CAMBRIDGE, MD - Maryland State Police say they found 36 year-old Taron Jones of Cambridge suffering from at least one apparent gunshot wound. He was declared deceased at the scene by Dorchester County emergency medical services personnel. This was on the 600 block of Bradley Ave., marking the third homicide of the year in the city, according to Cambridge police.
This figure, while lower than the previous year's count of seven homicides, is still a cause for concern among residents. Cambridge Police Chief Justin Todd attributes the decline, in part, to the proactive measures taken by the police force.
"We average a gun off the street once a week this year. This past year, we've taken over 50 guns off our city streets," Chief Todd explained. He emphasized the role of increased community policing in achieving this reduction in violent incidents.
However, Chief Todd remains cautious about celebrating the decrease in murders, stating, "I don't call that success by any means, certainly progress." He pointed out that while murders may be down, other criminal activities, such as car thefts, have seen an increase throughout the year, leaving many residents as victims of different types of crimes.
"I wonder about the shootings, period. The call for shots fired. I know of a few where the people were missed," expressed David Walker, a concerned resident. Walker highlighted that despite the decline in murders, there are still unsettling incidents, including a recent shooting just four doors down from his apartment.
"It's not stopping. The only way it's going to stop is not just between the community and the police. It has to stop with the poverty in the community," Walker added, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of crime.
While the city has seen a decrease in the number of murders, the prevailing sentiment among residents is that fear remains high. The community recognizes the strides made by law enforcement but emphasizes the importance of addressing broader issues, such as poverty, to ensure a safer and more secure environment for all.