News Flash

Statement from Chief C.J. Davis - “Sadly, this morning our community awoke after another night of senseless violence that has forever changed the lives of multiple victims and families.  There is no excuse nor justification for such horrible acts against these members of our community, some of which were just children.   

Last night at 221 S. Benjamine St., while people gathered at that residence for a party, a black vehicle, believed to be a Chevrolet Impala drove by the home, and fired several rounds at the crowd of attendees who gathered in the front yard. A total of 8 people were shot during this incident and were transported by various means to local hospitals, 2 of the victims were children ages 3 & 8. 

Later in the evening, at 3020 Weaver Street, based on preliminary information, it is believed that an exchange of gunfire occurred between two groups of people who are unknown at this time. During the incident, a bullet entered a second floor apartment window striking a 12 year old victim. The victim is hospitalized and in critical condition. It is unknown at this time if the Benjamin St. incident and the Weaver St. shooting are related. 

Just last week a 74 year old mother was struck and killed by celebratory gunfire, and in the last month a 17 year-old was also killed.  As a community we grieve with the victims and their families; however, we as a community must also stand together to prevent these egregious acts of gun violence from happening to others. The safety and wellbeing of our children and neighbors are all of our responsibility. We must say ‘No More” enough is enough... this must end. 

While shooting incidents are on the increase in cities around our nation, we refuse to allow the tensions of this present climate, or the reckless actions of violent offenders to hinder our efforts towards ensuring safe and livable neighborhoods for all citizens. But we publicly implore to the individuals shooting at each other to find common ground and make a truce to cease this back-and-forth gunfire, think of the innocent victims impacted by your actions. There are children in our community whose lives will never be the same because of the actions of those who don’t care enough to put their differences aside and their guns down. 

The Durham Police Department will use every available resource to identify and bring to justice those that committed these horrible acts. Today, I also appeal to every community member who cares for the future of our children and others, please speak up… too many innocent lives have been lost or shattered by gun violence. Help us take our neighborhoods back… if you see something, please say something before another life is tragically impacted.”