Five wounded in mobile home park shooting

By Jim Osborn josborn@columbustelegram.com
Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 - 02:04:17 pm CDT

COLUMBUS -- A 16-year-old Columbus boy was arrested late Tuesday night in connection with a shotgun shooting earlier in the evening at a city mobile home park that left five people wounded.

The teen, who has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and use of weapon to commit a felony, is in custody at the Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Detention Center in Madison.

Authorities are investigating a report that the shooting stemmed from a possible dispute between the suspect and victim(s) earlier in the day that escalated into violence, Columbus Police Capt. Chuck Sherer said this morning.

“We’re still trying to piece it all together to see if we have all the players and victims,’’ said Sherer when asked if investigators were seeking other suspects in the shooting.

If anyone has any information related to the shooting incident, Sherer asked them to call the department.

The five victims of the 6:42 p.m. shooting at Carriage House Estates in the 2500 block of Fourth Avenue also were juveniles. All five victims suffered minor injuries from shotgun pellets and refused treatment at the scene.

The names of the suspect and victims are not being released by law enforcement authorities because of their ages. One of the victims is a resident of the mobile home park, while the others are city residents who were visiting the area.

The police department dispatch center received a call reporting several shots fired at the mobile home park and a “red” vehicle leaving the scene. The caller wasn’t able to identify the make or model of the vehicle. A second call reported several shots fired at the east end of the mobile home park.

Sherer said officers arrived at the scene and called for an ambulance to treat the shooting victims. Meanwhile, other city officers located an abandoned orange 1996 Chevrolet Camaro at a residence in the 800 block of 26th Avenue that was suspected to be involved in the shooting.

The weapon used in the shooting had not been recovered as of this morning, Sherer said.

About 10 police officers responded to the shooting report and spent more than an hour questioning potential witnesses as onlookers lined nearby streets and watched from mobile home porches.

Witnesses at the scene described an incident in which the occupant(s) of the vehicle rolled down a window and fired in the direction of several people standing outside of a mobile home, Sherer said. A number of witnesses were transported to the police department for questioning.

Witnesses could be reluctant to come forward with information because of the fear of retaliation, he said.

The charges against the shooting suspect are Class II felonies, punishable by a maximum sentence of 50 years and a minimum of one year imprisonment.

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Georgie
Aug 19, 2008 8:47 PM
A drive by shooting in Columbus? I can hardly believe it. This is not Omaha folks. Lets keep it that way.
We better wise up and figure this out before it's too late.
hmmmjust thinking
Aug 19, 2008 9:55 PM
Sad,, yes it is columbus ,nebraska,, but like so many other communities this type of incident is becoming more prevailent. Scarey, but we all knew,, realistically it was just a matter of time,,, hope this is an eye opener for the nay sayers,, who insist on thinking this would never happen at our backdoor.
A Realistic Thinker
Aug 19, 2008 10:08 PM
Wow, just another thing to make the rest of the Columbus area community to come to think that all Hispanics are criminals. Let's face it though, not all of them are bad and like every society there are screw-ups, but what is the Police Department waiting for to stop the violence from escalating. Are they waiting for someone to get killed. This is not Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York. Its Columbus, and as a community member I think we should get invloved more with these matters than to ignore them. But let's do it wisely and not just come up with irrational assumptions about groups. What ever happened to Neighborhood Watch.
save it
Aug 19, 2008 10:49 PM
From previous experience, comments about illegal immigrants or comments with a racist tinge will not be posted. Save ur time.
My cents
Aug 19, 2008 11:31 PM
This is just the start of it folks. I was just thinking back when it was just spray paint all over town and the police dept. started the so called "Gang task Force" then fights between the 18th street and the 13th street gangs started to break out at the fairs and now this! This is just stupid. Last school year my girlfriends cousin got approached at CHS by the 18th street wanting him to join when he declined they all jumped him and her cousin got suspended and nothing happened to anyone else! If nothing gets done about these BS gangs this town is going to go down hill fast, and im really scared to think what might happen at school god forbid if nothing gets done!
azhusker
Aug 19, 2008 11:52 PM
Welcome to the new USA where the changes will be news like this everyday. Thank our great decision makers for their blindness for our future. I need not even explain myself as all know where this trouble comes from.
jannie. b
Aug 19, 2008 11:56 PM
Holy Moly
What has been going on in Carriage house i use to live there in 1993 tell 1999 the place was nice quiet had plesent people to talk to.I moved away to Iowa in a town were i dont fear of guns Columbus its self has changed lot Sence i moved. now a drive by shooting.
It will be just a matter of time befor someone gets killed out there Then will Carriage house wake up or let it be run down by illegals and none illegals and gangs this is not a big City its a place were i use to call home
run now while you can
Aug 20, 2008 5:46 AM
A drive by shooting in Columbus?
#476 reason to leave Columbus
Not the first time
Aug 20, 2008 6:30 AM
About 10 years ago, when I was living on 3rd Avenue, there were several drive by shootings that occured. And this wasn't in a trailer court! For those of you who are thinking this is only because of the hispanics in town, let me tell you that the "white" neighbors on either side of my house got shot at and if I recall correctly, it was a "white" guy who shot at them. So yea, this is horrible, but it HAS happened before here.
Magenta
Aug 20, 2008 8:22 AM
Ummm....nowhere in the article does it state the race or ethnic background of the perpetrators or the victims so why would "Realistic Thinker" and "Save It" assume that they are hispanic?

Let's wait to get all the facts rather than jumping to conclusions.
A Realist
Aug 20, 2008 8:40 AM
If you were a realistic thinker, you would "realize" that drive-by shootings don't just happen in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Do you watch the news?? There is a killing in Omaha almost everyday. It's not so far-fetched that violence is plauging our community as it does every other city. You need a dose of reality! As do most people in this town that think there aren't gangs here...We aren't in "wonderland" people.
Agreeing
Aug 20, 2008 9:00 AM
I completely agree with you Realistic Thinker! This is getting rediculous. These kinds of things would have never happend 4-6 years ago. We would never hear anything about "gangs" "shootings" or "stabbings" in this community. Something definitaly needs to be done about this!! It can not be ignored anylonger..most of us have kids out there, next it is going to be someone from our families for looking at someone else the wrong way! POLICE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
gg
Aug 20, 2008 9:33 AM
Is the shooters arrested? Was it gang related?
wdk
Aug 20, 2008 10:07 AM
I'm waiting to see how Project Extra Mile, or other single issue extremist groups, tries to somehow link this drive-by with underage drinking, or whatever is their pet issue. Obviously, there must be some connection between the two. Maybe if the Columbus Police Department would expend their resources on real crime, such as gang violence, which does exist in Columbus, rather than busting a few 20 year olds having a few beers in their rental home while playing cards and not bothering anyone, incidents like this would be prevented. But wait, that makes too much sense, and doesn't fit into Project Extra Mile's agenda.
cmk
Aug 20, 2008 10:45 AM
Thank you to the Columbus Police Department for your fast repsonse to the incident. We forget that you risk your lives everyday. You do a great job in our commumity.
Take Notice
Aug 20, 2008 11:36 AM
I hope that this opens a lot of eyes. This starts in the schools, moves to graffiti, then Criminal Mischief, drugs and shootings.

On the positive side I am glad to see that everyone is shocked and hope something gets done about it. I expect a long story on this and several follow-ups. When it gets to the Omaha level, where this would be mentioned 5 minutes into the news and only a 25 second story Columbus will have a problem that can not be fixed.

On a scale of shootings with 10 the worst I would give this a 2. It can get a lot worse.
Smarty Jones
Aug 20, 2008 11:44 AM
Well looks like Carriage House has stolen the limelight from Country View at least for now.
Free Speech
Aug 20, 2008 12:01 PM
Since the Columbus Telegram is censoring reader responses to articles, obviously their management supports free speech, but only if it is politically correct. The truth is anything but politically correct in the real world.
Aug 20, 2008 12:05 PM
HEY PEOPLE GUESS WHAT THERES A NEW BAR OPPENING IN COLUMBUS!!!
TO WDK
Aug 20, 2008 12:05 PM
Not to burst your bubble but 20 year old's drinking IS a crime.
People in Denial
Aug 20, 2008 12:05 PM
To A Realistic Thinker:
You should save your opinion until they release the name............. I can about bet what the last name will sound like.
WTH
Aug 20, 2008 12:10 PM
If they aren't listing the names of the victims, witness, etc. why are there photos posted of the crime scene?? I'm sure the people who are in the picture talking to the police can be identified. Does this make any sense to anyone else???
dgh
Aug 20, 2008 12:29 PM
Thank you Columbus police and rescue. We know your job is tough and you're doing your best. God bless you.
Robby
Aug 20, 2008 12:35 PM
I don't want to hear about another Platte County plea bargain this time! Here is a case that should hand out a stiff sentence (close to the max not the min) Let these "Gang Bangers" know they will not get a slap on the wrist for this stuff. Sure no one got killed but that is not the point, the next time it could be much worse!
Wendy Gurley
Aug 20, 2008 12:37 PM
Wendy G
I'm not at all surprised that this has happened. Juveniles are running wild these days without a care in the world for anyone or anything. Glad to see how fast the police department responded. It's tough for everyone too live these days, especially raising a teenager. Too much "negative peer pressure." They can't be on 24-hour surveillance, although it would be nice.I guess it's just one more incident that keeps us from sleeping at night.
smcrpntr
Aug 20, 2008 12:57 PM
It was only a matter of time before this happened. Now the wait is over.
I am not being a racist about this because a drive by can be from any race, color or creed. I will say that most drive by's have something to do with Gangs. We can't deny there are gangs in our city. we can only hope they do not turn to violence to solve everything.
People who are reluctant to come forward or testify are only adding to the problem. Without the information they may have we will let our imaginations run with it. Not saying anything is not helping prevent future events like this from happening.
I think of it on these terms. If I was to witness an illegal act such as this and did not share the information with law enforcement, it would be on my head if it happened again by the same people. Perhaps resulting in a death next time. I couldn't deal with that on my mind.
I pray that those who have information to share, will.

Georgie, your right about this not being Omaha but what makes you think or why didn't you think it would eventually work it's way here?

As for the comment by 'a realistic thinker' you have to realize that the police can only do so much. Their hands are tied without witnesses and evidence. Don't blame the police. Blame the shooters.

Without turning into a bunch of paranoid vigilantee's we need to take it upon ourselves to keep a watchful eye and ear open to our suroundings. We need to report anything, resonable, that may pertain to gang related offensesor happenings. Late night fights, minors drinking alchohol (which can escalate into fights and misunderstandings in a hurry.
It is also the resposibility of the parents to know where there kids are, who they are with and everything relating to their lives in general. Ask questions, notice if their habits have changed or grades have dropped. Do they look and act like they are on drugs? If I thought one of my kids was into something they were not supposed to be, I would have dug deeper. If I thought they were on drugs, I would have had them tested (quietly though). If I heard that someone or a group was planning something illegal I would report it as such.
That is the only way to thwart off this kind of behavior. Pass on the info and let the professionals handle the sorting out of it all. They can't help if they don't know what!
Well that's my 2 cents worth. For now anyway except for this. Some of the postings about alot of these blogs or issues are made by, in my opinion, people who let their mouth run ahead of their brains. Think before you say or type something. Get all the facts before you pass judgement or accusations.
Robert Smith
Aug 20, 2008 1:23 PM
I hope the Columbus Police Department will now realize that there is a Gang Problem in Columbus. Hopefully something is done before another incident like this happens.

They need to get a grip on things before it escalates into another shooting.
Columbus Resident
Aug 20, 2008 1:28 PM
Columbus Police Department does do a great job - but lets get real. Columbus has a gang problem and quit trying to hide the fact.

Project Extra Mile does a great job with underage drinking and thank goodness for that.

The gang problem is just not one race and is not limited to just trailer courts in Columbus. Wake up people and know what is going on in the community.
TJK
Aug 20, 2008 1:47 PM
If the parents would take responsibility and maybe kick their kids rearend when it needs it instead of being afraid of them, then maybe it wouldn't get this far.
Questions for Robert Smith
Aug 20, 2008 1:55 PM
How exactly do you think that the police department should "get a grip on things"? I'm sure that they are taking this problem very seriously and would appreciate any advice from an expert such as you! Instead of bashing the cops because some gang banger wannabees are taking pot shots at each other.
smcrpntr said it best, we all need to look out for each other and to watch our kids to stop problems before they start.
wtb
Aug 20, 2008 2:21 PM
"robby-Here is a case that should hand out a stiff sentence (close to the max not the min)"

yeah ive tried in past posts to get this through peoples heads, but they turn on you. Lets just give the person another chance, because im sure he is sorry and he'll never do it again. because anything else would be "cold hearted"
For crying out loud
Aug 20, 2008 2:22 PM
Why do you people always have to assume this was gang activity? Could this have not just been some kids having a disagreement with each other?
capo
Aug 20, 2008 2:23 PM
"Several" drive by shootings about ten years ago on 3rd Ave? Maybe I just don't remember them.

Do you really need Neighborhood Watch in order to call the plice when you see something happening or suspicious? With more citizen involvement I think the police could do more.

The violence, shootings, drugs and vandalism are signs of the times and the times aren't good.

Do we still have police officers getting out of their cars and doing some beat work and talking to people and do we still see the chief out doing the same? It seems that some of that has been lost. Citizens and police you need to see that this isn't us against each other. It should be citizens and police against crime and criminals.

And to the city ordinances (however it all ended up) about carrying concealed weapons - an armed citizen can protect himself and an armed society is a polite society.
remember this
Aug 20, 2008 2:28 PM
remember about 7-10 years ago there was a drive by on 9th street about 2 or 3 blocks away from an elementary school? some things will never cahnge
seriously
Aug 20, 2008 2:29 PM
OK, here's the kicker... where were the parents in this whole ordeal? Think about it. I'm a parent of a young child and I see kids close to her young age running around being disrespectful to everyone and everything without their parents in the vicinity, or their parents too busy to spend more than five minutes with them just to scold them for something unimportant. Kids now have hardly (if any) manners, think it's cool to destroy property and thrive on creating scenes to get the attention they desperately need from their parent(s). Are the parents WORKING on making them better people? Did they not GUIDE them on the right path? Did they GIVE UP when there are so many outlets to HELP them when they hit a brick wall? What happened to good ol' discipline? When you KNEW when mom or dad meant business you surly paid attention and stepped lightly. This is the generation that got the "Time Out" and "Let's talk about your feelings" treatment growing up. Backfiring, isn't it? Just rest assure that parents who got the last leg of good ol' discipline are raising their kids to the BEST of their ability without the stone cold seriousness, and NOT letting their children run all over them. The young adults in our community are our future. We need to reach to them and tell them that the way they are going is not the way to a fruitful life.
Concerned in c-town
Aug 20, 2008 3:01 PM
Is the problem just getting more attention now? What has changed in this town in the last 20 years?? The population size? Demographic? If the parents are all to blame, which I too believe to be a contributing factor, then what is the solution going to be? Punish parents? Govern the way parents parent? Im open to hearing ideas. Everyone complains about a problem and do not have a problem pointing a finger, but few can propose a solution. that is pretty typical
Agreeing
Aug 20, 2008 3:09 PM
I think one of the main reasons that kids are not getting disiplin these days is becasue parents are too scared to give them a nice butt smack..These days everything is about "abusing your kids" sad thing is is that kids know this. If they are really that wild and angry at you for giving them a nice swat on the butt.. they can run and say your abusing them and then you would most likely be the bad one going to jail. Another thing is lets say we are in walmart, you see kids misbehaving ALL the time in there, parents can not do anything about it becasue there will be one of those dang people in there that will call them in for a little slap on the butt. But we can all say the the youngest generations are the VERY BAD ones(maybe not all but most). So whats wrong with this picture? Something needs to be done!!
Concerned
Aug 20, 2008 3:15 PM
I came on the web-site to see what happened, then just happened to start reading some of the crap you people put. First of all some of you should spend less time putting down other people and pick up a dictionary!! Next no where does it say "hispanics" or "gang" and those of you blaming the police dept, what exactly would you like them to do, I am almost positive if there was a way to control gang activity, that there would be a lot less problems. But hey if you are sooo smart maybe you should take the test and join the police dept that is, if you spell!! Next if you don't like Columbus get out! but im not sure where you THINK your gonna go to by-pass all the problems, they are evreywhere and if they aren't yet they will be. Next, if you think a parent can be with there child 24-hours a day apparently you are not one! You can raise your child to be an angel but things happen, kids snap. But maybe if evreyone on the blog gets together you guys can come up with something it seems some of you have plenty of time on your hands, and you all sound deeply concerned about Columbus!
to Concerned
Aug 20, 2008 3:26 PM
How can you punish the parents?? Isn't it possible that the parents have done everything in their power to keep their children under control? In our society now it is wrong to spank your child, do it and you may go to jail. If people were able to parent their kids then maybe we wouldn't have these problems, whose idea was it to ban spanking anyways. I don't believe that a swat to the butt hurts anyone!! Maybe if these kids were swatted more they would fear consequences!!
you said it
Aug 20, 2008 3:34 PM
to seriously. You said it all.
concerned
Aug 20, 2008 4:16 PM
I don't recall saying anything about the punishing the parents, but i am almost positive that I didn't say that. So i would highly suggest you reread!! And it is illegal to beat your child, but I don't see anyone getting arrested for simply spanking. And that is way beyond the point, because i don't think you can spank a 16- year-old. (although my dad did me) I am not blaming parents, they can't be there for anything and more then likely any teenager i know or have ever known does not tell their parents evreything!!
mike
Aug 20, 2008 5:00 PM
We live in a town no bigger then a small suburb of Omaha,and the people of this town feel safe. Then this happens. Wake up people it been getting worse and worse. I moved from Omaha to get away from all of this. I might as well have just stayed there. I also hope our police force is ready for stuff like this because its just going to get worse. I am sure they are.
The Real Solution
Aug 20, 2008 5:44 PM
People who are concerned about the violence should make sure they are looking in the mirror. Educated parenting is the solution. Sorry! Nothing so simple as swatting your kid. It will require much more time and work. Are you playing and spending time with you kids everyday at all ages? Are you reading on how to parent instead of assuming your parents did it right? Everyone of us make the world better or more violent.
hhh
Aug 20, 2008 6:28 PM
I will agree and most people should be able t see that kids today have no respect for any kind of authority and anyone who does not think that it starts at home is crazy. Kids in daycare's don't respect their care takers, then teachers, the law, and it all starts with us if we don't teach our kids to respect authority and know there are going to be conciquences for their actions how can we expect them to get to a magical age that all of a sudden they do. It doesn't matter whether you believe in spanking or not the answer is consistency whatever the punishment is you follow through, if you say if you do that again XY or B is going to happen you need to make sure if the behavior is repeated you do XY or B. With 2 parents working today parents are tired and it is easier to threaten 10 times and never actually get up and follow through, we need to follow through with what we say, we can't change the teenagers today but it could make a difference in future generations. Parents we are all tired but we need to still be parents every time you threaten a conciquence and don't follow through as you say you are teaching your kids that there really isn't a reaction to every action but just word. I implore all Columbus parents to just always be concistent with whatever it is you say, you are teaching the right lesson and you will only benefit when they are teenagers because you already tought them that you mean what you say.
llll
Aug 20, 2008 7:53 PM
I think RESPECT is the key word to a lot of this. Children are not taught respect of anything or anyone so much these days. As a child, I would never have gotten away with as much as some of these kids do now days. I believe in 'dusting their bottoms' if the situation calls for it.
scooter
Aug 20, 2008 8:12 PM
Sure makes it look wise that CPS got rid of the G.R.E.A.T program doesn't it.
hmmmjust thinking
Aug 20, 2008 8:40 PM
smcrpntr has hit the nail on the head on several subjects. One being as parents,observant parents,if you notice changes in your kids,, it should be setting up the radar, and deserve some checking into. No parent is perfect,and kids will get away with some crap, but the majority of it can be averted if confronted. To a point, parents should be held accountable, if they are to scared, or to lazy to set limits and curfews, and enforce them.
Only people in denial, and their heads in the sand, will not acknowledge that yes, there are gangs and gang activity in this town. When it is not dealt with,, it gives them the feeling they are invincible, and give them "more ego power", to try to out do their rivals.
Where did this gun come from? A while back, on another thread, it was stated there were no guns accessable to these kids,,, well this was proved wrong also. So makes one wonder how many more are out there,, who will be the next ticked off person, who thinks the way to solve it is to go on a drive by shooting. Maybe this time at walmart, or the park,, whereever would get them the most attention. Sadly,, usually ends up being the innocent bystander that gets killed or wounded.
Also as stated the police can only do do much. Thats why it is so important to report any strange or questionable happenings.
Thankfully this didn't end as tragically is it could have, but i'm sure there are going to be some sleepless nights, and uneasiness in the lives of those involved.
And with the severity of this incident, one would hope the legal system will not roll over on this and settle for a minimum punishment. There needs to be an example made,, that this will not be allowed in our city, and the only way i see this being effective is by maximum allowed setencing.
Close By
Aug 20, 2008 9:32 PM
I live only 3-4 blocks from this place, lately I have seen many gang spary paitings ranging from my neighbor's wooden fence to the completely tagged 'Corner Stop' bathrooms. It's getting rediculous that these people are still out walking the streets while Columbus Police Department spends most of their time putting minor drug offenders and DUI's in jail EVER SINGLE DAY. I'm not promoting either but just try to tell me this is justified??
Wendy G
Aug 20, 2008 9:33 PM
It's so sad to see juveniles headed on the wrong path. I believe most parent's want the best for their children and consider themselves to be fairly descent. Sometimes outside influeces overrule what they have been taught in the home because they think it's "cool"
to be somebody else.Next thing you know, they are out of control. Glad to see no one was seriously injured, and thank God for our town's police force and Fire and Rescue squad. They have a difficult job and it takes special people to deal with what they see on a daily basis.
Ace
Aug 20, 2008 10:08 PM
My Cents, comment GOD FORBIDE anything like this too happen at school, well, we are forbidding GOD at school, home, and the families need to be held responsible.
Plus our city needs to look into the laws in California, where gang members once ticketed or deemed as members, can't associate with other members of so called gangs.
Columbus, WAKE UP! ! !
City Mouse
Aug 20, 2008 10:45 PM
Get over it, Cow-lumbus. All your Bible thumping and flag waving aren't going to insulate you from reality. I've lived in some of the biggest cities in the world before moving here and the one constant is that people are people. Nice little town, but there is as much stupidity, rudeness, bigotry and violence here as anywhere else. There are also a lot of decent folk who are just trying to get by from day to day. I try to keep the Golden Rule in my mind and peace in my heart. I wish I could offer solutions that "they" could implement, but the only person I seem to be able to change is the guy I see in the mirror every morning.
tina
Aug 20, 2008 10:49 PM
how can the parents of these kids let them get this far out of control! what are some of these parents thinking! thats why the parents need to get in trouble along with these kids! if the parents took more control i dont feel this would have happened!!
R
Aug 20, 2008 10:59 PM
I agree with a lot of the comments.Life can be fustrating and we try to find answers. If you find yourself not sleeping at night, say a prayer and you'll sleep fine. By the way, it helps with ALL our problems. Keep up the talk and keep smiling. Have a good day!
A Mommy
Aug 20, 2008 11:34 PM
I want to start by saying that I am glad that no one was seriously hurt this time. Also, "thank you" Columbus Police Department for your speedy response! You put your lives on the line every time you go to work & moments like this give me goosebumps for you & your families.
Now, I have been reading these posts & many of you seem to think that this gang activity is all new to Columbus & that it is being overlooked by the Police Department. Get real people!! Gangs have been here for years now, & most definately the police are doing MANY things about it!! HOWEVER, it does & will take a whole lot of community involvement to make any changes for the better! The police can't do it alone. Parents need to be totally involed in their children's lives. Know who, what, when, where, why..., How many of us know our neighbors? Do "block parties" exist anymore? I know that in areas that do have them, areas where neighbors know each other & watch out for each other, the crime level sure seems to be much lower. Community Involement. It does make a difference!
Gina
Aug 21, 2008 12:06 AM
People u need to wake up we live a hour from omaha its not that hard to have a drive by shooting in our town, Look at all the schools that has the killing too. This is why most parnets dont want to send there kids too school, because they are afaird to get the call that there is a shooting going on in the school, and one of there kids are hurt in the line of fire. I would just die if i lost my only son in a drive by or in a school shooting? I would like to know were the kids got the guns, and for the parnets that have guns they need the safe locked one them or NOT HAVE THEM IN THE HOUSE AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!
WTH
Aug 21, 2008 12:42 AM
For those of you who don't think that Columbus has a gang problem, talk to a Columbus police officer, they will be completely up front and honest with you about what we are facing here. Secondly, if you want to check it out from the luxury of your own home, log into myspace and see what you can find. I actually log into my kids myspace pages because unlike some, I watch over what my kids are doing. I was unprepared for what I saw though. These gang members do NOT care who knows what and who they are, in fact, they are flaunting it. The name of their gang is printed clearly on their page. Some of the pictures of the youth in our city show them holding guns, bandanas on their faces, some of the pages hold very pointed threats intended for other gangs. If it were up to me, I would say just let all the gang members kill each other and be done with all of them, but there are innocent people on these streets. We all deserve to live in a safe community!! I dont care what race we are. But I do have to say that of all the pictures that I saw, there were approx 5 gangs and every person in them was a Hispanic person. THAT is the kind of thing that is bringing a bad image to the Hispanic of Columbus.
R.U. Serious
Aug 21, 2008 5:24 AM
Whatever anyone does, just please don't blame the Hispanics. I can't bear to read another negative post about these hard-working, honest, and heritage-rich wonderful peoples. I suppose it doesn't matter what nationality the suspects and victims were, right? Sorry, my sarcasm meter broke.
left columbus
Aug 21, 2008 7:47 AM
Everyone here needs to stop freaking out. There has always been crime in Columbus -- remember Kunzelman killing his wife and putting her in a box in the basement? Remember the guy that beat his wife with a hammer and dumped her in Wagners Lake? Shoot, my own sister was approched by a man with a gun telling her to get in the car when she was 8 years old -IN COLUMBUS! As long as there are people in a town, things like this are. going to happen. Just because Columbus is small - town, doesn't mean it's the best or safest place to raise a family. I am shocked it hear how many people claim to have moved here for that reason. I lived in Colubus from 1972-1995 and it was always a dump. Too many uneducated people going no where. What ever happened to wanting better for your children then you had? So many multi generations growing up there and working dead end jobs for low wages. You put that many unmotivated people together of any race, in any town, and you are going to get crime. I'm willing to bet most of these kids involved, if not all, are from low income families with parents that either have a GED or barely finished high school and had no ambition to ever make anything of themselves. People need to talk to their children. Know where they are and who they are with. Hold back privilages like computers and cell phones if they break curfew or are caught smoking. Hold them acoutable for their actions. I weep for the future if this is who is going to be running our country someday.
WTH
Aug 21, 2008 9:23 AM
Comparing men killing their wives to a drive by shooting is like comparing apples to oranges. Two completely different things. There are people in this community who actually CARE about it and want things to get better but just dont know what to do. To left columbus, this town is NOT a dump. Do we need help cleaning it up?? Absolutely!! Does anyone know how to go about that??? I havent heard anyone yet who does. I for one am also ready to leave columbus because I dont want my kids to grow up around this.
so no what
Aug 21, 2008 9:26 AM
so now it is the parents fault. i don't think so. as a parent we cant swat our kids on the butt and ground them. we can spend time with our kids, but its who they hang around with. i had to know exactly where my kids were going, phone numbers, and address. why do the parents have to be blamed. it's not that we don't disapline our kids, its that where taught that if your parents hit you it is child abuse instead of telling them that excatly what child abuse realy is. so now days kids say i'm turning you in for child abuse. so what are the parents to do. i am a single parent and i raise my kids and only one decided to get introuble with the law and it was beause he was hanging around the wrong person. so now i think it's time to stop blaming the parents and put the blame on the laws on child abuse
shakes
Aug 21, 2008 9:31 AM
I don't know about anyone else, buy I'm glad "left columbus" did so.
SuzQ
Aug 21, 2008 10:02 AM
Wow! Some of these messages. Wow! I guess I will put my two cents worth in now. I have 3 children. When my son was really small I spanked him so hard I left welts. He cried and I cried right along with him. After that I decided I would never strike my child again. But guess what! He is a full time college student, has a full time job and has never been in trouble with the law. My other two are still in high school and are doing great. So not every child is a "bad seed" if they were never spanked or just had time outs. I was spanked when I was growing up and it didn't keep me from getting into trouble with my parents (not the police). It seems to me that enviroment, peer pressure, and maybe other things should be factored into the equation.
to WTH
Aug 21, 2008 10:29 AM
Where are you going to go to that is sooo much better than Columbus??? I think we would all like to know where this paradise exists.
Hats Off
Aug 21, 2008 11:11 AM
Bitter-Sweet.
I feel bad our youth feel they have no alterantive but to use violence, this incident will have an ever lasting effect of him and his family BUT when this is the case I'm so Proud of our Law Enforcement. They truly do keep our community SAFE and send a NEWS FLASH to the community that this is unacceptable and we can rest assured, they will control it. THANK YOU COLUMBUS!
historian
Aug 21, 2008 11:34 AM
After reading the 'COMMENT' section for this article, I see another apparent problem. Many of the individuals that have submitted comments are fine examples of the 'DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA'. Many of the individuals that have left comments apparently cannot adequately write (disjointed sentences); cannot spell words correctly (too lazy to use a dictionary or too lazy to learn how to spell properly?); cannot properly capitalize words; and cannot properly use punctuation! No wonder the Chinese, the Japanese and citizens of other nations are passing the United States by in economic terms. We are becoming a 'third-world nation' because far too many of our citizens are too lazy to learn, and have no pride in doing anything right! These people should avoid giving their comments because they are either too stupid or too lazy to provide anything worthwhile to society.
WTH
Aug 21, 2008 11:39 AM
I dont know where I'm going, but if you think that I'm going to sit around and wait for something else to happen, youre wrong. I am one person, and I am open to suggestions of what the people of Columbus can do to get this trash out of our community. So far not one person has tried to find a solution. This is something that the community is going to have to resove together. And the attitude seems to be "well the gangs are here to stay". That does not have to be the case. Instead of trying to find reasons why these people are doing this, why not find ways to improve our community? Show these people that this is not going to be tolerated. Anyone have any suggestions?? And who is willing to actually do something about it?? I know that if the city leaders want to do something, I will be there. But it is going to take ALL of us to fight this war.
shakes
Aug 21, 2008 12:37 PM
Hey, Historian! I noted two punctuation errors in your comment. Did you forget about your glass house?

And just because a person's set of skills doesn't include precise written communications doesn't mean they're stupid or lazy. I'm fairly confident a lot of these people have intelligence, skills and talents in areas where I'm totally clueless!
Opinion
Aug 21, 2008 1:44 PM
In my opinion, you can't get rid of gangs completely in decent sized towns. There are too many loopholes that these criminals can jump through to get back out on the street. As for moving to another area, I doubt that will help. Gang/violent activity is found in nearly all areas, Omaha, Lincoln, Sioux City, etc. There will continue to be this type of activity until legislation changes in such a way that law enforcement can put people away for longer periods of time.
Opinion
Aug 21, 2008 1:46 PM
So with that all being said, anyone have reasonable suggestions on what to do? I am open to try anything as well.
annoyed
Aug 21, 2008 2:01 PM
just so all of you know..the columbus police department has been doing everything they can for a while to get this situation under control..obviously the community has no idea what they do everyday! i dont really know how anyone is able to stop someone from doing something before it happens..the police department didn't know that a child was going to go shooting at other children..did you expect them to be sitting there waiting for the shooter? and to whoever doesnt think it is important for the drug dealers and DUI offenders to be put in jail EVERYDAY then just wait until your child gets drugs from them or someone you love gets killed from a drunk driver..give the police department a break..they are doing everything in their power to get these things resolved!! I'M VERY PROUD OF ALL OF YOU!!
To Columbus
Aug 21, 2008 2:45 PM
Since there IS a gang problem, why not implement what LA already has, which is a Gang injunction.

It's a restraining order against a group. It is a civil suit that seeks a court order declaring the gang’s public behavior a nuisance and asking for special rules directed toward it’s activity. Injunctions can address the neighborhood’s gang problem before it reaches the level of felony crime activity.

Gang injunctions have a clearly demonstrable positive affect on the neighborhood area covered. Some have had a remarkable effect. In smaller areas, gang nuisance activity can be permanently removed. In larger areas, with gangs entrenched for years, the gang’s hold on the area can be reduced and maintained with a small team of law enforcement officers. Anecdotal evidence is fully supportive; residents continue to ask for the period of peace a gang injunction can provide.

It's better than nothing.
wtb
Aug 21, 2008 2:47 PM
to historian

guss wht yu dnt need perfct wrtting sklls to get a point acros

apparently you cant think of anything to write on the subject so you have to hammer the writting skills of others, nevermind you probably dont understand this comment because i dont capitalize and my spelling is bad
Agreeeing
Aug 21, 2008 3:54 PM
HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!! GO WTB!!! HECK YES!!! I just got a total kick out of your comment to historian
WTH
Aug 21, 2008 4:22 PM
To historian: Maybe you should stop looking for grammatical errors and look at the content of what is being written. Everyone here wants a better Columbus. A better place to raise their children. And you are sitting back reading the posts complaining of misspellings, and peoples grammar. I hope that made you feel really smart to be able to point those things out. Now lets get back to the real problem and that is the gangs, grafitti and violence that has found its way here.
me
Aug 22, 2008 10:12 AM
"I left Omaha to get away from this" and "run now while you can" to get away from it DOES NOT HELP!! Running from the problems doesn't make it go away, people. As a community we all need to pull together to solve it. I lived at Carriage House 10+ yrs ago and I remember an incident back then when there was a drive-by! It's not something new, but it's time the community addressed the problems before they fester into something really out-of-control!
resident
Aug 22, 2008 12:56 PM
OMG parents and parentless commentators, some of you are sounding like children. Thanks to the CPD for what they did and are trying to do about this situation. If some of you don't like it then send in your solutions to CPD, don't just sit and complain. For those of you that are shocked- I'm sorry- and now you know gangs exist. For those of you who are watching your kids-Congratulations! For those that have parenting suggestions- Thank you. For those of you wondering what race the people involved are ask a high schooler- they tell! For those that don't like Columbus- quietly remove yourselves from this environment. For those of us that want to stay- lets start a neighborhood watch, what do you say. Lets be proactive be open to many solutions some good some not so good and move to the next step. Can we adults do that? Set the example, stop complaining start planning. Thank you
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Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to call the Columbus Police Department at (402) 564-3201.

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