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Chandler residents discuss safety concerns following recent shootings in neighborhood
A neighborhood dispute in a Chandler neighborhood is at the center of a community meeting following FOX 10's coverage of alleged targeted gunfire last week. FOX 10's Megan Spector learns why some neighbors feel their safety concerns were ignored.
CHANDLER, Ariz. - Residents in a Chandler neighborhood are speaking out about a pattern of violence and property damage that has prompted city officials to organize a public meeting.
The backstory:
Home surveillance videos have captured someone running by and shooting at car windows on North Delaware Street. The Chandler Police Department said there have been hundreds of service calls on the street in the past few years.
Chandler neighborhood dispute escalates into alleged recurring, targeted gunfire
A seven-year neighborhood dispute in Chandler has escalated into targeted gunfire and property damage, involving multiple residents on North Delaware Street.
On April 21, Chandler police said they had been trying to navigate this dispute for years, amping up patrols and collecting statements and video.
"Well it’s one thing to prove that a shooting occurred. But it’s another thing to prove who committed that shooting," said Chandler Police Media Manager Ryan Cody. "The plan is to continue increasing patrols to enforce code, parking violations, as well as look into all calls for service."
What we know:
The meeting on April 27 was a chance for neighbors to talk to city leaders, law enforcement, and other community members about their concerns. While changes were announced, some neighbors say more needs to be done.
"The City of Chandler is going to be looking into a new pilot program that will allow us to set up cameras so that we will be able to use the data that we collect to do additional traffic study, to help us conduct surveys for how many vehicles are entering neighborhoods, and any speeding situations that are happening," Priscilla Quintana, the City of Chandler Neighborhood Programs Manager said.
What they're saying:
"This has become the norm. Sadly, since it's happened six times, it has become the norm. It shouldn't be," Ruth Maya, who lives on the street said.
Maya attended the meeting in hopes that law enforcement would pay more attention to the neighborhood and her concerns. She said that she has made more than 50 complaints to the police department.
"After six or seven years I think it’s enough," Maya said. "I think they need to feel the pressure and look at the big picture. And say hey, these people are concerned. I mean I think police are supposed to protect us. If you go look at what the problem is, then you will know. Because everybody that has passed by there — they say hat is this,' and it’s not ok."
The situation remains a dispute where some neighbors are pointing fingers at one home, while those residents deny being involved.
"At first I started seeing them patrol frequently and then it stopped. And then that’s when the action starts again. That’s when the shouting started happening. That’s when the blocking my back gate started happening or blocking part of my driveway."
What's next:
Maya fears the new pilot program is not enough.
"We’re not fighting over parking,' she said. "We’re fighting over, just why isn’t the city enforcing their own laws?"
Chandler Police did not provide an additional comment regarding the meeting. FOX 10 reached out to the city's program manager over Maya's concerns, but were told they were unable to discuss the matter.
Map of the neighborhood.
The Source: This information was gathered from the April 27 meeting and previous FOX 10 reports.