INDIANAPOLIS — Neighbors living in a troubled area on the near east side are asking for help fighting crime in the area.
People who live off Oakland Avenue said the crime has gotten out of control in recent weeks. Just Thursday, there was a shooting that left one person injured.
FOX59/CBS4 spoke with some homeowners who were too afraid to go on camera. They shared multiple disturbing videos showing people walking around in ski masks with rifles and baseball bats. Other videos appeared to show someone lurking in an alley with a bow and arrow at night.
The violent behavior doesn’t stop there.
Back in February, 28-year-old Cruize Hodge was shot and killed in this neighborhood. A memorial honoring Hodge now sits streetside.
“My son Cruize, I’m not going to let something like this just die, his spirit is going to live on forever,” said Amber Bridwell, Hodge’s mother.
Bridwell said crime in the neighborhood needs to stop.
“It’s almost like what’s next or who is next? And these people live here. They can’t just sell their house and up and leave and move,” said Bridwell. “And everyone is scared to talk because what is going to happen next? That’s not a way to live in a neighborhood.”
And now, she’s calling on police and the community to step up before anyone else gets hurt.
“Maybe we can get some more protection around here,” said Bridwell. “Maybe more prayers around it, too. People coming together in prayer. If God is with us, who can be against us?”
Two people were charged in March in connection with Hodge’s murder. If you know anything about these crimes, call CrimeStoppers at 317-262-TIPS.
