TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) -- Tippecanoe County has seen a string of shootings this January. Although these incidents are not believed to be related, police are noticing a trend.
Lafayette Police officer Sgt. Ian O'Shields said it's not uncommon for officers to see several unrelated shootings happen within a pocket of time. But why this happens is hard to pinpoint.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, a man was shot and killed outside his home in Lafayette. This marked the first homicide of the year in Tippecanoe County. On Jan. 13, last year, police responded to a shooting where the victim was injured.
On Wednesday, Jan. 20, West Lafayette police responded to a shooting at an apartment complex. This case is being investigated as a homicide after the victim was found dead with an apparent gunshot wound. On this day last year, Lafayette police responded to a man posing as a threat to society with a gun. He was shot and killed by a Lafayette officer.
Sgt. Ian O'Shields said police have been responding quickly and are doing the best they can.
"Gun violence is obviously extremely dangerous and we really truly do everything we can to investigate it and obviously, you know, we try to deter it and prevent it but unfortunately, we can't be everywhere," said O'Shields.
He said because these crimes are so unpredictable, he's encouraging neighbors to be vigilant.
"Gun violence is dangerous obviously with the parties involved but also with innocent bystanders in the areas where it's occurring so it's important to know that we can't do our job to the fullest of our ability without the public, they are our eyes and ears," said O'Shields.
One secret weapon that police have found useful in solving these cases is "at home" recording devices. Residents who are able to capture the crime on video devices outside their homes have been a huge help for officers.
O'Shields was not able to pinpoint exactly when or what time of year gun violence tends to increase but he said these crimes most often happen among people who know each other.
