Crime in Chatham

From side 2 of a flyer from the Greater Chatham Alliance

CONCERNED ABOUT CHATHAM?

It’s our neighborhood and it takes YOU to make a difference!

WE’RE UNDER SEIGE! SPEAK UP!

In the last week, we have witnessed something that has never happened in our area: a DRIVE BY SHOOTING. It occurred at 82nd and Wabash on Tuesday, April 7 at 4 p.m. Two(2) men, using automatic pistols, jumped out of a white car and start shooting at three (3) teens who were walking east on 82nd Street.

About two weeks ago, another shooting occurred at 80th and Wabash. This shoot-out took place between two pedestrians walking. Then a week ago at 84th and Prairie, a person was held up in front of St. Clotilde. Not to mention, a neighbor, several weeks ago, was held up at 85th and Prairie. Plus another gun robbery situation occurred at 85th and Indiana.

This past Friday, April 10th at the 83rd & State Street Barber Shop, a criminal actually followed a client in the shop and attempted to rob him between 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fortunately, no one was hurt or killed at any of these incidents. But what about the next time? The next time it could be you, me, a family member, or a friend. What if someone saw this attack, and withheld information critical to an investigation out of fear? How would you feel?

This may sound crazy, but in one of these instances, it actually happened. You can’t blame the police when this happens!

Gangs, drugs, thugs, litter, and any other social ill can not, in of themselves, destroy a neighborhood without the human element of fear. When we are afraid to react to any social ill we become part of the problem. We have a responsibility, in fact, an obligation to our neighbors, and our community to inform authorities when you have information vital to an investigation.

As the summer season approaches, the police have told us that we will be exposed to more incidents because of the economy. Our seniors and retirees especially have to be vigilant. You are the eyes of this community. If you are concerned about being a witness, you can relate the information anonymously to the Police. Or you can call me and I will do it for you. We can’t let the thugsand predators take over Chatham!

That’s why we need your support! We need you to become a member even if you can’t attend each meeting! We need to raise member funds to organize, inform and rally together to resolve our problems.

Carl Lewis
President
GCA President
Next meeting for Greater Chatham Alliance is Saturday, April 18
11 am- 12:30 pm.
St. James Lutheran Church
8 0 0 0 S . M i c h i g a n