A neighborhood in Dallas is on high alert, after a recent series of violent crimes and now residents and local leaders are demanding a change as police try to get control of this growing problem.
The area centers around about a one mile radius near Second and Metropolitan avenues.
There have been three shootings in the last two weeks alone, plus nearly a dozen violent crimes including assaults and robberies, in the last eight weeks.
Less than 24 hours after the most recent shooting, Dallas police officers saturated the area, both patrolling and by foot.
The patrols are a directive from the Dallas police chief after the rash of shootings.
"Bullets don't have no name on them," said longtime resident Shana Smith.
She said she doesn't even visit TMA, a local convenience store where some of the shootings have occurred because it's too dangerous.
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"I don't come to this store no more," Smith said. "Because you're afraid your going to get shot?" Yes, shot by a stray bullet," she said.
Sadly, it's a reality for a little girl last week who was shot and wounded in a drive-by.
Police said she was an unintended target and that the shooter remains on the loose.
"What's going on now saddens me. This saddens me and nobody is walking around talking about a baby, a 6-year-old got shot in the chest," said Dominique Alexander of The Next Generation Action Network.
"It's heartbreaking and unnecessary violence and it's just sad to see it happening over and over," said resident Donella Moran.
Her friend, Demarcus Washington, was shot and killed over the weekend in South Dallas.
She said the accomplished R&B singer was an inspiration in an otherwise plagued neighborhood.
His killer is still out there as police do all they can to quell fears.
"They're patrolling and doing all they can, but at some point it's up to the community to get in and do their part, as well. The police can't do it by themselves," Moran said.
The Next Generation Action Network will be holding a press conference at the TMA market Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
They will also hold a rally calling for peace Wednesday night.
