Police say they need the help of people living in local communities to solve crimes in the Las Vegas valley.
Sunday night, Las Vegas police were asking the public for someone to come forward with information that could get a criminal off the streets.
“We cannot do it alone we need the help of the community,” says Lt. Ray Spencer. “You’re not giving your name, you’re just giving anonymous information that will help break a case.”
The most recent unsolved case, a shooting near Lake Mead and MLK Sunday afternoon.
Police say a 20-year-old man was killed when he was walking down Lake Mead with his girlfriend, when a man came running up behind them and opened fire.
Police say many witnesses were around but would not cooperate with their officers to identify that man.
“This is what violence does to a community, it tears it apart,” says 13 Action News Crime and Safety Expert retired Lt. Randy Sutton.
Sutton once patrolled the very area where the fatal shooting took place Sunday.
He says the fears of speaking out are a major problem not just locally, but everywhere when it comes to solving major crimes.
“If someone doesn’t stand up, if someone doesn’t cooperate with law enforcement, this is going to be an unsolved murderer and this terrorizes a community.”
But, the fears of talking with police aren’t unjustified.
Sutton says fears of being shunned by family friends and ever their entire community plays a role in why crimes can go unsolved.
He adds the biggest fear is retaliation.
“It takes bravery, it takes people taking a stand in their own communities to say you know what, enough is enough.”
Recently, an 11-year-old girl was shot and killed when police say a group shot up her North Las Vegas home
Three suspects involved are still out there.
“Imagine the frustration of these loved ones of this person and the knowledge that the shooter is going to go free unless there is cooperation.”
You can anonymously report any crimes or give tips that could lead to an arrest by calling Nevada CrimeStoppers. Their number is 702-385-5555.
