Northeast-side residents react to violent night that left a child dead and four injured

SAN ANTONIO — It has been a day of pain and disbelief in the northeast-side community near where the attack took place that killed one child and left four others with gunshot wounds.

Neighbors are talking about what should be done before the start of a long, hot summer when violence usually peaks.

Even though Sheriff Javier Salazar said the incident was a targeted attack, neighbors said with that much lead in the air, they find little comfort in that assessment.

Community members who care about safety for everyone said this is a day to be asking what more can be done.

Adrienne House is with the nonprofit group San Antonio Fighting Back. She’s fighting mad about the impact of gun violence on children.

“When they start getting involved and getting hurt or getting killed, that’s when the community has to step in stop and say enough is enough,” House said. “Grownups can do what they want but it’s the children who make me want to speak out.”

The attack happened in Precinct 4 and County Commissioner Tommy Calvert said by the time bullets are flying it’s too late.

“We asked for $900,000 for community violence intervention and it was denied by the court,” Calvert said.

Calvert said he will keep trying to get funding for front end solutions.

“You’ve got to have someone in the community who can be trusted to calm the waters and get ahead of these crimes before they start,” Calvert said.

Grandparent Wesley Westbrooks said he lives nearby and he drove by the scene to see the damage for himself.

“To tell you the truth, we fight a lot for goodness around here,” Westbrooks said, adding his family has been involved in school and youth groups because being connected is vital.

Westbrooks said he wishes more parents and grandparents were involved in programs to keep kids safe.

“We’ll do our part out here and hopefully we will get a break,” Westbrooks said.

San Antonio Fighting Back is gearing up their summer programs that help keep kids safe, but they need community support.

To help sponsor snacks, participation gift cards or to help, the number to call is 210-271-7232.

Adrianne House can be reached at ahouse@mysafb.org.