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Houma police officers are hoping video of a man with a gun in Mechanicville may help them to halt an epidemic of shots being fired in the east Houma neighborhood, a problem that has been on the increase for most of the month of June, and which has placed residents at risk and in fear.
“Over the past few weeks the Houma Police Department has experienced an increase in “shots fired” complaints within the Mechanicville area,” said Chief of Police Dana Coleman. “Upon reviewing the complaints, investigators noticed citizens within the community has reported various suspects firing weapons during random times.”
(Click here to see a video captured by police).
A site of sporadic violence over the past year or more – as well as before that – the gunplay is having a chilling effect.
“I try not to be out in the afternoon,” said a middle-aged woman who lives on Truman Street. “I have one bullet that went in my house, with my grand-daughter there.”
The woman’s grand-daughter is 4-years-old
“She knows to get down,” said the grandmother, who agreed to speak if not identified, fearing retribution.
“They are coming from St. Joseph Street, they are coming in all directions, she said.
Other residents have similar stories. They believe the gunplay may involve people who are friends, but have disagreements, and fire their guns to intimidate.
“It’s one friend gets made at another or another and they don’t care,” one resident said.
Coleman said his department is seeking assistance from the community, and is hoping residents will share information they might have about who is involved. Wednesday night, officers secured surveillance footage of a suspect wearing dark-colored clothing near the intersection of East and Payne streets “pulling a weapon from his pocket firing at a burgundy car.”
Coleman additional surveillance footage was obtained “of a burgundy vehicle leaving the area and it appeared that the rear window was shot, as well as a tire on the vehicle.”
The chief shared a video clip which appears on houmatimes.com with a link above in this story.
In addition to calling 911 if shots are fired and an emergency exists, residents are encouraged to call Bayou Region Crimestoppers with information, at 1-800-743-7433 or texting GIVEATIP plus a message to 274637.
Tips can also be submitted using the Tip Submit Mobile application or online at www.crimestoppersbr.org.
“Tipsters will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash if the information given leads to an arrest,” Coleman said.
Senior Staff Writer
