Officer John Weatherwax said, “All of our ice cream is gone…our 250 cups
are gone.
The ice cream didn't last but it lured neighbors like Candice Mortezzaiea
out of their Holland homes.
Mortezzaiea said, "I've always grown up in this town I used to play in
this park when I was real little.
Police say College Park is at risk of becoming a different, more dangerous
place.
Weatherwax, "In the last few months there's been a few incidents
happened here."
Police have seen graffiti pop up on walls, on playground equipment, we
found it on the park sidewalk.
Weatherwax said, “When they see gang graffiti in this area they get
concerned about potential violence.
Six years ago, gangs firebombed several homes in this neighborhood.
The ring leaders were arrested but police say gangs are starting to rise
again. They can see the early signs.
Weatherwax said, “What we're talking about now is 5 or 6 people duking it
out it…goes on for 15 seconds…then they scatter."
Officers like John Weatherwax believe stopping the violence will take
teamwork. Weatherwax said, “We want to be a team with the community.”
The best way to get to know neighbors? Free ice cream.
Mortezaiea said, “That was a good way to attract the kids a real good way.”
Officer Weatherwax is the new Team Area Coordinator in this Holland
neighborhood. If you'd like to get in touch with him, there's information on
our website under news links.