An uptick in violent crime last weekend in Lexington has the attention of local police.
Four shootings – two of which occurred within hours of each other on the same street – were reported in Lexington Saturday and Sunday. The crimes took place on East Sixth Street, Parks Mill Road, and in the parking lot of Woodhill Shopping Center.
"This was a very unusual weekend. It's not typical or not characteristic of what we're used to seeing. In the summer sometimes violent crimes do spike a bit... but we don't have reason to believe that we're going to see a trend like we saw this last weekend," Police Chief Ronnie Bastin told reporters Wednesday.
While the department is not prepared to release information on leads, the chief says there is no evidence the crimes were connected. Police are using strategic overtime to increase normal staffing levels and have added high visibility patrols in areas of concern.
Both Mayor Jim Gray and mayoral opponent, former police chief Anthany Beatty held press conferences Wednesday to discuss public safety issues.
Anyone with information is being asked to call Lexington police at (859) 258-3600.
