DETROIT – There are concerns about the growing number of children being shot in Detroit, and compared to this time last year, the stats are trending upward, according to police.
On Friday, a 17-year-old became the latest victim in a deadly shooting on the city’s east side.
The teen was shot several times near Eastwood Street and Gratiot Avenue at around 4 p.m. on Aug. 15. He was taken to the hospital, but later died from his injuries.
People who live in the area say enough is enough.
“It’s just depressing, in all honesty, ‘cause they got a whole life ahead of them that basically just got taken away for, I don’t know what happened over there, but I’m guessing it was for no reason,” one neighbor said.
Since late June, more than a dozen teens and kids have been shot in Detroit, sparking increased concern from community members and law enforcement alike.
Detroit Police Department data shows a 33% increase in young victims of gun violence compared to the same period last year. Additionally, instances of young people under 17 caught with guns are up nearly 20%.
The Detroit Police Department has intensified its efforts to combat youth gun violence through increased patrols in high-risk areas and targeted enforcement actions.
Residents say ending senseless gun violence takes a village.
“I think we need the parents more on the kids, ‘cause when we were growing up, we had parents on us, and we had our parents stay on us. At 9 p.m., we had to be on the porch, so we have to get more parents involved,” one neighbor said.