Community pushes for change after KC food truck operator killed in shooting
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Community members want things to change in a Kansas City neighborhood where a weekend block party turned violent.
Someone killed a 31-year old food truck operators early Monday morning when a huge street party at Prospect Avenue and Gregory Boulevard turned deadly. Now, police officers plan to attend this weekend’s gathering to see for themselves.
Dyamund Shields, a 31-year old father of three was killed when a shootout broke out in that crowded street early Monday morning.
Community members and business owners attended a Wednesday afternoon meeting at Kansas City Police Metro Patrol station, where plans to collaborate on Sunday were formulated.
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During Wednesday’s meeting, neighbors who live near Prospect and Gregory told police they sometimes see partygoers walking around with guns in their hands. People who live in the city’s Tri-Blenheim neighborhood sometimes complain about the big block parties and the trouble they bring, including noise, traffic and litter. One attendee commented that it’s unusual to see the Sunday night gatherings go past midnight as this one did.
Ardith “Sunshine” Smith was in attendance early Monday morning when violence broke out. Shields was killed when a stray bullet hit him as he sold food nearby. A police officer told FOX4 on Monday as many as a thousand people were at that party. On Monday, a party attendee told police the conflict broke out when two groups of people in cars drew their guns during an argument that whirled out of control.
“We can’t have anything on Prospect. Everybody’s upset,” Smith said.
Smith said she knew Shields well. She mourns his loss, but she said the community near Prospect Avenue takes pride in those weekend events. Smith said they’re meant to be wholesome entertainment that won’t cost money.
“I don’t think we should have to not gather peacefully. If you want to make trouble or be trouble, stay away from us. Just don’t come because we’re just trying to have a nice time,” Smith added.
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“We have some of the most lax gun laws in the country. Until Jeff City wants to do something about it, this is going to continue. It’s not going to stop here at Prospect,” Charles Kennedy, neighborhood president with the Tri-Blenheim Neighborhood Association, said on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s community meeting with police included input from MOCSA, the anti-violence group that promotes peace in Kansas City neighborhoods. Brandee Alexander, MOCSA’s director of prevention, believes community unity can lead to peace.
“I’m pleased to see the police want a role, but I’m also happy to see the community coming out. I think it’s important for the community to take the initiative, and for the police department to show up and support, just like they’ve been doing,” Alexander said.
Kansas City councilmembers didn’t attend Wednesday’s meeting, but Fifth District reps heard from the public on Monday night.
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