Baltimore's crime spike raises both police and civilian fear
BALTIMORE -- The city of Baltimore has seen a sharp spike in violence since the protests and looting after Freddie Gray died last month of injuries suffered in police custody.
Murders are up. But arrests are down.
Many wonder when this cycle will end.
Last night, more street violence in Baltimore. This shooting happened right in front of Dajanai Myers' home.
"It's not surprising anymore," to see police tape. Or to see a body in the street. "It's not surprising, because it happens all the time," she said.
May has been a bloody month in Baltimore, with 38 homicides, after 22 in April and 15 in March. But arrests in the city are down by more than 50 percent, leaving some to question whether police are stepping back on purpose.
In a statement today, the police union says officers are "under siege" and "more afraid of going to jail for doing their jobs properly than they are of getting shot on duty."
Six officers were charged in the death of Freddie Gray. But police point out in the riots that followed his funeral, more than 150 officers were hurt.
On Tuesday, police commissioner Anthony Batts apologized to the police union for not being prepared for the violence.
His remarks were obtained by the Baltimore Sun.
"I want to come here and tell you guys that I think I let you guys down," said Batts. "And I say that with a humble heart. I say that with honesty."
Batts says he is reassigning commanders and retraining officers to build better relationships with the community.
But there's a long way to go.
City councilman William Pete Welch says many people just don't trust the police.
"I get complaints that should be going to the police department because they are afraid to tell the officers what they saw and how they feel," he said.
But in Baltimore, now perhaps the one issue that unites both sides is the need to stop the violence. Today, the heartbreaking cycle continued: a mother and her 7-year-old son were shot and killed.