panic they felt as a bullet pierced their home while their young daughter slept.
"I immediately went into her room, locked the door, and was on the phone to call 911," Jennifer Hrones recounted the harrowing experience. Their fear was exacerbated when a sliding glass door shattered, and, Pete Hrones, the father, initially thought someone was trying to break into their home. It was later found that a stray bullet, thought to be fired from outside their community had ricocheted and entered their residence, embedding itself in the kitchen drywall. According to the CWSF, the gunfire is believed to come from people shooting at a nearby dirt lot. Residents are now on edge, with every noise at night making them fear for the worst.
The quick response of the Phoenix Police Department provided some relief, arriving in less than five minutes to clear the Hrones' house, yet the feeling of security has been deeply shaken. As the bullet had passed through some of the most actively used areas of their home, where their daughter frequently plays, the incident has left the family with a lingering sense of vulnerability.
Pete Hrones expressed his distress to FOX 10 Phoenix, saying, "It's one of the worst feelings I've ever felt in my whole life." The community, now startled by the close calls, is looking for solutions to prevent a repetition of such an event. The idea of building up a retaining wall to block stray bullets has been suggested by the Hrones family, aiming to create a safer environment for all residents. Despite the ongoing concerns, the Laveen neighborhood stands resolute in finding ways to protect their community and restore the peace that was so abruptly disrupted.
