Residents gather to say "no" to gang violence
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV)- Churches and other groups are teaming up with Metro to clean up a neighborhood residents say has become too violent. It's a process that has taken months to organize, and after a recent shooting left a teenager dead community le Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Churches and other groups are teaming up with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to clean up a neighborhood residents say has become too violent.
It's a process that has taken months to organize, and after a recent shooting left a teenager dead, community leaders say the time to act is now.
The neighborhood is located on the northeast side of town near Lake Mead and Hollywood, and is known as "the browns" by gang members. Residents with support from police and others in the community are making their streets safe again, primarily for the kids that live there.
"We're out here to send a message of hope and love. Let them know that the community cares. That this type of violence is unacceptable," says Pastor Troy Martinez of the East Vegas Christian Center.
A teen died from his injuries following a double shooting in the northeast part of the Valley Thursday night. Police say gunfire erupted after a neighborhood dispute.
"A lot of people had come out of their homes and participated in that investigation and shared information that is, it's remarkable that they actually came out and shared this information with the police," says Captain Christopher Ankeny with Metro. He's stationed at Northeast Area Command.
Randy Miller who grew up in this neighborhood says he's glad to see community leaders and local churches here to support the end of gang violence.
"Little kids out there feel better when they walk outside. They're not scared. They can actually play in their neighborhood instead of going somewhere else to feel safe," he says.
Residents say the shooting that happened out here earlier this week is an unfortunate echo of years past, but when they see something like this, they see the possibility of peace in the future.
"The message is that we're going to be out here partnering with the community, partnering with the police department, partnering with the churches to change what's going on in this neighborhood," says Pastor Troy.
A change that is happening almost immediately as neighbors hold hands and unite for the first time; vowing to take back their streets.
Metro, local churches and businesses are planning a clean up effort with hundreds of volunteers on July 14. For more information on how to get involved click here or contact Northeast Area Command.
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