Pueblo Neighborhood Fights Back Against Rising Drug Activity as Residents Demand Safer Streets

A growing crisis of open drug use and criminal activity in Pueblo's West 7th Street area has local residents calling for immediate action, highlighting broader challenges facing Colorado communities struggling with public safety and substance abuse issues.

Local resident Tim Barlett has documented an alarming pattern of illegal activities that many Colorado neighborhoods are increasingly facing - from dangerous drug paraphernalia littering residential areas to escalating violent confrontations.

Daily Dangers for Colorado Families

"We found needles in our parking lot. We found them under our cars," Barlett told reporters, describing scenes that have become disturbingly common in some Colorado neighborhoods. "I shouldn't be woken up every day from somebody out here screaming like a fool. I shouldn't be out here picking up somebody's needles."

The situation has become so concerning that Barlett now carries a weapon for protection after a violent confrontation where

"He came at me with a pipe,"

"He came at me with a pipe,"

Law Enforcement Response

According to Pueblo Police records, authorities have responded to 27 calls for service in this specific area in the past month alone, with incidents ranging from disturbances to mental health crises and weapons-related calls. Data shows that 75% of these calls involved unwanted persons, often connected to the local homeless population.

Pueblo Police are actively monitoring the situation and encourage residents to report suspicious activities through their Police to Citizen online portal, which allows community members to directly submit evidence and concerns.

Community Impact and Solutions

The challenges on West 7th Street reflect broader issues facing Colorado communities, where the intersection of homelessness, substance abuse, and public safety continues to concern local families and business owners.

• Residents report finding drug paraphernalia in residential areas
• Business owners face increasing security concerns
• Families express worry about neighborhood safety
• Local police working to balance enforcement with compassion

Barlett, who has personally experienced homelessness, brings a unique perspective to the situation. "Help us clean up our town. Do it in the right way," he urged, echoing the sentiments of many Colorado residents seeking solutions that balance public safety with compassion.

For Colorado families facing similar challenges in their neighborhoods, law enforcement officials recommend documenting suspicious activities and working closely with local police through established reporting channels to address these growing community concerns.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.