Teen shot near Worley Street Park, neighbors voice concerns

Columbia police responded to several shots fired calls near Worley Street Park Monday night. An 18-year-old man arrived at the hospital in his own vehicle about 30 minutes after the calls. He was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

But a man who lives near the park told ABC 17 News, “I hear gunshots go off at least once a month.”

He also said, “I heard gunshots last night and walked outside. I saw four guys running out of the park as fast as they could. Hopped in the car and peeled out and took off as fast as they could.

“I’m not happy at all with how the police respond to calls here at all,” the resident said.

Ron Bennett grew up near the park.

“It used to be, our family felt safe playing in the park, but now not so much,” said Bennett.

Bennett also said, “We see a lot of police patrols around here though.”

Other neighbors in the area said they feel the park should be shut down.

They said they would not have as much crime in the area if the park were not open.

Residents said gunshots are so common near their homes that they just go inside and wait for someone to call police.

Columbia Police said there are still no suspect descriptions.