“There’s a lot of crazy guys downtown"
YAKIMA - It’s the center of Yakima, and thousands are spent each year to keep it looking good. But all the flowers and signs in the world can't camouflage a crime problem. Yakima Police say they've logged extra patrols in the downtown area, but has it made a dent in crime?
It's the heart of the city with live music, drinks, and friendly service. But downtown Yakima is also home to drugs, thieves, and violence.
KIMA was there last month when Yakima Police arrested a man for an alleged assault with a hammer. And just a few weeks prior to that, a man was shot and killed after police say her pulled a knife on an officer.
"You need to watch (your back all the time," said Salvador Cruz. "There's a lot of crazy guys downtown."
But just how bad is it? KIMA pulled the numbers and learned there's been an average of just one robbery a month. The picture gets a little worse when it comes to assaults, with a total of 140 cases in that since last April. But the worst problem is burglaries. Just last month alone, there were 30.
While those stats may seem like a lot, Yakima Police told KIMA, things are actually average if not better compared to previous years. They credit that with an increased officer presence. Neighbors we talked to said they’ve noticed.
"I see the police patrol the area a lot,” said Anita Lewis. “It's getting better."
But despite the improvement, Lewis said she still make sure to watch her step.
"I just walk fast and stay in light areas,” she said.
Good advice, no matter the neighborhood.
It's the heart of the city with live music, drinks, and friendly service. But downtown Yakima is also home to drugs, thieves, and violence.
KIMA was there last month when Yakima Police arrested a man for an alleged assault with a hammer. And just a few weeks prior to that, a man was shot and killed after police say her pulled a knife on an officer.
"You need to watch (your back all the time," said Salvador Cruz. "There's a lot of crazy guys downtown."
But just how bad is it? KIMA pulled the numbers and learned there's been an average of just one robbery a month. The picture gets a little worse when it comes to assaults, with a total of 140 cases in that since last April. But the worst problem is burglaries. Just last month alone, there were 30.
While those stats may seem like a lot, Yakima Police told KIMA, things are actually average if not better compared to previous years. They credit that with an increased officer presence. Neighbors we talked to said they’ve noticed.
"I see the police patrol the area a lot,” said Anita Lewis. “It's getting better."
But despite the improvement, Lewis said she still make sure to watch her step.
"I just walk fast and stay in light areas,” she said.
Good advice, no matter the neighborhood.
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