Car break-ins turned violent early Thursday morning in Kansas City’s Waldo area, causing concern among some residents.
Shots were fired, causing damage to multiple houses. Neighbors said they’re simply glad no one was wounded.
“One bullet hit our tree, which had that tree not been there, it would have hit the corner of the house where my 13-year-old daughter’s room is. So something that could have easily killed her, and that’s terrifying to think about,” said Megan Hogan, whose property was damaged.
Residents tell FOX4 that one neighbor saw strangers breaking into automobiles early Thursday morning and called at them to stop from inside their home. The thieves retaliated with gunfire.
“We immediately called the cops, which unfortunately, it took a while to get there. They found probably 20 casings in the road. So then they were walking around trying to figure out where all those bullets were. Two of them went into my car, which caused about $1200 worth of damage,” Hogan explained.
Marlene Standley’s home was damaged by gunfire. She describes what occurred on Thursday as horrifying.
“They broke into about six cars on the street. And then you’re going to shoot a gun like that? I can’t get the mindset of human life being so expendable. It’s a life,” Standley explained.
“You’re breaking into a car, and nobody threatened you. They just told you to stop. So, what does it take to get you to the point where you think it’s okay to shoot?”
Standley has resided in the neighborhood for eight years. She claims nothing like this has ever occurred.
“I’ve always felt so safe. And now, you know, my son doesn’t even want my grandkids to come spend the night, and I don’t blame him,” Standley said.
“And it’s breaking my heart. I don’t want to sell my house. I love my house. I’ve put so much work into it.”
Hogan wishes to convey this message to other victims of property crimes.
“That’s why I posted in our neighborhood page (about what happened), like we all know this is happening. Just call the police. Just don’t even begin to, stop them because they’re armed,” Hogan said.
“Just call the police and do not try to stop these people. Whatever you have in your car, it’s not worth it. It’s not worth losing your life over.”
