By Trend News Line 2024-04-18 04:10:10.
**police Chief Addresses Recent Shootings**
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Salisbury Police Chief P.J. Smith provided an update to the Salisbury City Council regarding the department’s response to the tragic shootings that occurred over the weekend. The incidents claimed the lives of Shaleek Williams, a 26-year-old father of six, and Alyssia Adkins, a 21-year-old nurse and former basketball standout at Mount Airy High School.
**Collaboration with State and Federal Agencies**
Smith mentioned that state and federal agencies, such as the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations and the FBI, have joined forces with the Salisbury Police Department to assist in the investigation. Despite the ongoing nature of the case, Smith assured the council that they have solid leads to pursue.
**Rise in Violent Crime**
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The weekend saw a spike in violent crime in the city, with five shootings into occupied property and multiple reports of gunfire incidents. Smith highlighted the impact of these events on crime statistics, revealing that violent crime rates surged by three percent in just 24 hours.
**Increased Police Presence**
To combat the rise in violent crime, officers have volunteered to extend their shifts to enhance the department’s presence in key areas of concern within the city. Data analytics are being used to identify high-risk locations and times, allowing law enforcement to focus on crime prevention strategies effectively.
**Community Concerns**
During the council meeting, community members expressed their fears and concerns about the recent violence. Resident Keisha Brown shared a harrowing experience of hearing gunshots while visiting a neighbour, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in ensuring safety.
**City Officials’ Response**
Mayor Karen Alexander and City Manager Jim Greene Jr. reiterated the city’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents. They called for unity and support from the community to address the underlying issues contributing to the violence.
**Call for Assistance**
Chief Smith emphasized the need for community involvement in providing information to aid the investigation. Various channels, such as a dedicated phone line, text messaging service, social media platforms, and an online portal, have been established to allow individuals to share information anonymously.
**Community Vigil**
In response to the recent tragedies, Councilmember Anthony Smith announced plans for a community-wide vigil to be held at the intersection of Church and West Innes streets. The vigil aims to bring the community together in solidarity and remembrance.
**Support for the Victims**
The family of Shaleek Williams has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. Those who wish to contribute can find the fundraising page at the provided link.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the weekend’s violence, it is clear that a unified effort from both law enforcement and the community is essential in addressing the root causes of such incidents and ensuring the safety of all residents..
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2. Police chief efforts deadly weekend shootings Salisbury Post.
