Third Ward residents are calling for action after a chaotic late-night shooting that left a trail of nearly 30 gunshots through their Houston neighborhood. According to FOX26 Houston, the incident involved an exchange of gunfire resulting in a Jaguar SUV crashing into a curb on the corner of Emancipation and Arbor streets. The driver, struck by bullets, had to seek emergency help in a nearby nightclub.
Local residents are expressing frustration over the violence seeping into their streets, "It's nuts. It's how many people are shooting off guns and driving around this neighborhood. It's scary," Scott Clements, a long-time resident, told ABC13. The sound of gunfire is not new to them, with some discovering shell casings littering their properties from incidents in years past.
Rayven Moore, President of the Riverside Civic Association, addressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "There's people coming from other neighborhoods that are coming to have fun, get drunk and party...but I think we need to be mindful that, this is somebody's neighborhood," Moore said in an interview obtained by FOX26 Houston. The local civic leader's appeal for peace is echoed by many in the community, urgently pushing for action from city officials to increase police patrols and implement stronger safety measures.
Despite pleas for a stronger law enforcement presence, residents remain disappointed with the response from the city council. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, the local council member, while acknowledging the challenges facing the Third Ward, has defended her record, "The only thing that I can do is try to support those police officers for their overtime who would address that activity," Shabazz stated according to FOX26 Houston. Even with allocated funds for police overtime, skepticism looms with some residents on whether these resources are sufficient to stem the tide of violence.
The stress of increased crime is taking its toll on a community once known for its homey ambiance. "This is home. This is supposed to be the safe place, but it's not," Moore expressed to ABC13.
