Edinburg Police Increase Patrols after Gunfire in Neighborhood
EDINBURG – Edinburg police are patrolling a community after a family demanded their presence when dozens of gunshots were fired in their neighborhood.
The area is located near Nowell and Doolittle.
“My wife told me in the morning that there was like several gunshots and one hit the house,” the homeowner said. “So I came back inside and saw 45 casings of a handgun of a bullet on the sofa. It went through the wall.”
It was the wall to his 9-month-old baby’s room.
The homeowner wanted to conceal his identity. He said he’s afraid whoever fired the gunshots near his home could return.
But he said gunfire is starting to become the norm.
“It changes throughout the years. The neighborhood changes,” he said.
He said he feels his community is forgotten.
“People just make reports and they don’t come back,” he said.
Lt. Oscar Trevino with the Edinburg Police Department said they have increased patrols in the area where the shots were fired. He said they plan on placing a command post unit in that area to make their presence known.
The change will allow various officers to patrol the streets. The command post will also allow people to walk up and discuss any concerns they may have about the community.
“There’s gotta be somebody patrolling, every weekend at least,” the man said.
Trevino said he urges people to contact the department to voice any concerns. He added all reports remain anonymous.
He said they are investigating the shots fired in the neighborhood.
Anyone with information can contact Edinburg Crime Stoppers at (956) 383-TIPS.
Trevino said it’s illegal to discharge a firearm within city limits in a public place or across a public roadway.
If could run from a Class C misdemeanor, a fine of not more than $500 or up to a Class B misdemeanor not more than 180 days in a county jail and/or a fine of not more than $2,000.
Trevino said if a person shoots towards the direction of a residence, building or vehicle it is considered a felony.