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  • Solutions Sought To Ongoing Violence Save Email Print
    Concerns raised about approaching summer
    Posted: 4:02 PM May 12, 2008
    Last Updated: 8:13 PM May 12, 2008
    Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

    A | A | A

    After a deadly weekend on Omaha streets, police will be working with the FBI on a long-term solution to stemming the violence this summer as they step up their presence in north Omaha where five shootings occurred Saturday and Sunday, leaving two men dead.

    Residents are concerned and worried. Violence tends to peak in hot weather. This could be shaping up to be Omaha's summer of violence.

    The same could've been said for the Fairfax neighborhood 17 years ago, Omaha's first Weed and Seed location at 42nd and Bedford. Delores Smith was there. The attention and increase of police presence here weeded out the criminals and worked to clean up the area.

    "It didn't get really bad until about four years later." Smith says it's back to 1991 levels again. "I just work in my yard a lot and stay in my house." Why? "Because of the random shootings."

    The gangs aren't going away. In fact, earlier in the year, a Channel 6 News investigation found that Omaha police had been adding 30 new gang members a month to its list. Guns play a big part in the crime, but with it, respect, fear and often murder. So far this year in the Northeast Precinct alone, investigators have seized 100 guns.

    "What goes on currently, it’s sad and disappointing that the people have to relate to firearms to solve differences they have with other folks,” says Omaha Police Capt. Alex Hayes.

    A plan to add covert cameras, 12 of them, in certain high crime areas may also help quell the violence this summer and perhaps, permanently. "If you're out doing something wrong, someone might be watching you," says Capt. Hayes.

    Pastor Cedric Perkins of Pilgrim Baptist Church has fought against violence all his life. He has helped organize marches against violence, so this past weekend was a painful reminder of how much work still needs to be done in Omaha.

    "Lot of work for the church community as well as citizens and their neighborhood, the police department, the mayor's office, the news media, everybody has a part to play," says Pastor Perkins.

    Earlier this month, a 7-year-old girl was shot while she slept on a couch at her babysitter's home near 10th and Mason. Some 30-40 shots were fired in the area. A student at King Science was hit by another stray bullet while on the soccer field.

    According to police, Leroy Goodwin pulled a gun and shot Michael Moss in a gas station parking lot at 30th and Ames early Sunday morning. Two off-duty police officers working security witnessed the incident and one, 11-year veteran Jarvis Duncan, shot and killed Goodwin.

    Mother's Day was only a few hours old. "I know he's gone, but he was the type of person, he's just kind of like a follower, he wasn't a leader at all," said Godwin’s mother Betty Coleman.

    More violence followed with the murder of 30-year-old Clenix Martin, shot to death just before 11 p.m. Sunday. Police were called to 16th and Victor where shots had been fired and found Martin. He was rushed to the Nebraska Medical Center, but doctors couldn't save him.

    Sixteen-year-old Lee Phillips was shot in the back Sunday evening. His wound was not serious. His parents say he'll be okay, but they worry the gunman may come back to finish the job. Word is the gunman is only 14 years old.

    Eighteen-year-old Maurice Dixon was also wounded in the back while walking at 24th and Evans early Sunday morning. His injuries are not considered life threatening.

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    Posted by: Anonymous on May 17, 2008 at 12:32 PM
    N Omaha isn't the problem its some of the people in it. Is nobody taking a look at the crime in the other parts of the city? The fact of the matter is we're in a recession and the crime is just going to keep going up. The police can't be everywhere all the time but I can say this maybe instead of worrying about pulling everyone over for doing 5 over the speed limit maybe they should spend a little more time in high crime areas.

    Posted by: b Location: "North O" on May 16, 2008 at 11:07 AM
    Well said Barbara and Lori!!! I wish, if you are in the welfare system, we could put a limit on the number of mouths you supply for us to go to work every day to provide for. Hey people - there are jobs available! Even night shifts if you feel such a need to be out late!!

    Posted by: Barbara Location: Omaha on May 16, 2008 at 09:55 AM
    I am curious - just where do these guys get the money to run around, dress well, cars, other stuff that costs money. From their girlfriends who work, from their mothers, steal, ? Guys that I know work, and are tired enough from this work to stay home at night and rest up for the next day, to earn money for their children. hmmm. I don't know any that have a bunch of children with several mothers, and brag about it.

    Posted by: Lori Location: omaha on May 16, 2008 at 09:34 AM
    It's a proven fact of the animal kingdon - which we as humans belong to, that without a strong male influcence in their lives, to teach them respect, young males of the species will act up and grow into adults athat are aggressive, definant and dangerous to others in their community. Aren't we seeing this proven by all the young men in the news? You only hear sob stories from their mothers and sisters. NEVER the father. Where is the strong male influence in their lives? Apparently not in the home where it needs to be. Women CAN be strong, but children NEED a GOOD male role model - every day.

    Posted by: The Original Cop Location: Omaha on May 15, 2008 at 12:46 PM
    Five more guns just last night. (5-14)

    Posted by: BP Location: COUNCIL BLUFFS on May 15, 2008 at 08:17 AM
    The violence in our cities is a difficult situation to controll. I think its time to treat gangs as they act as terrorist. We need to stop fooling ourselves that its not a war on life. It is and time to move as such. Treat them for what they represent home grown terrorist.

    Posted by: BC Location: Omaha on May 15, 2008 at 05:29 AM
    Slaps on the wrist sure ain't going to take care of the problem. With the way things are going in North O. Maybe we need to pass a law that states the police can hold you indefinatly if you were at the scene of a shooting. Maybe then, people in that part of the city will start remembering what they witnessed and tell the police.

    Posted by: Anonymous Location: Omaha on May 14, 2008 at 02:33 PM
    100 guns off the streets how many, people went to prison long term because of it?

    Posted by: Krissy on May 14, 2008 at 09:58 AM
    *sigh* i guess this is suppose to be a good thing?? IT WONT CHANGE ANYTHING! we might need more officers, but not for what u all think. nothin in omaha is gonna change UNTIL ppl start changin themselves. i honestly think its a good idea (for safety) but a bad idea too. Sarge - i dont think so. i like my rights. sumtimes u have to be out their for sum reason or another. Bill - the mayor is trying! to calm down crime ppl need money. if u dont have money, thats when u have crime. he's tryin to bring money into omaha. good luck fuzz, i doubt it will work

    Posted by: No One Location: Omaha on May 14, 2008 at 12:01 AM
    To Sarge,Cornell and the rest of the BAN EVERYTHING crowd. I'll be go to hell if I'm going to give up my rights because of a certain segment of people who won't or can't obey the law!! We have so many laws on the books right now and most of them are not even enforced. It's not the cops fault. It;s our lazy good for nothing liberal justice system that keeps puting these scumbags back out on the street. They are like mosquitoes. They are a constant pain in the you know what.And what do you do about pests?

    Posted by: Reality Check Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 08:14 PM
    I hate to say it, but I agree with SI, although not eloquently worded, and not a popular thought, it is a viscious cycle. Generations of families on welfare, generations of families being raised only by women, no fathers to be found (aside from running the streets making more babies). What will it take to make people realize they have a CHOICE to live the way they live? I wish I had the answers.

    Posted by: Cornell Booth Location: North Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 07:38 PM
    I hate to say it sarge. but i think you are so right. Never thought i would say this, but people have too much freedom. AND I REALLY BELIEVE THE SAFETY OF CITIZENS IS A LOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE PEOPLE'S RIGHTS TO CARRY WEAPONS. And i am a you black man living on the northside. (Just in case someone wanted to assume anything)

    Posted by: MIKE Location: ??? on May 13, 2008 at 07:31 PM
    TO MS. J. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE KIDS, THEN STOP HAVING THEM. WHY SHOULD MY TAX DOLLARS BE USED TO HELP YOU SUPPORT YOUR KIDS. AS TO LIVING IN THE PROJECTS, HOW ABOUT LEARNING BIRTH CONTROL, QUIT HAVIMG SO MANY KIDS, THEN MAYBE YOU CAN MOVE OUT OF THE "PROJECTS" THE PROBLEM IS WE KEEP MAKING BABIES THAT THE PARENT NEITHER WANTS OR CAN AFFORD, AND EXPECT EVERYONE ELSE TO PAY FOR THEM LEARN BIRTH CONTROL, YOU WON'T HAVE SO MANY MOUTHS TO FEED, FEWER BODIES TO CONTROL, THEN LEARN TO PARENT AND CONTROL THE FEWER YOU HAVE.

    Posted by: Patrick Location: United States on May 13, 2008 at 07:05 PM
    Possible SOLUTION(s) to VIOLENCE that has so much hurt & killed part of Omaha. There is Jesus's Holy Gospel Words According to St. Matthew born-again precepts & teachings Solution; & then there is the Secular Civil minded non-christian governmental letter of the Law principled abiding Solution. #1. VIOLENCE will only really end if a violent offender will listen to, believe & obey a Godly enough Christian's Command to Repent of their VIOLENCE[Be Sorry enough] & then stop sinning by doing right. Telling that kind of person to Repent can end your life. Violence means `evil thinking. Evil people think- Kill! Too many have died trying to get people to Repent though that is EXACTLY what they/we all need to do. #2. Prevent by Police Action = Ticket/Fine/Arrest with criminal charges in hopes incarceration & lack of freedom will cause an amending of Violent ways. Basically, Christians must persuade the VIOLENT to obey Jesus's commandment(s). You're not a preacher or Police? Watch & Pray!

    Posted by: The Original Cop Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 06:38 PM
    To Disgusted- Once again someone spouting off opinions without knowing anything. The State Patrol, Douglas County sheriff's office, and officers from other precincts as well as K-9 and the traffic units have ran several operations up here in the northeast precinct in recent months, with several more planned. Will you people stop falling prey to the myth that we aren't doing anything up here. There were so many cops up here last night you coudn't throw a rock without hitting a police cruiser. P.S.- Not a good idea to throw rocks at a police cruiser. P.S.S- None of the officers workin these extra patrols is anywhere near retirement or spiking their pensions. ;0)

    Posted by: Bardy Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 05:58 PM
    Even the Guardian Angels appear to have bailed out. Looks like what is happening here in Omaha is worse than New York City. That ain't good !

    Posted by: Sarge Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 05:48 PM
    Well said SI. You have pegged the problem perfectly.

    Posted by: Sarge Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 03:58 PM
    Martial law is the answer. Just like any other out of control place on earth, this situation needs a harsh response. Declare martial law. Enforce curfews. Off the streets by a certain time or go to jail. There is no need to hanging with your buds on the streets at 230am. North Omaha has become a war zone and should be treated as such. Patrol the streets 24/7 with armored vehicles. Send the word to the gangsters and thugs that the streets are not safe for them anymore so they will stay in their homes watching TV and thinking about their evil ways. Its time to take back our city from these low life scumbags. Declare all out war against all the gangs and run their rear ends out of town no matter what part of the city the are in. These people have no civil rights and need to be smashed !

    Posted by: Bill Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 03:00 PM
    To: Find Another Article: No, I wont leave the stadium out of this. Fix the crime problem and then build the stadium. The Mayor and the city council seem blind to the crime problem! Let's fix what is wrong with Omaha first. Do you want Omaha to be known for its high crime rate? I don't. You must be a "pro stadium person". Build it at any expense to the taxpayers. Do you live in Omaha? The reason I question this is that a good majority of the "pro stadium people" don't even live in the city.

    Posted by: SI Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 02:56 PM
    I am so tired of hearing about how the enviornment holds North O back ... they have the same opportunities as the rest of the city ... including a solid public education ... where they should be able to learn, graduate, and become a law abiding citizen of the city of Omaha ... they choose to keep their environment alive and well - just shoot and have another baby you can't afford nor take care of. You are the only ones that can change the cycle ... we've given you the tools - it is very obvious you don't want to change.

    Posted by: don Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 02:42 PM
    My take on this is that since the community leaders and the police are completely incompetent with regards to this and have absolutly no idea what to do, they want to bring in the FBI. That way they can claim that they are doing something. Unfortunatly, for the citizens of Omaha it's all just a shell game.

    Posted by: The Original Cop Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 02:12 PM
    Seriously why do people insist on trying to put themselves as being me. The comments posted by "Original Cop" at 10:26pm on May 12th and 8:10 am on May 13th are not mine. It's nice to have people aspire to my brilliance ;0), but seriously, you have an opinion then by all means type it up, but don't pretend to be me. I'm one of a kind and will point out the truth every time.

    Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 02:12 PM
    To all wh yare we segregating ourselves. Crime is happening in Omaha period. More so in northeast Omaha but still in Omaha. When crime happens in the western part of the city people on here always have a way pf saying that it was probably someone from north Omaha. which is not the case. If we can get past the fact that crime is present wherever we may reside than we can start working on the big problem. I myself live in north omaha which is the florence area and I have not heard of anything happening this way besides when my dear cousin was mudered in a random act of violence, but like i say let us stop pointing fingers like second graders and be adults and help take care of this problem I love my city and will do anything to help but I refuse to let fingers be pointed We have all dodo wrong at some point in our lives we are no different than anybody else words are words they do not matter unless something is being done to back up those words.

    Posted by: Disgusted Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 02:12 PM
    Why has Omaha police not requested help from other police departments? Isn't the Douglas County Sheriff and the Ne State Police able to give some added extra police officers? Nooooo! Omaha police call the Feds for help! What is needed for reactive response and more police bodies; is more uniform presence!! Don't be afraid to ask for more police help Omaha PD.

    Posted by: Pat Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 01:55 PM
    I really think that the city if Omaha should use our tax money to get the extra help to stop all this violence, instead of trying to decide where to put a baseball field, or where a person can and cannot smoke a cigarette. I think the city of Omaha should get there priorities straight.

    Posted by: Ms.J Location: North O on May 13, 2008 at 01:09 PM
    Wow I'm shocked by some of things being said today. I know all about living in NorthO because that's where I have lived my whole life and I just want it to be known that I do work 2 jobs and attend college I also have 2 children and welfare helps me get by.And I don't think it fair to stereo type one area of town just because somebody don't know how to control themselves. I'm sure these peoples parents did they best they could to provide for there children but,some people are just a product of there envoirnment I mean why do think they call it THE PROJECTS

    Posted by: Cornell Booth on May 13, 2008 at 01:06 PM
    Its the end of the world, what do you expect? Best thing to is to try and help out where you can(your own kids), And stick to your loved ones. Cause you never know when he's coming.

    Posted by: Midlander Location: Metro on May 13, 2008 at 12:32 PM
    Police do NOT deter crime, they react to it. What an embarrassment to involve the FBI! This is NOT a Federal issue, it's a LOCAL one! Child criminals are STILL criminals! I'm not saying that they should be put in with adults, but they should be just as locked up when they commit violent crimes & their record should NOT be erased & then released when they reach 18. They should graduate to adult prison if they have time remaining on their sentence. They need to know that they will be punished to the FULL extent of the law. REPEAL Nebraska's concealed weapon law. Law abiding citizens need to be protected! Get the gangs, guns & drugs off of our streets! STOP ALL criminal activity including identity thieving illegal immigrants! The condition of North Omaha is NOT the government's fault! It is the people who live there! I lived there 30 years ago & folks had more respect for themselves & others then they do now. There were problems, just not as bad. It's not about location or skin color.

    Posted by: To Bill and Dave Location: Find Another Article on May 13, 2008 at 12:09 PM
    Can we PLEASE leave the stadium out of this. You guys are quite pathetic, to the point of being doltish...

    Posted by: Unknown Guy Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 10:41 AM
    When will the citizens of Omaha realize that, "it don't matter how many cops they patrol around, if they don't do anything!" I work in North Omaha, and see all kinds of suspicious things going on, probably drug realated I'm sure. But the cops just drive around and only bother to do something if there is a accident, or gun fire...because then they might get to use their gun!! I have also lived in different cities before and have never seen such a "Trigger Happy!!" group of cops, then the "Old Boy" attitude kicks in of it was justified. So here's a thought, let hire a police chief from a CLEAN city and let he/she rattle some skulls around here. We are a spec on the map and have more gun realated crimes than more larger cities.

    Posted by: Reality Check Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 09:48 AM
    Original cop - if you are a cop you know that the FBI deals with much more than fraud (and by the way - Secret Service investigates mail fraud too). Your comment was a bunch a words and you said nothing. Why bother posting?

    Posted by: Reality Check Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 09:45 AM
    My God, people, you act like Omaha has widespread big-city crime problems, like Chicago. Weren't there 30 murders there in one weekend a couple of weeks ago? Stop treating Omaha like it's one of the big dogs. "Call the National Guard?" RIDICULOUS. And yes, we do have a crime problem, and I think calling in the FBI w/the added police presence is a good thing. All of you West Omaha yuppies need to just go get some more Starbucks, chill out, and keep to your side of town. That's what you do anyway these days.

    Posted by: NorfO Location: O on May 13, 2008 at 09:29 AM
    Wanna end the violence? Hide their bullets under their work shoes.

    Posted by: Vince Location: Gretna on May 13, 2008 at 08:55 AM
    Just leave that part of Omaha and move out west, you can't help people that don't want the help. Most of the kid's parents that are charged with these acts act like it's the governments fault for keeping poor North Omaha a slum.

    Posted by: 13C Location: WestO on May 13, 2008 at 08:41 AM
    Welcome back to the frontier. Our modern way of life has brought us back to the wild west. How did they deal with it back then?? They used rope. End of problem. Now they have parole. You figure it out.

    Posted by: k Location: omaha on May 13, 2008 at 08:25 AM
    what happened to the Guadian Angels organization that came to omaha to help put an end to crime. did they give up and leave. thought they said they were so good at stopping crime.

    Posted by: Original Cop is right on May 13, 2008 at 08:10 AM
    You can't help those that don't want to be helped. I think most of these people have given up on life, and are content with laying around, collecting government handouts, and dodging bullets. Beats working for a living, I guess. It's a shame, there are some good people that live in North Omaha, and have no way of getting out.

    Posted by: W Location: midtown on May 13, 2008 at 07:58 AM
    Guns don't give respect, fear yes but not respect. Any offense involving a gun should have a SEVERE penalty. Remember this when you vote. I am a liberal but will be voting for those that stress law enforcement. When the parents can't or won't control their children then society must. Remember "in order to create a more perfect union".

    Posted by: City of Angels on May 13, 2008 at 07:41 AM
    What ever happened to the people who came from New York and other parts of the country? I believe they were individuals who would deter the crime by walking in some of the most high crime areas to at least attempt to stop the violence. I think they were called guardian angels. Havent heard anything from them since. Maybe the crime was too much for the guardian angels to handle...

    Posted by: Here Location: Look Around on May 13, 2008 at 06:38 AM
    I can say the Police Dept. does a great job. For the people that sit and complain about the job the Police are doing, get off your duff and join the police dept. to help in cleaning up on the street. OPD can't be everywhere at on time. Nor can you. Time to drop the subject on the STADIUM TOO.. It is done and will move on. Make a difference and join the POLICE DEPT.

    Posted by: Ed Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 06:19 AM
    Do like they they are doing with the cats in Randolph,Iowa. When they are arrested,have them spayed or nuetered and then release them. It might take awhile, but the problem will eventually go away

    Posted by: OH NO! Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 05:43 AM
    I know, the FBI can come in and gas everyone in North O.Then burn it to the ground.Then FBI snipers can shoot innocent mothers while they hold their babies. Maybe that will stop the crime in North O. I think our OPD is doing just fine. Just let them enforce the law! The FED's will only screw things up like they always do and then get promotions for a job well done.

    Posted by: Tom Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 05:21 AM
    to Dan: Did someone steal your cookies and milk? You need some therapy. As for the violence we'll never get rid of it. Might as well live with it as long as people have that narrow minded thought of getting even with someone. We could take all the guns off the streets and people would find something else to kill someone else with as for say a knife, car, bat, etc. Were a species that has killed for thousands of years and will keep killing each other for thousands of more years.

    Posted by: Bill Location: Omaha on May 13, 2008 at 04:42 AM
    The Mayor and the members of the City Council are ignoring the crime problem. It has gone way out of control. If I was the NCAA, I would think twice about having the CWS in Omaha until the crime rate is cut in half. Shootings is all you see about on the news, or the Mayor's gloating over a 25 year deal with the NCAA. If the crime rate doesn't drop, he won't have to worry about the NCAA and the CWS coming to town. Clean up your back yard before you invite others into it Mayor. The money that would be spent on a new stadium, would be better spent on making Omaha a safer place to live in.

    Posted by: ryan Location: omaha on May 13, 2008 at 02:04 AM
    get rid of welfare!

    Posted by: Original Cop Location: Omaha on May 12, 2008 at 10:26 PM
    Who needs the FBI? The FBI deals in fraud cases within your mail. In my OPD precinct we deal with the real crime on the street. Mostly they involve violent crimes. When was the last time you went to your mail box and expected to be strong-armed? Good luck with the FBI. Maybe John Walsh can help them out.

    Posted by: Dan Location: Omaha on May 12, 2008 at 09:58 PM
    Kill them all. I want the police to kill all the bad people. Lock and load OPD and kill all of them.

    Posted by: Dave Location: Omahome on May 12, 2008 at 08:20 PM
    I thought we already had a solution to the ongoing violence - like ignoring it and spending the money on a baseball stadium???

    Posted by: B Location: Omaha on May 12, 2008 at 07:02 PM
    Things will not change until people start taking responsiblity for their actions. Parents - it is your responsiblity to raise your children, not just reproduce. You need to know where they are at all times. Teach them right from wrong. Teach them to resolve differences without resorting to violence. Teach them to respect others and themselves. Teach them the value of human life (their own and others). Tell them you love them. If you are not up to the job then KEEP YOUR PANTS ZIPPED.

    Posted by: citizen on May 12, 2008 at 05:41 PM
    It is good to get a law enforcement agency involved that will actually do something. But I wonder how long before the FBI gets tired of OPD and moves on.

    Posted by: The Original Cop Location: Omaha on May 12, 2008 at 05:41 PM
    "Word is the gunman is only 14 years old"- Funny nobody gave us that word last night. The story was they don't know who did it, they didn't see anything. You can't help those that don't want to be helped.

    Posted by: Me Location: Here on May 12, 2008 at 05:31 PM
    Who are we kidding. Authorities are not going to stop this violence-Everyday citizens are going to have to take the law into their own hands..Great job Mayor Fahey. I think it's time to call the National Guard!

    Posted by: Yay! Location: West Omaha on May 12, 2008 at 05:29 PM
    More money the public schools won't see.

    Posted by: Mrs.Q Location: Florence on May 12, 2008 at 04:42 PM
    This town has really gone to hell in a handbag.

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