Three weekend shootings may mark the start of seasonal trend

TEVIN STINSON 

THE CHRONICLE  

 No one knows the future but, if Memorial Day weekend was any indication of what the future holds, it’s going to be a cold summer. Studies show that crime rates tend to increase during the summer months and locally last weekend, there were three separate shootings in less than 24 hours, including one that led to the loss of life.  

 What We Know 

The first shooting incident occurred on Saturday, May 24. Around 1:30 p.m. officers with the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) responded to a report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Piedmont Circle.  

 Upon arrival officers found Alex Devonte Saunders, a 32-year-old male, on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. Shortly thereafter, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on scene, and Saunders was pronounced dead at the scene. The WSPD’s Criminal Investigations Division is leading the investigation. At this time, the incident appears to be isolated.  

 A few hours later, at 6:29 p.m., another shooting was reported in the 4200 block of Niblick Drive in Pfafftown. According to reports, officers with the WSPD initially responded to the intersection of Grandview Club Drive and Duffer Lane where they found Lucas Denard Haile, an 18-year-old male, with a gunshot wound to his torso. 

Haile was transported to a local hospital by local EMS for treatment and was listed in critical/stable condition at the time of publication. This incident is still under investigation.  

 On Sunday, May 25, law enforcement responded to a shooting in Kernersville. At 1:38 p.m. officers were called to a reported shooting at 1550 Pecan Lane. Upon arrival, officers with the WSPD found 53-year-old Roderick Stephen Bethea with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began rendering aid until EMS arrived and transported Bethea to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition, according to reports.  

 TheWSPD’s Criminal Investigations Division and the Violent Firearm Investigation Team (VFIT) are handling the investigations, and no arrests have been made in any of the shootings.  

 Anyone with information about any of these incidents should call the WSPD non-emergency number at 336-773-7700. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 336-727-2800 (English) or 336-728-3904 (Spanish). Individuals can also use the Text-A-Tip Program at 336-276-1717 to send text, photos or video tips directly to WSPD detectives. 

 Crime Is Down but Summer Is Coming 

According to information provided by the Winston-Salem Police Department and reported this year, violent crimes are down this year. When looking at the year-to-date (YTD) percentage change, violent crimes including homicide, robbery and aggravated assault are down a combined 90%. 

 While there have been less shootings and homicides this year, crime rates, particularly violent crimes, tend to increase during the summer months here in Forsyth County. Just last week, the WSPD and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) held a joint press conference to discuss juveniles being involved in fights, vandalism and other disorderly conduct downtown.  

 For the past three summers the WSPD and the FCSO have implemented saturation patrols throughout the community to try to deter criminal activity by increasing police visibility and presence.  

 A similar trend has been seen in other cities across the state as well. Data from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Greensboro Police Department also show a rise in violent crime during summer months. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office reported a 6% increase in violent crime between June and August.  

 The factors that contribute to the seasonal rise in violent crime have been attributed to increased outdoor activity and public gatherings as well as school breaks. With schools closed, more youth are potentially unsupervised, which could lead to increased criminal activity. There has also been research that links the rise in crime to increased aggression due to higher temperatures.