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After 10 shootings in five days, GRPD says 'enough is enough'

Wikipedia

  

After multiple shootings in Grand Rapids this past week, city and police officials held a news conference Friday morning to call for an end to the violence, while asking the community’s help in solving the crimes. 

Officials gathered at Joe Taylor Park on Grand Rapids southeast side, the location of the latest incident in the city, as in the past week alone, 10 shootings have been reported in just five days, one of a 10-year-old girl. Grand Rapids Interim Police Chief David Kiddle says, its an increase of 57% in gun violence versus the same time last year, and the violence, has to stop.

“This increase in gun violence will not be tolerated in our city,” Kiddle said. “While we are very concerned by what is happening, I want to assure the people of Grand Rapids that this is still a safe and welcoming community. We are by no means under siege. We are however, going to take swift action to end this serious and unacceptable conduct.”

That swift action means an increase of police presence in the neighborhoods where the shootings have been occurring. But, he says, police can’t do it alone…while he understands that those with information might fear coming forward, the community has a civic duty to help put an end to the violence.

“When innocent children, and neighbors enjoying parks have to experience violence in broad daylight, staying silent with what you know is no longer an option.”

Anyone with information about any of the shootings can do so unanimously by calling the city’s silent observer hotline. The 10 shootings over the past week have left 6 injured, however incredibly, none have resulted in a fatality.

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