MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - People who live in a North Memphis neighborhood say they live with the fear of becoming a victim of crime. If you can call it living, that is. “I’m going to get my permit, my gun carrying permit,” says Greg Smith. “Why? I feel there’s enough crime, and it’s getting worse.”
Just an example, a 21-year-old man is shot and dies in his front yard. A marker and stuffed animals let people know what happened. A police officer is shot at while on Jackson. He wasn't hurt, but the cops still can’t find the suspect. People probably heard the gunshot, because gunshots are heard a lot in this area. “That’s common here,” one woman said.
One man, who seemed just fine, said he also hears the shots. “All the time,” he said, “...all the time.” He seemed fine, but in seconds his mind and thoughts began to wander into an area only he seemed to understand. “Hot beans are free now, did you know that? Children have been growing little baby bean plants.” He is an example of how violent city life can push a person over the edge.
You could laugh, but it wouldn’t be right. You shouldn’t laugh, because there are plenty of places like this in Memphis. Too many of them, as a matter of fact. Betty Rogers has to deal with things the best that she can. “I don’t call police every time I hear gunshots,” she says. “My thing is to stay out of the way, because you never know where that bullet is going.”
