South Columbus event held to prevent crime

Columbus, Ohio (Wsyx) – Community advocates try to join together when violence escalates in Columbus. On Saturday they aimed at an area near the police, in which the police only robbed and killed a young teenager on the south side.

“There is a lot of poverty, a lot of homelessness,” said Candace Hudon with the hope of the community on her annual community fair along the Parsons Avenue. “It only brings together the community and gives people hope.”

The reach of crime, hunger and addiction took place some blocks from a fatal shootout on April 29. The police say that a 15-year-old in Reinhard and South Champion Avenue shot a 19-year-old during a robbery.

“I have my grandson here who is 15 years old and he helps,” said Hudson. “It humiliates him.”

Paul Parker took part in the event to say that this type of interest representation saved his life.

“I used to be homeless. I used to use drugs and so on,” said Parker. “I was ready to kill myself because I didn't think someone took care of me.”

Once encouraged by supporters to stay in a warm center, Parker received resources to help him, to become sober and a job.

During the event on Saturday, Fairlane Mobile Home Park in the South High Street broke out more shots. The police had not immediately released the identity of the victim, but said that he might have lived in the trailer nearby, where he was found. Police officers at the scene believed that the suspect had come away.

Hudson said there is a connection between crime and poverty in South Columbus, so she is planning more events for the rest of the year. Representatives of the Franklin County Municipal Court, the public defender and specialists with addiction and homelessness everyone took part in the event on Saturday.