Last Thursday, East Hills, a neighborhood with deep personal ties for many residents, experienced a shocking incident of violent crime when a man was shot during a drug deal that escalated into a robbery and ultimately a homicide. The tranquility of the evening was abruptly shattered, leading to a rapid response from local law enforcement, who arrived within minutes to secure the area.

Residents expressed their gratitude for the swift actions of first responders, highlighting the importance of their presence in times of crisis. Despite national statistics indicating a decline in violent crime, the reality on the ground remains starkly different for those directly affected.

In light of this incident, community members are calling for the reinstatement of neighborhood patrols. Many recall a time when police officers were a familiar presence in East Hills, fostering relationships with residents and serving as a deterrent to crime. The absence of such patrols has left some feeling vulnerable, as the neighborhood has changed significantly over the years, with children now playing in the streets without the same level of oversight.

The plea for increased police visibility underscores a growing concern among residents about safety and community engagement, as they seek to reclaim the sense of security that once characterized their neighborhood.