The intersection of Church Street and Johnson Avenue was once again marked by tragedy on Tuesday evening, when gunfire erupted at the very site where residents had gathered just days earlier to honor a fallen community member. A woman on her way to attend the vigil for Cunningham, the most recent victim of local violence, was struck in the leg by a bullet fired from an unknown assailant.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, transporting her to a nearby hospital where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. While she is expected to recover physically, the shooting has deepened fear and frustration within the community. Residents say the recurrence of violence in the same location has shaken their sense of safety, transforming a place of remembrance into yet another crime scene.
Police immediately secured the area, blocking traffic and canvassing for witnesses as investigators searched for shell casings and surveillance footage. Despite their efforts, no arrests have been made, and authorities continue to appeal for cooperation from the public.
Police Chief Brad Allen addressed the community directly, acknowledging the rising anxiety while urging solidarity in the fight against violence. “We all need to come together and make a stance,” he said. “These neighborhoods deserve peace, and it starts with people stepping forward to share what they know.”
Community leaders and clergy echoed his call, saying repeated shootings highlight the urgent need for prevention, intervention, and accountability. Vigils, once meant to bring solace, are now shadowed by the threat of further bloodshed, leaving families and neighbors torn between grief and fear.
As investigators work to identify the shooter, residents are left grappling with the painful reality of recurring violence on their streets. The courage of the woman who survived offers a glimmer of hope, but the community remains determined to demand lasting change.
