The Detroit Press
05/07/12 George Hunter
“Crime fears rattle fed-up resident”
Detroit— In an apartment complex named for a man who stood
for peace and freedom, residents say rampant violence has made them prisoners
in their own homes.
The Martin Luther King Apartments on Lafayette near Chene,
less than a mile from downtown, is a sprawling 481-unit compound that's been
taken over by drug dealers and other criminals, residents say.
"We're the forgotten people of Detroit," said
Sharonda Hawkins, 48, whose husband, Brandon Johnson, was gunned down in
August, a few doors down from her apartment. Faded bloodstains, which Hawkins
said won't wash away, still mar the doorway where the murder took place.
Detroit Police Deputy Chief Benjamin Lee said police are
aware of the crime problem at the apartment complex, and are "doing some
things" to address it, although he declined to be specific about tactics.
An official with Independent Management Services, the Fenton-based company that
owns the apartments, declined to comment.
Hawkins, who has attended recent meetings of the Board of
Police Commissioners to complain, said residents are skeptical of promises from
police.
"Like many Detroiters, Ms. Hawkins is fed up, and has
become active in trying to seek a solution," White said. "That's what
needs to happen; occupying a neighborhood with officers isn't going to solve
the problem. Residents and police working together is the solution."
Lee said police recently arrested suspects they believed
were responsible for several break-ins in the complex, only to find residents
reluctant to cooperate.
"The problem is, nobody wanted to press charges,"
he said. "It's frustrating."
"Nobody wants to say anything because they're afraid of
what these (criminals) will do to them," she said. "It's worse now
than it ever was. It was bad when I moved in, but now, it's just
terrible."
Common Senses Review
When I write about Detroit I talk about the corruption of
the city officials but this is unacceptable.
People, American People don’t deserve to live in fear of death due to
the lack of security for their safety due to where they live.
This woman’s husband was killed in front of their apartment
and 9 months later she is still fighting with the police to secure the
complex. This is what happens to good
people in a town with no leadership.
What about the elderly? Being poor doesn’t mean you have to live in
crime filled neighborhood.
Would you accept living in these conditions?
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