Pueblo Neighborhood Fights Back Against Rising Drug Activity as Residents Demand Safer Streets
A concerned Pueblo resident is leading the charge against escalating drug-related crime in his neighborhood, highlighting growing safety challenges faced by Colorado communities dealing with similar issues. Tim Barlett, a West 7th Street resident who once experienced homelessness himself, is now documenting daily incidents of drug use and dangerous behavior that threaten neighborhood safety.
"We found needles in our parking lot. We found them under our cars," Barlett told reporters, describing scenes that have become increasingly common in some Colorado neighborhoods. The situation has deteriorated to the point where residents feel unsafe in their own community.
Rising Safety Concerns
According to data from the Pueblo Police Department, law enforcement responded to 27 calls for service in this specific area during the past month alone. These incidents included:
- Violent disturbances and fights
- Weapons-related incidents
- Mental health crises
- Unwanted persons on private property
"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," Barlett emphasized, voicing frustrations shared by many Colorado residents facing similar challenges in their communities.
Law Enforcement Response
Pueblo Police officials note that approximately 75% of calls in the area involve unwanted parties, often connected to the local homeless population. To address these concerns, law enforcement is encouraging residents to document suspicious activities through their Police to Citizen online portal.
Community Impact
The situation reflects broader challenges faced by Colorado communities as they balance compassion for those experiencing homelessness with maintaining public safety. Barlett, drawing from his own past experiences with homelessness, offers a unique perspective:
"Help us clean up our town. Do it in the right way," he urged, calling for a community-wide response to address both the drug activity and underlying social issues.
For Colorado families concerned about similar issues in their neighborhoods, law enforcement officials recommend maintaining detailed records of suspicious activities and reporting incidents promptly through official channels. The situation in Pueblo serves as a reminder that addressing public safety challenges requires both community vigilance and coordinated action with local authorities.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
