Hatchet-Wielding Man's Attack Prompts Push To Close Dallas' Tent City

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DALLAS (CBDFW.COM) – Tuesday night's attack by a hatchet-wielding man at a homeless encampment outside downtown Dallas has many pushing harder than ever to close down Tent City.

Police said Anthony Pierre, 27, chased another man and held the hatchet to a woman's neck before running away. Pierre allegedly punched two people and cut the woman on her neck.

"Encampments are just not safe," according to President of the Bridge Homeless Shelter, Jay Dunn, who supports the city's self-imposed deadline of May 4 to close down the encampment. "I think we have to find a way to close down Tent City but closing down Tent City has to include alternatives. Otherwise there will just be another Tent City, right down under another stretch of interstate or in another neighborhood. And we don't want to be shuffling these pieces around."

The latest violent incident has many – just a couple miles away at City Hall – eager to find an alternative place for Tent City's inhabitants to live.

Julie Garica has called her tent under I-45 home for the past 14 months. She said the recent rash of violent crimes has persuaded her move.

"It kind of – unfortunately -- happens quite often," said Garcia.

A man was stabbed to death during a fight last month, and another man was killed there in January.

"A guy got killed not too long ago here. He bled out right out here," said Andre Collins, who said he sometimes stays at Tent City.

Dunn said every night his shelter is forced to turn people away.

"There is so much good work that is being done – unfortunately – there is just more need than supply right now."

The city needs at least 200 more beds to meet demand, according to Dunn. Beds for people like Garcia, who with a felony record has fewer options. But Garcia is optimistic about getting out but knows whether by choice or city force—her days her are limited.

"It's just a matter of time. It's just a matter of time."

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said in a written statement:

"The safety of our homeless citizens in tent city is a big concern. We know that this is a particularly vulnerable population. It's one of the primary reasons why we are working so hard to get them placed in housing based on their needs and condition."

There are more than 200 people currently living in Dallas' Tent City.

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