Durham PD uses initiative to combat violent week
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The Durham Police Department says officers have nabbed 13 people responsible for most of the city's crime. The charges range from robbery to murder.
The arrests are part of the Violent Crime Initiative, which was launched in January.
"We are still working closely with the community to reduce violent crime, and we appreciate the assistance we have received," said Interim Police Chief Larry Smith.
City Council Eddie Davis says the arrests show progress, but the crime rate is still high.
"It surpassed and succeeded where we were last year at this time," said Davis.
There have been 15 homicides so far in 2016. In the last two weeks, 14 people were injured in shootings.
A middle school student is among the victims. The 13-year-old was hit by a bullet on Monday during a drive-by shooting as she was playing outside.
Read more: 13 year old, 2 others shot at Durham apartments
The victim's mother spoke with ABC11 about the incident on Wednesday.
"All I could hear was screaming . [My daughter said] 'Mommy, mommy it hurts so bad. It burns it burns," said the mother, who did not want to share her name.
Mom says the teen is doing better and was just moved out of ICU at the hospital. There is still a bullet lodged in her lower back.
Two other men were seriously injured in the shooting. They are also at the hospital recovering.
Police have not said if any of the victims were targeted. There have been no arrests.
As investigators work the case, city officials are awaiting the quarterly Crime Report, which will be released Monday.
Davis says whatever the findings are, the community's help is needed.
"We can't just sit by and allow this thing to happen over and over and over again," said Davis.
Days after the Crime Report is released, new police chief Cerelyn Davis will be sworn in.
ABC11 has reached out to her to hear about her plans to reduce crime, but we have not heard back.
