GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Seven deadly shootings across the greater Grand Rapids area all within weeks of one another has created some concern that violence around the city is on the rise.
This week, two men were killed on the city’s south side, adding to what has already been a violent summer. Late Sunday night, 18-year-old John Edward Garner III died inside of a house on Sherman St. SE near Fuller Ave. from injuries sustained in a shooting. Less than three days later, just after midnight Wednesday, 39-year-old Alexander Jones was found shot outside Park Place Apartments on Marshall St. He was taken to a nearby hospital by first responders, but later died.
Police ID man killed on Grand Rapids’ southeast side
Since July 20, two other people were shot and killed in Grand Rapids and another three have died in shootings in Wyoming, Gaines Township and Kentwood.
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The recent string of shootings within Grand Rapids city limits has put the city above its average of fatal shootings over the past three years. According to crime data provided by the city, eight people across the city have been killed since the start of the year through July, compared to an annual average of six. This does not factor in either of this week’s deadly shootings or one earlier in August at the intersection of Mason and Plymouth on the city’s north side that killed one person and injured another.
Grand Rapids Police Chief Joe Trigg said despite the uptick in violence, it should not cause alarm yet…