Residents of a North Dallas neighborhood said that crime has not diminished in their area, despite the City of Dallas’ reports of crime reduction.
According to NBC 5 News, residents in a group of older apartments along McCallum Boulevard between Hillcrest and Coit roads said that violence has remained prevalent in the neighborhood.
In fact, residents shared a violent crime had just recently occurred there: on March 4, police responded to reports of an active shooter in McCallum after a man was reportedly shot at in broad daylight by a person who ran away.
One resident, Jacob Norris, said that he heard the shots fired.
“I was just walking down the sidewalk; I heard a gunshot,” said Norris.
Police responded to the scene complete with shields and SWAT gear, but the shooter escaped.
Another resident told NBC 5 News that he plans to leave the neighborhood.
Imtiaz Rashid, who lives in one of the area’s complexes, said that in February his car was stolen as he watched. He had left the car unlocked, and says the thieves had observed him before taking advantage of the opportunity.
According to Rashid, his insurance company said the vehicle was recovered but was severely damaged after the thieves took it on a joyride.
“It’s not safe anymore here,” said Rashid, who also complained that a threatening person followed his wife recently. “I don’t know about any other area, but for this area, it’s not safe,” he continued.
In response to such complaints, Dallas City Council member Cara Mendelsohn, who represents the area, released a statement with police leaders saying the City will be working with local landlords to fight crime.
Some of the leaders’ planned collaborations with landlords include fixing security gates and improving lighting in the area.
