A breakdown of the recent violence in South Bend
A breakdown of the recent violence in South Bend Save Email Print
Posted: 5:14 PM Nov 8, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:00 PM Nov 8, 2008
38 comments
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Friday night's shooting in South Bend was the tenth in the city since October 26th.

The Elkhart and Michigan City incidents bring the total to 12 in less than two weeks.

An overall summary is as follows:

October 26th saw five shootings and one stabbing in South Bend.

Numerous people were hurt and one person, 21-year-old Bradley Walls, was fatally shot at the intersection of LaSalle and Lafayette downtown.

The next two days brought two more shootings to the city.

One of those incidents left a teenager wounded in Pulaski Park.

The other, which took place on Mishawaka Avenue, left 30-year-old Justin Bird dead.

That next Saturday, saw another fatality, this time a stabbing; 36-year-old Carla Proby died in her Western Avenue home.

The next day 32-year-old Quest Jackson is shot and killed on Jackson Street.

Then last Monday, a bartender is shot in the leg at the Anchor Inn on Western.

And finally, a domestic dispute this past Wednesday, ends in a woman stabbing her boyfriend.

And again, Thursday and Friday's shootings make the total 12.

Police are still unsure as to what is causing the recent surge in violence, but many point to the slumping economy.
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Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Nov 14, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Be careful, Lifetime NRA Member: The Second Amendment does NOT "give us" the right to bear arms, nor does any other part of The Constitution "give" us any other rights. We are endowed by our creator with those inherent rights and many others; The Constitution merely enumerates and protects them. If we start casually believing our government can give us rights, then they will believe that they can take them away. That said, I wholeheartedly agree with your assertion that we are responsible for protecting ourselves. Law enforcement simply does not have the means to prevent crime nor protect citizens from crime. They can only pursue and prosecute criminals after the fact. I for one will always be prepared to defend myself and my family.
Posted by: Alan Location: Elkhart on Nov 14, 2008 at 08:56 AM
To: StirrinUpTrouble. As a group, statistically, there is a much higher percentage of black people on welfare and like assistance than Caucasians as a group. I'll agree, numerically, there are more Caucasians on welfare than black people. All depends on how you want to look at the math.
Posted by: Hey You... on Nov 13, 2008 at 07:23 PM
THIS IS TO:Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 9, 2008 at 08:34 PM "hey, i thought this violence would stop once obama got elected" IT'S JUST STARTING, AND IT'S GOING TO GET A LOT WORSE.
Posted by: HonestOneTwo on Nov 13, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Try 500lbs of flesh hangin all over the seat of the electric chairs, and they be leaning, with a pot bellied man with cowboy boots and a Budweiser t shirt on with a Choppers hat following behind the woman riding with her Oxygen tank and have a carton of cigarettes and a case of beer in the basket, with a pork loin and potatoes. Thats what I see in Walmart. What i cant stand are the ones who have Rental Assistance, and be whyning when there rent goes up 5 bucks to a whole, 40 dollars a month. Get this, did you know some even get a 'utility check".,,
Posted by: antidrug on Nov 13, 2008 at 09:20 AM
How can anyone blame the police for these scumbag westside youths shooting eachother. They are all worthless and will never amount to anything but a lowlife drugusing thug. This is what they have hoped to be there whole life, i guess its kool to them. The west side of south bend is a wasteland. With all the abandoned houses and foreclosed houses. Hell the houses still there look like they should be tore down. When are these people going to stop blaming other people, the police, or the goverment for there problems. Its you, the parents of these kids and adults that cause this violence that are to blame. You should all be cut of these programs that strip the honest man from most of his or her paycheck so you can get your freebies from walmart. Shame on you and your families.
Posted by: Amen! on Nov 13, 2008 at 06:10 AM
I am with you FixItMan!! I have stood in line behind these people buying steak and wine, cigarettes with food stamps. I said something to the cashier that it was illegal to buy those items with FS and she said, "that money is just as green as yours is, mind your own business." This is what happens when government so-called "Bails People Out." Sound familiar?
Posted by: FixItMan Location: South Bend on Nov 12, 2008 at 07:01 PM
8 kids isn't that far from the truth. Go to Wal-Mart on the first week of the month and look at all the 400 pounders riding in the electric carts with their kids following behind. Also, see the lady wearing a fur coat, diamond rings and jewelry, pay for her food with a food stamp card, then hop in her Escalade and drive home! Now tell me they don't play the system! I have personally overheard women bragging about how big their balance is on the EBT card! They think it's a joke! They need to be cut off, and movved OUT! Cutting section 8, welfare, and EBT to those who play the system like this will clean up so much! I'm not talking about people who need it, I'm talking about those who live off of it their entire lives. Just like unemployment, there should be a limit, and if the limit is exceeded, they should have to prove their worthiness.
Posted by: StirrinUpTrouble on Nov 12, 2008 at 08:44 AM
I dont know anyone who has 8 kids..do you really or was that a great sounding number? Section 8 and Welfare are not the MAIN reasons there are so many crimes against others being committed. Drugs, Beer, Wine, whiskey, gin and anger above all are the reasons. That crosses all economic backgrounds. Remember, if it werent for people starving in trailer parks,(we know only certain people live in trailer parks) when Eleanor Roosevelt instituted welfare, their wouldnt be any. So fact is fact. There are more whites on Welfare than Blacks, so get your stories straight. Plus in the HIck town of SB...its such a concentrated area where the violence is happening... Move them to Granger, Goshen and Mishawaka. No crime there now is it. hmmmmm
Posted by: FixItMan Location: South Bend on Nov 11, 2008 at 12:24 PM
getafix: Not micro-managing, just hitting the problem at the source. You can choose to continue to be PC, and be liked by everyone, but to really fix the problem you may need to sacrifice your popularity with certain sub-cultures. We need people in office and on the council that are going to try and fix the problems instead of worrying making money for themselves and their friends, and giving out favors to their pals. I think the whole PC thing has run it's course, now that we have a black ppresident, no one can cry about race anymore. Take some personal responsibility!
Posted by: getafix on Nov 10, 2008 at 09:30 PM
FixItMan: Aren't you micro managing? It's just too much to juggle. Instead of trying to control every molecule of reality; trying to invent a million rules; and ruining programs that help good people because of what bad people do - how about instead we just keep violent people in jail the first (or at least the second time) time they offend. Do you walk the streets worried that an embezzler or pot head will jump out of the bushes? I don't. I can take a lot. I can put up with a lot. But there are one or two things this society puts up with that should be intolerable; and many of us do it because we can afford to live away from the strife (like local news anchors) and we can afford to entertain politically correct notions about societies woes; stuff like blaming it all on racism, or economic opportunities... excuses that allow us to go home to our safe, peaceful neighborhoods and which excuse us from having to do real work or say things that would get us not liked...
Posted by: FixItMan Location: South Bend on Nov 10, 2008 at 06:27 PM
HERE'S THE FIX: Cut section 8, cut out or severely monitor welfare = no more having 8 kids to live off the gov., Fine landlords who rent to scum. Severe =[5 figures]fines for repeat calls to a residence, if fine not paid, and tenants evicted, take possesion of property. That should clean out a large amount of the scum causing all this crime! Hope the mayor see this! It's really quite simple. No more living off our tax dollars for doing nothing and causing crime. Tada!!!
Posted by: Answer Girl on Nov 10, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I'll tell you what the problem is SBPD- stupidity, drug use, lack of self respect and respect for others, the breakdown of the family, no morals, no values, no God.
Posted by: Whats next Location: The dirty B on Nov 10, 2008 at 10:58 AM
"many point to the slumping economy" - What? excuse after excuse. When are people going to start being responsible for there own actions and stop depending on the government? My answer is never, because our local government is letting people take advantage of the system, then they go to jail and waste even more of OUR tax dollars. Fine example, the piece of CRAP that killed Craig Toner. Remember what kind of car he was driving when he ran killed Craig? Yeah, Im sure he worked hard in order to buy that SUV. MY MAN MITCH, at least we have that going for us. Now we need some toughness locally.
Posted by: Richard Location: FOR PONY!! on Nov 10, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Death isnt so bad, except for the rotting smell of your flesh i suppose. But oh well, carry on south bend.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 10, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Oh good, the NRA nuts are out in full force, even though a gun has never saved their lives....but I am sure their brothers, cousin's, mother-in-law's, friends, former roomate has used a gun to save a life.
Posted by: South Bend Location: St. Joseph Co. on Nov 10, 2008 at 07:36 AM
SBPD are lucky they all have take home cars and pay a very small amount, which anyone would pay, for the privilege. Most officers live outside the city and are able to use the vehicles for personal business. There is no issue for on duty use.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 9, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Did you guys know that the police officers now pay for their take home cars. Thats fine, but who gives the chief the right to send out nasty emails every month to the officers whom use what they see as accessive amounts of gas. First they are paying for the car and secondly from talking to them they can use up to half a tank a night, after all they are driving for 8 hours a day. The police department then makes them respond explaining the reason why which typically goes something like this.."im patrolling me beat for crime, would you rather me park and sit?"..which is what they want but they cant legally come out and tell them to do so, so when you dont see a police car on your street in forever, blame it on the police chief and mayor for harassing the officers into parking their cars and not moving until they are dispatched! crime prevention at its finest in south bend!!!
Posted by: Housekeeping Location: Mishawaka on Nov 9, 2008 at 09:48 PM
There is no excuse for all the violence. Its not the economy, its not the weather... Its the idiots who choose to make the choice to harm others. For whatever reason, drugs or stupidity... They kinda go hand in hand. Get the thugs and beat them down.
Posted by: Jason on Nov 9, 2008 at 09:34 PM
South Bend community is a big joke blame this blame that. What a joke. The blame is on the mind of the dumb a@@es that do the crime and think that violance is the answer. That is why I dont live in South Bend.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 9, 2008 at 08:34 PM
hey, i thought this violence would stop once obama got elected.
Posted by: BT Location: SB on Nov 9, 2008 at 08:18 PM
The thing that seems strange to me is when these thugs get arrested they act is if they haven't done a thing wrong. Their excuse is "you don't live in the hood so you can't understand". Fair enough. If you want to be a Sovereign entity we'll build up 100' concrete walls so you can live as you please without having to follw the rules of the land. Then hopefully we will get a big rain storm that will fill it with water.
Posted by: Tired on Nov 9, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Yeah right, I'm sure it's the economy. Since when do drug dealers or people on welfare care about the economy? Maybe the cost of gas was keeping them from buying new Nike shoes and Baby Phat outfits for their 3rd welfare baby.
Posted by: primitive man on Nov 9, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Well, gee, what would happen to any public official who talked to the public they way they talk to each other amongst themselves behind closed doors? Public officials put all kinds of spin on their comments to the general public so that opportunists can't accuse them of this, that and the other thing. Because there is always someone ready to make a hero of themselves by jumping up and down, pointing and hollering, "bigot!" no public official can afford to say anything unless it's something that sounds meaningful even though it's neutral and meaningless. Politicians can only ever tell you what you want to hear, because if they don't, they don't get elected.
Posted by: Lifetime NRA Member Location: SB/Mishawaka on Nov 9, 2008 at 02:12 PM
The Second Ammendment to the Constitution gives us the right to bear arms. I have no problem defending myself and my family with any and all force necessary. I have spent my time at the range and self defense classes and learned when and where it is appropriate to use firearms for self defense, and I take refresher courses regularly. My advice to everyone, spend $600. $400 for a Glock, $100 for lessons and refresher courses, and $100 for a lifetime concealed carry permit to legally keep the Glock on your person. Big thanks goes to Mitch Daniels for making the lifetime permit available to all law abiding Hoosiers!! When it comes to personal safety, I am not worried about going into any "bad neighborhood" in any city in the state, I know that my family and I are going to be safe, because it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to provide it, not State, County, Or Local Government. More Hoosiers need to take that responsibility seriously.
Posted by: Anon on Nov 9, 2008 at 01:16 PM
OMG Economy??? Do we see a pattern here? It is the gangs and thugs who are doing this to each other. Can we say drugs? We are all feeling the economy but we are not going out and shooting each other over stupid stuff. We all have to try and get thru this rough time and pray it ends soon. This city is becoming scary and I thank our wonderful Mayor and Judges for closing their eyes to all this. Get tough and put these punks in jail for LIFE without parole. Stop these gangs before it is too late.
Posted by: Fed Up Location: South Bend, IN on Nov 9, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Time to leave this place behind me and start looking elsewhere to live where there is less crime and trash. Get the lazy authorities to clean up this city!
Posted by: Toni Location: South Bend on Nov 9, 2008 at 11:27 AM
The government is just promoting South Bend scum to reap free subsidies. This subculture is growing at a rapid rate, especially with the economy offering less employment opportunities. Most of this subculture receives Section-8 housing assistance, food stamps, TANIF, and SSI from social security. This adds up to nearly $2000/Month of tax free income. Why would South Bend scum want to remove them selves from this subculture and seek to improve them selves? They wouldn’t and they wont!
Posted by: Farley Location: Granger on Nov 9, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I'm sure the police were told by Mayor Mc Luecke to blame this on the economy. The police know the real reasons but are told by Admins. to lie. I feel sorry for our brave young officers fighting this battle in a thung ridden war zone. Economy ? these turds have never worked a day in their life.
Posted by: John Location: Mishawaka on Nov 9, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Yeah right, Its the economy. I was laid off from my job two weeks ago and since then I've had an overwhelming urge to disregard any sense of morality and go out and shoot and rob. Something tells me that the people involved weren't pillars of society when the economy was good. What we're witnessing is the result of 40 plus years of government subsidies for idleness and illegitimate births. Get ready for more of it.
Posted by: Tommy on Nov 9, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Economy Are the police kidding me!!!! This lost city has too many criminal and homeless and uneducated and wothless people in it. They know how to beat this crappy justice system and know you can get away with about anything in the County. High taxes, less police, more crime and what are leaders doing????NADA..........
Posted by: So Confused Location: South Bend on Nov 9, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Where did you get this NEWS??? Yes people got hurt and killed but you have the locations and storys all wrong.It's not good getting second handed NEWS cause it get people so confused. WSBT said something different what is the TRUTH? Can you please gather up the FACTS from all victims or family members before you print a STORY or was this just to throw peple off.This isthe man reason why I dont watch TV.To many non FICTION storie .People please stop the VIOLENCE it just dont make any sense if you ask me and there all african american people thats really strange.Seek help from the real PROFFESSIONALS..Time for a change you all sin monday thru saturday and be in church on SUNDAY what is this? To many lost souls lurking around not to mention false prophets and you all call your selfs GODS children.Lets go back to the reading the 10 commandments,Who would like to read #1 first
Posted by: Crystal on Nov 9, 2008 at 03:23 AM
I agree with Frances. I don't see how shootings are caused by the slumping economy. I am not rich by any means the economy has hurt me and many more people I know, yet none of us is out shooting someone. This is just another excuse and quite frankly it doesn't fly. People need to grow up and realize that guns do not solve problems, they just cause more. Parents need to step up now with their young children and teach them that this kind of stuff is unacceptable and make them suffer the consequences of their bad choices when they are young and impressionable. If parents do their jobs then we may see a difference, but many just don't do their jobs and parents and we wind up with a bunch of gang banging thugs who go looking for trouble, sell drugs and so on.
Posted by: marv Location: michiana on Nov 9, 2008 at 01:26 AM
in my day i was willing to die for what i had ..... today my 16 yr old son is willing to kill for his
Posted by: Corey Location: Goshen on Nov 9, 2008 at 12:20 AM
I like his reason for all the violence...slumping economy...I am glad I live in Goshen because the violence doesn't compare to South Bend...now Elkhart on the other hand is getting worse...economy?
Posted by: Stan Location: Niles on Nov 8, 2008 at 11:40 PM
What is causing the violence? In the summer the media would automatically excuse the violence due to the heat. Now the violence is being excused by a slacking economy. For the better part of the year the rash of metal robberies were excused by high return for scrap. As I see it, maybe excusing crime away is a leading factor allowing people to think they can get away with whatever it is they wish to do.
Posted by: Pat Location: So.Bend on Nov 8, 2008 at 10:43 PM
South Bend violence..The 3 people that died.All of them has a lot of children and no job listed for the father. How can these people afford to give these children all the needs with the cost of everything now days.Is this one reason some of the children are not finishing school and just hanging out all day and night and getting into trouble. All these children and no father and Mom.We all end up paying for them. I wish I could have had more babies but I stayed with what I could afford with even 2 incomes. Keep tabs on the children and keep them in school and get a education and a good job. My heart goes out to all the families.
Posted by: Iema Location: South Bend on Nov 8, 2008 at 09:44 PM
I wish I had enough money to move to Granger so I could get away from all of these idiots!
Posted by: Francis Location: South Bend on Nov 8, 2008 at 09:37 PM
The slumping economy? False. None of these shootings are confirmed random-victim robberies, and the majority involve drugs. We can't blame shootings and stabbings on the economy. We could blame larcenies on this, but this article isn't about larcenies.
Posted by: Dee Location: South Bend on Nov 8, 2008 at 07:09 PM
More Gangs,Drugs and Alcohol with KIDS, The police are doing a GREAT job. One at a time the BAD BOYS, BAD GIRLS will be in JAIL, I hope the judge, with sentencing like these the idiots committing the crimes. My parents raised me with high morals and taught me right from wrong and that the choices you make in life are yours and you have to live with the outcome. And that's what's going to happen here.
Posted by: Just about right Location: Linden and Johnson on Nov 8, 2008 at 05:51 PM
South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke announced the city will begin selling the all new "SB Violence 2009" Programs. This will better allow those at home to be able to keep track of the names of convicted felons, drug dealers, and gang bangers. You will also be able to keep a running score of shootings, stabbings, cuttings, and homicides much like you do at baseball games. Much easier to tell the players and their stats with the programs! Proceeds will benefit the Shooting Lessons For Thugs Foundation.

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