Police say silence is allowing criminals from large cities to take aim at each other on Springfield streets. Police say too often victims of the string of shootings will not cooperate with their investigation. Police say in order for the new prosecutor specifically assigned to these cases to do their job, the community must call the police and make descriptive reports. Police say drug dealers can make more money and think they'll get less jail time in Springfield than in Kansas City, St. Louis or Little Rock. Police say the combination has lead to competition and at least 17 reports of shots being fired in Springfield in just the month of August. The crimes occurred all over the city but police think all of the people involved know each other on some level. “If these incidents weren’t caused by drugs, they were caused by people who live that lifestyle.” Springfield Police Officer Grant Story said. “Within that culture they solve their problems by shooting each other and they are putting innocent people at risk." The Greene County prosecutor's office is assigning a special prosecutor to work closely with police on these specific types of cases to speed up the court process. Police say they want criminals to know they will no longer be booked and released. The frequent gunfire has also sparked worries among people living in several city neighborhoods. Larry Smith lives off north Robberson near Kearney. Smith says he’s heard gunshots from time to time. He also says he found a bullet while walking his dog. Smith says, “We live in a country raised to retaliate rather than turn the other way.” Police agree they say a group of about 5 to 100 people are responsible for the17 shootings. Police say criminals and drug dealers from larger cities either stay with friends or rent hotels in Springfield. Police say the number fluctuates because the suspects do not live in the Springfield and are constantly coming and going. "A lot of people are holding their tongues because they fear retaliation.” Officer Story said. “What we need them to do is look at reality and realize we are not making our community safer.” Smith says he will never become complacent to violence. Smith says, "Where you swing your fist is your business until it’s close to my nose then it becomes my business." Police want to remind citizens they can make reports anonymously through crime stoppers or over the phone by calling (417) 864-1810 or 869-TIPS. Shots fired and firearms-related calls reported to the Springfield Police Department in August: Aug. 2: 620 N. National Ave., shots fired, handgun recovered, arrest made. Aug. 8: 3220 N. Howard Ave., shot fired, handgun recovered, arrest made. Aug. 10: 1012 N. Warren Ave., reported shots, no suspects or evidence. Aug. 10: 1211 E. Grand St., subject shot in arm. Aug. 11: 3114 S. Jefferson Ave., shots in air. Aug. 15: 1013 E. Battlefield Road, No. 46, subject armed with handgun, officer involved shooting, subject arrested and handgun recovered. Aug. 16: 300 S. Robberson Ave., handgun displayed and then recovered with arrest. Aug. 16: North Broadway Avenue and West Della Street, reported armed robbery with shots fired. Aug. 17: West Belmont Street and South Kansas Avenue, shots fired toward person, unknown suspects. Aug. 19: 2400 N. Robberson Ave., shots fired into air, handgun recovered, arrest made. Aug. 21: 1600 N. Kansas Expressway, shots fired into air. Aug. 21: 2839 W. State St., arrest made. Aug. 23: East McDaniel Street and South Robberson Avenue, stolen vehicle and stolen handgun recovered from St. Louis. Aug. 23: North Cedarbrook Avenue and East Chestnut Expressway, subject shot in leg, uncooperative. Aug. 23: 1457 Frisco Ave., shots into moving vehicle, no suspect. Aug. 25: 827 S. Link Ave., shots fired into a vehicle. Aug. 26: 1600 Sherman Ave., shots fired from vehicle, subjects identified but released due to lack of identification and evidence. Source: Springfield Police Department
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