Following the 19th homicide this year already, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne is demanding that the violence come to an end.
A frustrated Payne spoke out publicly on Wednesday, after police officers responded around 2:15 p.m. to a shooting incident that left one person dead. The deceased – a 23-year-old male from Grand Rapids – was found in the parking lot at 1012 Wealthy St. SE.
“This senseless killing on our streets must stop,” Chief Payne said.
According to a press release from the GRPD, the suspect called the Department and turned himself in without incident. The homicide remains under investigation.
The city had a total of 18 homicides last year.
“We have now surpassed the 2019 total, and we’re only halfway through the year,” Payne said. “This is upsetting to me. Everyone should be upset by this. There is no reason for it. This community deserves better, and we can do better by working together.”
