Chicago Police Stage "Intervention" In Violence-Plagued Roseland
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Instead of a call from neighbors to end the violence, there was a call from Chicago police in Roseland, as officers were out in force Wednesday night, hoping neighbors will join efforts with police on the streets.
Police pleaded with residents to help. Calumet District Cmdr. Kevin Johnson said police do not want to see another person shot in Roseland. Police described Wednesday's effort as an "intervention."
On the 11500 block of South Stewart Avenue in the Roseland neighborhood, police officers were asking for the community's help after several shootings on the block this month.
"We're afraid to let the children out by themselves, because there's so much going on. You never know," Carolina Edmond said.
The latest victim was at 59-year-old man critically wounded in a drive-by on Monday. He was not the intended target.
"We have to stop getting used to this as business as usual," one woman said.
Cars backed up in the neighborhood as police blocked streets and talked to drivers, passing out flyers. They also canvassed the block, rallying residents to partner with them.
"I think it's for show," one dubious neighbor said.
Edmond also seemed hesitant to say the effort would help.
"I don't know just this would help to curb the violence," she said.
The police efforts in Roseland come as Chicago police announced 150 sworn officers will be moved from desk job back into Chicago's neighborhoods ahead of the 4th of July weekend. Those officers were being placed in all districts in the city, including the Roseland area.
"The people know that they're here. They ride through the community constantly; down the alleys, the wrong way down the streets at night without their lights on, you know, but it's not having any affect," Roseland resident Jerry Brown said.
Police said the neighborhood has seen a 40 percent increase in shootings compared to this time last year.
