INDIANAPOLIS, Ind (NOV. 11, 2014)–Neighbors and business owner in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood are taking a stand against crime. After a gas station clerk was shot during an October robbery, and an increase of break-ins, residents are looking to make major changes.
“I have always felt safe in this neighborhood,” said Carol Golden, a Meridian-Kessler business owner.
Golden says she has always felt a sense of security at work. She has called the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood home for decades.
“I think it was very bold. I think we have been very lucky,” said Golden.
Golden is referring to the shooting that happened at the Shell gas station around the corner from her store.The robber shot the clerk in the ankle and ran away with the entire cash register. FOX59 spoke exclusively with the clerk’s daughter.
“We could have lost our mom. Shes’s here today, there’s an angel watching out,” said Tammy Suhr.
Leaders with the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association held a meeting with residents, business owners and IMPD officers.
“We don’t need that happening here, we want to put an end to that,” said Caroline Farrar, Executive Director of the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association.
IMPD Chief Rick Hite and Director of Public Safety Troy Riggs were among the speakers at the meeting held Cafe Patachou.
“How we safe guard our business was talked about in our discussion tonight and identifying persons who hang around near closing time,” said Chief Hite.
“There’s an immediacy of needing to do something.You don’t just sit back and watch,” said Farrar.
Ty Tarr owns the garage attached to the Shell gas station.
“The neighborhood is way more aware,” said Tarr.
Tarr says not only are the police paying more attention, but more importantly his neighbors are now speaking-out against crime.
“A meeting like this is putting the word out,” said Tarr.
Police say they believe the man responsible for the Oct. shooting had been in the neighborhood for several days prior to the incident.Police still need help in identifying the suspect.