HOUSTON — Third Ward residents had a meeting with the Houston Police Department on Thursday to discuss what they said was persistent shootings and open drug use in their community.
Residents said they repeatedly asked for help from police, but they said it never came.
Every seat was taken by fed-up residents during the town hall meeting at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center.
"We’re tired of hearing you’re 'looking into it,'" one resident told police.
Neighbors said when it comes to crime in Third Ward, it's the worst it's ever been.
KHOU 11 News has covered multiple shootings in the area recently, including multiple homicides.
Some of the neighbors' biggest concerns were with repeat offenders who were arrested and then quickly let back on the streets.
HPD Chief Troy Finner was at the meeting and vowed to add more patrols in the area. He told residents he had no control over how long a suspect stays in jail and advised residents to vote if they wanted change.
In addition to criminal complaints, residents said they were also fed up with the short-term rentals they said were wreaking havoc in their community.
Packets were passed out to residents giving instructions on how to report problem properties to Airbnb.