Huntsville shootings ‘not random acts,’ police say: Officials vow to combat violent crime

CrimeHuntsville City Administrator John Hamilton and Police Chief Kirk Giles look on as Councilwoman Michelle Watkins addresses recent shootings in the city.Scott Turner/AL.comBy Scott Turner | sturner@al.comHuntsville police and city officials call recent shootings at convenience stores and other businesses “isolated cases,” but pledged to work with businesses owners to keep residents safe.“I know people are frustrated, I know they are concerned when they hear about another shooting,” Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles said Friday at a press conference at City Hall. “These incidents are not random acts of violence. They are isolated, involving people who know each other, simple conflicts that escalated for no good reason.”City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins specifically cited a shooting that occurred over the weekend.“Our residents, our children and our businesses that operate in this community deserve a safe environment,” the councilwoman said. “Today, we are here to send a clear message: We will not tolerate violence and unlawful behavior that threatens the safety and harmony of our community.”Watkins said the city has heard the concerns from residents and are “committed to taking action.”“We will work closely with convenience store owners, law enforcement and City Hall leadership to address the ongoing loitering and large gatherings that have contributed to these places being unsafe.”The police department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Sunday near the intersection of Jordan Lane and Mastin Lake Road that left one person dead and four others injured. It is also investigating a July 19 shooting on Blake Bottom Road that left two people dead.“Our officers will continue to do what they’ve always done,” Giles said. “They will respond quickly, investigate thoroughly and identified those responsible and hold all accountable.”He said the department would continue to deploy officers “where they are needed the most.”Giles urged residents to continue to report suspicious activity and share information. He said many of the department’s successful investigations begin with a phone call “and a tip from a concerned neighbor who chose to speak up.”“If you see something, say something,” the chief said. “In most of these incidents, a lot of people were there, but somehow no one saw anything.”Watkins said the recent violence has deeply affected the community and urged residents to work together to prevent further tragedies.“Huntsville, we are better than this,” Watkins said. “Every resident deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and these incidents serve as a painful reminder of the work that remains before us.”Speaking on behalf of Mayor Tommy Battle, City Administrator John Hamilton said the city remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting residents and working alongside the community to reduce violent crime.“The safety of our residents is our highest responsibility,” Hamilton said in reading a statement from Mayor Battle. “We remain committed to providing our police department with the resources they need, supporting efforts that strengthen our neighborhoods and working alongside our community to reduce violence. Huntsville has always overcome challenges by coming together, and I know we’ll continue doing that.”Scott Turner covers growth, economic development in the Huntsville area for AL.com and the Huntsville Times. A veteran journalist, his career includes coverage of politics, environmental, military, veteran,...