South Toledo residents react to 2 shooting victims

TOLEDO, Ohio — Two people were shot Friday afternoon on Beecham Street near Western Avenue, according to Toledo police. One of the victims is 19 years old and the other is 20 years old.

“I don’t react to them,” one south Toledo resident said of the shootings in her neighborhood. “I hear them so much, but I knew something was close.”

The resident, who asked to remain anonymous for her safety, has lived in the neighborhood for more than 40 years. She said she was at home when she heard gunshots.

He wishes those sounds were unknown to him.

“I heard five shots, then a minute went by and then another five or six,” she said. “Then I heard the sirens right after.”

Considering that the victims are young, the residents of the area said that the situation is more difficult. This kind of violence is already happening, a whole summer before.

“It’s really sad,” the south Toledo resident said. “It’s not safe to go into the store anymore or something.”

Kari Chevalier said she’s been in the neighborhood her whole life.

“We need help reducing violence, it’s not just gun violence,” Chevalier said. “There are all kinds of weapons. The violence has to stop. It’s too much.”

She said she has seen the violence worsen over the years.

“Every day you hear about a shooting,” she said. “I’m afraid to even leave my own house. I remember when you were a kid you could go out and have fun. You’re not even afraid to take the mail out of the mailbox.”

But others have a different thinking.

“I’m not afraid,” said the anonymous south Toledo resident. “I will never let anyone make me afraid to leave my house. Stay out.”

Police said they still do not have a suspect in custody. If you have information about the shooting, you’re asked to call or text Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.