Officers Say Charleston Violence Probably Not Random
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Posted: 8:42 PM Jul 9, 2009
Officers Say Charleston Violence Probably Not Random
After two shootings in less than 24 hours Authorities in Charleston are trying to reassure the public that these acts of violence are probably not random.
Reporter: Amanda Barren
Email Address: amanda.barren@wsaz.com
width:320 and height: 240 and picwidth: 213 and pciheight: 159
Font Size:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- After two shootings in less than 24 hours Authorities in Charleston are trying to reassure the public that these acts of violence are probably not random.

“These crimes that have occurred they are not random at all, the victims have some kind of relationships with the suspects,” said Major Jason Beckett with Charleston Police.

Christopher Summers was shot in an alley on Grant Street early Thursday morning.

“A lot of times the victims of shootings, violence, they are involved with high risk activities anyway. So it’s almost like they just up their chances of something happening,” said Major Beckett.

Summers has been on the other side of the law before, he was booked for breaking into cars.

Antonio Jefferies was also just let out of jail- he was shot Wednesday on Clay Avenue.

“As far as your average citizen walking around, I don’t think they have a lot to fear,” Major Beckett said.

Officers also say to trust your gut, if something doesn’t look or feel right, go inside and call them.

“We need the calls- we are making a lot of drug arrests- which a lot of these shootings revolve around, but there are still a lot of people dealing drugs we can use the citizen’s help,” said Metro Drug Unit Lieutenant A.C. Napier.

Both officers say there are just areas where this crime happens more frequently, because there are pockets of drug activity.

They also say cleaning up the streets is going to require residents changing their mentality towards reporting crimes.

Earlier this week police and community leaders worked to spread that message when they kicked off a campaign titled, “It’s not about snitching, it’s about doing the right thing.”

[ Copyright 2010 – WSAZ.com. All Rights Reserved. ]
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Severe Weather and Breaking News Coverage

To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail news@wsaz.com

Latest Comments

Posted by: Here we go on Jul 10, 2009 at 12:51 PM

Someone already blamed this on guns, unbelievable! It's not the gun but the person behind it. The help law enforcement needs is from the courts. They let them out as fast as they come in. These people are like termites eating away at the foundation, let it go, and there will be nothing left. Haven't these people heard of the word "job"? Oh no, it's easier live off of the hard working people.
Posted by: curt on Jul 10, 2009 at 12:32 PM

From what I've read on the comments of the newspaper articles about these shootings is that the police have been fully aware of the drug dealings. Have been notified on various occasions, but have refused to follow up on them.
Posted by: anonymous on Jul 10, 2009 at 12:03 AM

Law Enforcement needs HELP! People need to report any drug activities or violent crimes against their,family, friends or anyone they know, in old or new cases so they police can do their jobs. This would be a start in solving some of the past crime cases on inocent children and teens in West Virginia towns. If the people don't contact the FBI or Law Enforcement like they are asking the people to do,then violent crimes and shootings will continue to keep getting worse. Just type in on your computers contacting the FBI, or the West Virginia STATE POLICE,SHERIFFS DEPT., or CITY POLICE,in your town, and get the phone numbers, then make the call about any old or new crimes that you know of. Or tell Some-One you can TRUST to Report Crime for you! It could be your family member or friend next that is shot, killed, robbed, raped, drugged or violently injured! Please Post Comments!
More Stories
$250,000,000
Go to our mobile site | Make this your homepage (IE)
Live Feed Now on the Always On Channel

Local Events

Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
WSAZ Digital Business Search
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Click here to send us your pictures and video pix@wsaz.com
WSAZ.com Most Popular / Most Comments
CNN.com News Headlines
WSAZ.com Sponsor Sections & Links
SOMC-Very good things are happening here SOMC
Very good things are happening here. Click here to learn more
Click here for closing and delays
Click here for school closings and delays
West Virginia Lottery nightly @ 6:59pm on WSAZ click here for numbers and drawings
Watch the Lottery Live Monday - Saturday @ 6:59pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3. Need to check your numbers? Click here.
Ohio Lottery
Watch the Ohio Lottery Drawings weeknights @ 7:29pm and Cash Explosion Saturday @ 7:30pm on WSAZ NewsChannel 3.
WSAZ Children's Charitable Foundation
Click here to donate and help WSAZ help children at risk in our region. Thank you.
Making Moms LIfe Easier - with Diane Dimoff
Click here to see how our partners are making Moms and women's lives easier.
First Warning Hour-By-Hour Forecasts
+ Ashland, KY
+ Athens, OH
+ Beckley, WV
+ Charleston, WV
+ Clarksburg, WV
+ Clay, WV
+ Gallipolis, OH
+ Huntington, WV
+ Ironton, OH
+ Logan, WV
+ Morgantown, WV 		+ Paintsville, KY
+ Parkersburg, WV
+ Pikeville, KY
+ Pomeroy, OH
+ Portsmouth,OH
+ Ripley, WV
+ Spencer, WV
+ Sutton, WV
+ Wayne, WV
+ Wheeling, WV
+ Williamson, WV