Omaha Police will be adding more officers to its gang unit and will have more officers on patrol near 24th and Lake Streets after an outbreak of violence over the Fourth of July weekend.
Officers are still in the area trying to find out what sparked the violence early Saturday morning. In one incident, a large crowd had gathered, then shots were fired. Two people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Police do not know specifically if any of the shootings were gang-related but they are not taking any chances.
“This weekend there were several shootings. We have to look over a long period of time to see crime trends and where the issues are. But because of the concern and the public asking for more help, we’re going to add some more officers to our gang unit -- at least on a temporary basis,” Omaha Police Officer Joe Nickerson tells 6 News.
Don McPherson owns Styles of Evolution, a clothing store that has been part of the area for 15 years. He tells 6 News the type of violence that broke out is very bad for economic growth in north Omaha.
“This is critical in order for us to bring wealth in our community and leave a legacy for our kids and our family. It’s really important that we don’t destroy what we’re building,” he said.
Police said they will pay extra attention in the area. "More gang unit officers out there on the streets interacting with the public, being a positive influence and trying to deter some of this crime," Nickerson says.
(Photo: 6 News)