Rampant Violence Leaves Scars Throughout Charm City
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--As the number of shootings in Baltimore continues to climb-- police take new steps to turn around the rash of violence.
Christie Ileto has the latest.
Robert Hall's steps bare the scars of the city's latest shooting when 9 year-old Eli was caught in the cross fire.
Eli ran across the street he was shot and Robert sat him down
"He was screaming it hurt, it hurt," said Robert.
Sirens are the anthem on Baltimore's bloody streets, Memorial Day Weekend alone left 30 people shot and 8 of them dead.
"The uptick in violence is distressing and it's disheartening," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Police now beefing up foot patrols, targeting repeat offenders, and changing Western Police District's leadership.
"The people are doing what they want to do now because they feel like the police are not going to come right away, the way like they normally come," said Rev. Keith Bailey.
The crime wave swelled after Freddie Gray's April death from injuries in police custody.
Ileto: "The officers have been charged. The indictments came down. Why are we still seeing this surge?"
"Once you take the lid off a boiling pot, you can't get it under control that easily," said Rev. Dr. Lisa Weah.
Rev. Lisa Weah says this isn't just about Freddie Gray.
"It's not going to simmer down until systemic changes are put in place and people's hope and sense of security has been restored," she says.
"This is a city that needs to be healed," says Iyanla Vanzant.
Talk show host Iyanla Vanzant helps local churches lead conversations for change.
Ileto: "How do you heal Baltimore?"
"One person at a time. One mind, one life, one spirit at a time," she says.
For now the rampant violence leaves behind a trail of scars across the city.