'People need to feel safe.' Poughkeepsie leaders call for change after shootings

At 2:56 p.m. on Tuesday, the City of Poughkeepsie Public Safety Dispatchers received numerous 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area of Fox Terrace and South White Street.

There were two victims of gun violence, both with gunshot wounds to their necks.

The 338 Church St. area, where the first victim was found, is less than a mile away from Poughkeepsie Middle and High Schools.

Immediately following the shooting, measures were taken by the police department and school staff to ensure the safety of the students who were being dismissed at that time. Increased patrols will remain in school areas for the foreseeable future.

Double shooting Tuesday in the City of Poughkeepsie

Two shootings had occurred. Responding officers found a 17-year-old City of Poughkeepsie resident suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck near 338 Church St. and rendered first aid while waiting for EMS to arrive, and transport him to a local hospital.

Shortly after the first 911 calls were made, a second victim was identified, a 19-year-old who arrived at a local hospital, also suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. Both teens are expected to recover.

The City of Poughkeepsie School District said the victims are not students in the district.

City of Poughkeepsie Police Captain Rich Wilson said a number of shots were fired at the scene, and their investigation indicates an ambush style of attack. Four people in the area at that time, he said, were armed with handguns.

Multiple shell casings were recovered at the scene, and City of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Tom Pape said police did recover a weapon they believe is connected to the shooting, which will be taken to forensics. No arrests had been made as of Thursday.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call the City of Poughkeepsie Police at 845-451-7577.

Mayor Yvonne Flowers gathers group to show solidarity and unity

At a press conference held Thursday, Poughkeepsie Major Yvonne Flowers said she and other community members, elected officials and law enforcement had gathered to show solidarity for those who had been impacted by the shootings and to send a message that gun violence would not be tolerated in the city.

"People need to feel safe in the City of Poughkeepsie, and too many of our young people are becoming victims of gun violence and engaging in gun violence activity," Flowers said.

A youth spokesperson from the City of Poughkeepsie Nubian Directions II, Inc., Aniyah Moreira, said she and her peers would like to see more patrols in the areas of the city that "aren't seen too much, besides just the main strip."

She also called for deputizing some of the city's youths, starting more intergenerational community dialogue, and providing funding to the youth organizations to make these solutions a reality.

Community response planned for Friday

SNUG, an initiative under Family Services, works with people between the ages of 14 and 24 who are at the highest risk for gun violence. SNUG Hospital Responder Ivan Braxton said there will be a SNUG peace walk to share their message to reduce gun violence at 3 p.m. on Friday.

The walk will begin at 31 South White St., Poughkeepsie, and move to Main Street, Cherry Street, Fox Terrace and end back at South White Street.

For updates on the peace walk, see SNUG's Facebook page, Family Services Facebook page or Family Services Instagram page.

"I'm asking everyone to come together, work together, and make sure that we're providing the programs and the support that our young people need," Flowers said.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: 'People need to feel safe.' Poughkeepsie leaders call for change after shootings