Increased police patrols coming to Third Ward after shooting caught on camera: ‘It’s not surprising’

In Houston, Texas, increased patrols are set to hit the streets of the Third Ward neighborhood following a recent incident where a homeowner’s camera captured numerous gunshots being fired. This alarming event, which occurred at the intersection of Arbor and Emancipation, has spurred concerns about safety in the area.

Residents like Jimmy Swayn, who owns a nearby food truck, expressed frustration at the frequency of such incidents, describing them as distressingly common occurrences in their community. Despite the presence of law enforcement, many feel a sense of vulnerability and believe more proactive measures are needed to address the issue.

In response to these concerns, Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner announced plans to deploy additional officers, including himself, to patrol the neighborhood. This proactive approach has been welcomed by community leaders like MacGregor Super Neighborhood President Tomaro Bell, who find comfort in knowing that law enforcement is taking action to address the situation.

An analysis of crime data conducted by 13 Investigates reveals a pattern of criminal activity in the Third Ward neighborhood, with theft, assault, vandalism, drug-related charges, and burglary being among the top reported crimes. While there has been a slight decrease in the number of assaults in recent years, concerns persist, particularly regarding nightlife-related disturbances that could escalate into more serious incidents.

Local residents attribute some of the neighborhood’s challenges to nearby bars and clubs, which they believe contribute to increased criminal activity. Efforts to enhance public safety include plans to install cameras and lighting in the area, as discussed during a recent public safety meeting attended by Councilwoman Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and other city officials.

Evans-Shabazz emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing crime and creating a safer environment for all residents. Concrete steps are being taken to improve safety, including the allocation of funds for the purchase of security cameras and collaborative efforts with city departments to assess and address infrastructure needs.

As the community works together to combat crime and enhance safety measures, residents remain hopeful that these initiatives will contribute to a safer and more secure neighborhood environment.