DORCHESTER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Residents gathered in Dorchester Thursday evening in an effort to curb violence in their city after a 7-year-old was shot while riding his bike Sunday.
About 150 people showed up to the meeting, including the police commissioner and Boston mayor, to discuss ways to decrease crime and violence in the Bowdoin Geneva neighborhood of Dorchester. They say in the wake of Sunday's shooting, they are taking back their streets.
Pastor William Dickerson of Greater Love Tabernacle said, "I think the men of our community have to step up and let young men know if you made a mistake - hey will walk with you through the process."
Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans says he's frustrated that the community hasn't been more forthcoming with tips regarding Sunday's shooting, especially since an innocent child was hurt.
"I'm just a little disappointed those who know information haven't come forward," he said.
Devan Silva, the boy who was shot while riding his bike, is now recovering at home. His relatives were at Thursday night's meeting.
Mayor Marty Walsh told them he's making combat violence in their neighborhood a priority. And leaders spoke about walking the streets and finding more summer opportunities for youth as possible solutions.
Mother of seven, Sholonda Ancrum says that's a good start, but says she also wants leaders to address the roots of the violence.
"It's the broken homes that these shooters come from, the broken parents. We don't know what's going on in their world," she said.
Police are now looking for a
that may be somehow connected to Sunday's shooting. Community members we spoke with say they believe people are afraid for their safety and that could be the reason why they haven't come forward.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 1-800-494-TIPS.
Cox Media Group
