When you see the murders piling up in other cities like Chicago, where through September 16 they have had 382 murders,

By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter

Gun violence is continuing to be a big problem aroundCleveland.

Tuesday, at 9:54 a.m., the police received a call for shots fired at 17801Euclid at the Mini Mart. When the Fifth District Police Officers arrived they located a male with gunshot wounds to the abdomen, arm and leg.

The male was rushed by EMS toMetroHealthMedicalCenter, where he is being treated for his injuries. The preliminary investigation reveals that the male with the gunshot wounds and the store clerk were involved in an argument inside the store.

The clerk was behind the bullet proof glass during the argument. As the argument escalated the male kicked in the door to the secured area and entered that area. At this time the clerk obtained a handgun and shot the male multiple times. The male that entered the area did not have a weapon at the time of the shooting.

The store clerk was arrested for Felonious Assault and Weapons Under Disability and the male suspect with gunshot wounds is being made a named suspect in a Burglary/ Robbery report.

On Monday, three people were shot at1142 East 66th Street, betweenBliss Avenue andSt. Clair Avenue inCleveland around noon. Police said it is alleged through their investigation that a verbal argument sparked the gunfire. It’s not clear exactly what happened, but the police detained four youth for the shootings.

Today’s youth are having turf and gang wars over nothing really important, these days. The discussion among many of the community activists revolve around when all these shootings will stop.

While no information is being released about what actually took place, and police are still investigating, this incident adds to the rise of violent crime inCleveland. “My son showed up after the shooting happened,” said Vanessa Cayson, mother of one of the suspects.

The incident took place about 500 feet fromHyacinthParkand had between 10 to 12 detectives on the scene. Many of neighbors said this area has become an area of gang activity and violence, lately.

Four people were arrested in connection to the shooting and charged with felonious assault. The three that were wounded were rushed to hospitals where the extent of their injuries remains unknown.

A vigil was held Monday night for 18 year old Josh Huggins who was murdered on Kinsman early Saturday morning. Huggins, who had just realized he wanted to do something positive with his life, was due to start thePromiseAcademy this past Monday.

“Him and my son was great friends, I took him in and wanted to make a difference in his life,” said his foster care mother, Debra. The police investigation reveals that the victim was involved in an argument with two males. During the argument, one of the suspects produced a handgun and shot the victim in the chest. After the shooting, the suspects fled the scene.

Huggins was the 66^th homicide inCleveland in 2012. “Why did these young men feel they have to kill someone to be cool?” asked James Greene, who attended the vigil. The conversation among many of the older individuals was centered on that statement.

“Guns are dangerous, and these young dudes have no problem in smoking a life for self gratification,” said Peace in the Hood leader Khalid Samad. He and activist, Art McCoy, orchestrated Monday night’s vigil, with the help of Huggins’ friends in the community. McCoy felt compelled to take up a collection to help with the funeral expenses.

When you see the murders piling up in other cities like Chicago, where through September 16 they have had 382 murders, it becomes clear something has to be done nation wide. When you find so many youth dying in their early twenties, it’s sad to see so many will never enjoy a nice life, get to retire or see their grandkids grow up.