There’s been several shootings recently and most of them have involved teenagers. Lubbock Police said the recent trend of violent teen crime is alarming, even to them.
“We’ve made arrests in virtually every one of these cases,” said Chief of Lubbock Police, Greg Stevens.
He said most of the crimes are gang and drug related, but they’re doing their best to solve the problem.
“It is concerning for our entire community that we’ve had you know 20 plus shootings in the last month or so. That’s really concerning,” Stevens said.
In early June, four people under the age of 20 were arrested for shooting a 16-year-old girl. Not too long after, 55-year-old Rudolfo Reina was killed by a 16-year-old boy. Chief Stevens said these aren’t random acts of violence.
“If they’re not a gang member, they’re not involved in drugs. They’re not a part of this particular group of people it really doesn’t impact your everyday life,” said Stevens.
In July a 13-year-old was arrested for shooting another teenager. Then 4 days later, a 15-year-old was charged with the murder of 18-year-old Abraham Herrera Jr. Stevens said they’re most likely stealing the weapons they’re using.
“Most all of them are typically stolen out of car burglaries or they’re traded for drugs. Passed through the underworld, if you will, and so it’s not what is legal, everyday gun market,” he said.
Stevens explained the recent trend is scary, but definitely preventable. He said educating out kids is number one.
“Trying to reach out to kids before hands. Trying to have a more positive message,” he said.
Having them understand the long term consequences they can face when getting involved with the wrong crowd.
“Unfortunately because of the involvement of gang activity, it is continuing, but we are making a ton of head way and a ton of progress and so I anticipate it will dwindle out pretty quickly,” Stevens said.
Multiple agencies recently joined forces and opened the Anti-Gang Center in hopes of reducing gang violence.
