Neighbors around Atlanta's Chastain Park area said Sunday that they want to stop a return to dangerous crime. Residents said a carjacking in which one teenager was shot was a scary wake-up call.
Park Drive is located on the woodsy, secluded north end of Chastain Park and it has become popular with families. Neighbors said, unfortunately, it has also become a tempting place for criminals.
Three teens were carjacked Thursday night and robbed of their valuables, car and one teen was shot in the leg.
"A PT Cruiser came down the road, passed them, stopped and another car approached their car, so they were blocked in," said Paula Marchman, a friend of the victims.
Atlanta police said no one is supposed to drive on the road at night. Neighbors said the gates are usually left open and the area is only lightly patrolled. Residents said they want more attention from city parks and police when groups of young people congregate along the drive.
"Teenagers were targeted in this attack and that is very concerning," said Jim King, Chastain Park Civic Association President.
Neighbors said the Park Drive area has been dramatically improved and has now been discovered by families, joggers, teenagers, and at times, criminals.
"Whatever activities you don't want seen, that's basically what's going on back here," said resident Richard Nichols.
"It seems like a cycle where we get a little lax and we think its OK," said Marchman.
The Chastain Park Civic Associated said the area went from a problem area plagued with drugs and crime to a quiet safe block. Residents are afraid the area will return to the troubled times.
The civic association called for tighter controls on the area at night to keep criminals and wandering groups of young people out.
"This boy survived, but who knows next time what's going to happen," said Marchman.
Civic association officials said they were assured by the Atlanta Parks Department that the situation is being looked at.
Labels: Atlanta, Chastain Park, Crime spree
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Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:35 AM
