Hyde Park Neighbors Tired Of Violence
Officials Reach Out For Help Keeping Crime Out Of Area
POSTED: 4:13 pm CST November 12,
2009
UPDATED: 6:54 pm CST November 12,
2009
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- People who live along one street in the Hyde Park neighborhood said they have heard the sounds of gunfire and police sirens all too often.Now the neighborhood association is reaching out to state and federal officials in the hope of stemming the criminal activity.Just a few days ago, a man was shot in the hallway of an apartment complex near Amour Boulevard and Locust Avenue. Last year another man was killed on the steps of the same apartment complex.Neighbors said the shootings and other late-night activities have created an unsafe environment."How many shooting have there been since you've been here? At least five," said a man who asked not to be identified.The man said he came close to being a victim himself when a bullet went through his bedroom wall."They need to do something," he said. "I have little kids and I'm worried about them getting caught in the gunfire."The Hyde Park Neighborhood Association said it has tried to make improvements. In a letter distributed to residents and businesses, the association's president said the violent activity stems from a particular apartment complex just north of Armour and Locust.Mike Prichett, who lives on the street, said it has become so dangerous he is considering moving.Neighbors said there have been neighborhood meetings with police, City Council members and apartment managers. At one point, the solution was to hire a security guard, but that didn't last long."They hired him and he sat out there for a month, but when he left the violence came back," Prichett said.The president of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association told KCTV5 that they have heard the sounds of violence too often.KCTV5 tried to reach the owner of the apartments, but only received a phone number for a regional manager who was out of town and was unable to respond.
Copyright 2010 by KCTV5.com. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.









