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Great Falls Residents React to Crimes in Community

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Apr 23, 2008 at 5:17 PM MST

Story Updated: Apr 23, 2008 at 5:25 PM MST

After the beating death of one man, more than two dozens residents in the 500 block of 5th Avenue North gathered at the Park and Recreation Center to discuss the problem and how to stop it. “It’s like all the F words are flying and the music’s going..kids could get hurt on whiskey bottles…I’m scared.” Residents in the area near Gibson Park are fed up. For one woman the crime in the area is too much; she’s trying to move. “They’re forcing us out of there and that’s a nice historical area with beautiful older homes. Everyday we have the cops down there and it really does hurt us trying to sell our home.” Drugs, booze and violence have been a problem in the area for years. One man said his young son witnessed a homicide earlier this month right in front of his house. “I don’t feel safe leaving my son unattended for two minutes in the front yard.” At today’s meeting much of the blame for the problem was attributed to just a few people. “There’s about 2 or 3 people that can take care of this problem and that’s the landlords…. It’s all about the money and a quick turn over on the rent.” Neighborhood Council Seven hopes to send out a list in the area of non-emergency numbers people could call to complain, but Great Falls Police Officer Sergeant Glenn Stinar said that there’s no overnight solution and people should keep calling authorities. “The city is trying. What you need to do is keep calling…squeaky wheel is gonna get some grease.” Colin Dale Racine faces homicide charges for the beating death the young boy witnessed. He will enter a plea during a hearing on May 1st.

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ruserious said on Thursday, Apr 24 at 12:14 PM

the city should just give these people neighborhood watch issued firearms...

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