Uptick In Violence Prompts More Security In Old City
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - "Last night actually, a guy pulled a knife on another guy, I watched the guy pull out a knife," said Daniel Stein.
When Daniel Stein moved to Old City last year, he didn't think crime was a problem. Until now.
"There's broken glass from beer bottles all the time, and I'm constantly hearing stories about shootings."
Two weeks ago, police say two brothers were shot outside of Bleu Martini, near 2nd and Market Streets. Just this week, one of those brothers died.
In a phone interview, the owner of the bar, Mike Cohen said, "For 11 years we haven't had any problems. We hire extra security and take the necessary steps to keep patrons safe."
"The amount of shootings that happen in this area? It's not like in some parts of Philadelphia where it's crime every single day," said Kristy Holt, who recently moved to the area.
Right now, the number off shootings in Old City is on pace to surpass last year's total. According to Philadelphia Police, they responded to five shootings in 2009, three last year, and three already this year.
"My biggest concern is safety," said Ryan Berley. Berley is president of the Old City Civic Association, a group made up of community leaders and other business owners who say more bars over the years have lead to more problems.
"When there's a bar transferring a liquor license or restaurant transferring a liquor license, we step in with a petition to intervene.
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Reported by Jericka Duncan, CBS 3
