GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Fighting near Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids is a big problem – one that’s grown in months past. But now, local authorities are putting up a fight of their own. They’re moving the issue to the forefront of their agenda, starting with the most recent incidences.
This week, Grand Rapids police made several arrests following the discovery of cell phone video showing a vicious fight near Rosa Parks Circle on July 28.
The incident was the fourteenth assault to take place in the Rosa Parks Circle area since May of this year – a trend GRPD is now working to end.
“This particular assault that took place on July 28th, this is the only one of its kind among those fourteen,” said Grand Rapids Police Department spokesman Sergeant Terry Dixon. “All of the other ones were different.”
GRPD arrested four juveniles and one adult, all identified thanks to that video and all being charged with assault with great bodily harm less than murder. Police say the video itself along with help from the public led to the arrests, and while they’re pleased to finally have suspects in custody, they say the overall problem in that particular area is still cause for concern.
“The video tells a story,” said Sergeant Dixon, “and that story is – the ultimate bottom line here is that, that kind of situation or thing here in Grand Rapids will not be tolerated by the Grand Rapids Department or the citizens.”
Currently, GRPD only has access to one security camera overlooking Rosa Parks Circle. But when in need, they say they can utilize surveillance footage captured by surrounding businesses when need be – an alliance they’re not underestimating and in fact looking to expand upon.
“We are in a constant state of trying to acquire or gain access to cameras in the downtown area,” said Sergeant Dixon.
Along with increased patrols, police are hoping to greatly cut down on the number of violent crimes that take place near Rosa Parks Circle.
As for the July 28th incident, the condition of the victim is still unknown. Police did say he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries. They are still questioning the person who recorded the fight on their cell phone, and say the investigation is still ongoing.
