Dixon Circle Getting Back To Normal
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - In the South Dallas neighborhood known as Dixon Circle, life on the surface, is getting back to normal. Teenagers polish their jump shots at the local recreation center, while seniors socialize and work on crafts. But, some residents say that amid the scorching summer heat, anger is simmering here as well.
"There's a big distrust factor, " says David Ghaazee. Ghaazee, a personal trainer, says he is a law abiding citizen; but, is still uneasy in situations with police. And his is a common story in this community.
"They just mess with you," insisted a woman who did not want her name used. Ghaazee, too, agreed that police need to improve relations with the neighborhood.
"A lot of people are concerned that when something happens in the neighborhood and there's an emergency, the response time is always slow. And then when they do come in the neighborhood, something like this happens."
"This", was a fatal police involved shooting Tuesday that left 31-year-old James Harper dead. Harper, was a convicted felon with a long criminal history. Police say he ran from a known drug house and was shot and killed during a fight with the officer that chased him. In the aftermath of the shooting, an angry crowd spilled out onto the streets. And while many here say they despise the drug trade that has taken such a toll in the area, they also question whether lethal force was the officer's only option.
"He was unarmed, " says Ghaazee. "Maybe he should have just let him run off. He's from the neighborhood, eventually he would have come back."
In spite of his concerns, Ghaazee says he will wait for the police investigation to proceed to learn the facts. But, others remain convinced that Harper was shot in the back: a rumor that gained traction in the emotional hours following the shooting, and one that has been difficult to put to rest.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner released a forceful statement Thursday saying the autopsy on Harper was not complete and insisted that no preliminary information had been released. Still, distrust here runs deep.
"I believe the police shot him, for the simple fact, because he couldn't catch up with him," says a South Dallas woman who did not want to be named. "I don't believe the boy kicked him and I don't think there was no fight. There's no proof of it, is it? And if they do [have proof] they need to come out with it."
