Daytona Beach community gathers to discuss how to stop recent spree of shootings

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — People in Daytona Beach are determined to see crime go down in their community after a string of shootings in the area.

Dozens showed up at a meeting with Police Chief Jakari Young Monday in an attempt to bring the community together to talk about what’s going on because he said addressing the shootings is something law enforcement cannot do alone.

On Sunday, officers were called to the Derbyshire Park basketball courts. The victim later died at the hospital.

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Since Nov. 21, there have been six separate shootings in the city, resulting in nine people shot and four people dead.

The latest happened Sunday afternoon when a 19-year-old was shot multiple times. Officials said it started with two men arguing over a girl.

“The spree of shootings — they’ve been occurring at unusual times,” Young said. “We’re dealing with the shooting that happened at 10:30 in the morning. We’re dealing with another one that happened at 11:30 in the morning. And now, we have this one that happened at 3 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon.”

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People had some great suggestions and the chief was open to hearing all of them.

“This is a great city but what I’m seeing now is disgraceful,” Young said. “I take it personal every life lost in this city to senseless violence.”

Many said the crime might stop before it happens if parents set better examples at home.

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Some people thought at least part of the answer had to do with officers better engaging with the community.

“A lot of them just don’t care about the inner city. They’re doing their job, but they’re just not friendly,” said Malcolm Williams, a minister.

Young said he does have some initiatives already in the works. In addition so some proactive enforcement in trouble areas, he’s going to launch what he calls the “Park Walk and Talk” program.

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“Every officer will be required at some point for at least half and hour in their 12-hour shift to get out of their car in their zone (and) walk, contact people, talk to them, get to know your area,” Young said.

This is the second time in two years, the community has found itself in the position. Lost November, three people were dead and seven people were shot over 17 days.

Young said officers believe 19-year-old John Phillips was fatally shot during a dispute over a girl.

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The motive was the same in a shooting two weeks ago and last Monday, according to Young.

In total, there have been six shootings, with four people killed in nine days.

The department stated it needs the community’s help to stop more shootings from happening.

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“I’m asking all community leaders, all clergy, anybody that is legitimately concerned about what’s going on in this community, to meet me,” Young said.

Young said they are planning to meet at 6 p.m. at the Midtown Cultural and Education Center.

See an in-depth report below:

‘Here we go again’: Daytona Beach police investigating fatal shooting of young man at local park Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young says a dispute over a woman appears to be the "foolishness" behind a shooting at Derbyshire Park Sunday afternoon. (, Deanna Allbrittin/WFTV)

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