City playground is the scene of repeated violence
An inner city playground is the scene of repeated violence. Now neighbors and parents are hoping police will take a tougher stand. In the Pleasant View section of Pawtucket, neighbors are saying that ever since they spruced up the park on John Street a couple of years ago, it's been a very popular hangout spot for kids in the area. But its popularity is also apparently leading to violence- a lot of it being initiated on the basketball courts.
An early evening pickup game is not uncommon on the courts in Pawtucket, but Tuesday night the losing team was accused of being sore losers after they allegedly beat a man from the winning team. Jessica Shelton says she's seen it all, including this latest act of violence, but says it's not the only one. Neil cotter, also an eyewitness to the violence, says several other attacks happened here this year- including a double stabbing in April.
It's a big concern, especially since half the park is geared toward little kids. Neighbors say police patrols are seen on bikes more often now than ever before, but also say it's still not enough. A spokesperson for the department told Eyewitness News the violence is fairly isolated, and while it is a problem, it is not out of control. Some parents agree, but most say other parents may need to take more active roles in their kids' lives.
As for the two people arrested on the courts following this week's violence- both are from outside Pawtucket , which people here say is almost always the case.
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