Glennwilde neighbors gather after weekend gunfire

Days after gunshots rang out on a Glennwilde street, concerned residents came together Thursday evening to work together to ensure their community is safe.

About 150 people in the Hickory division of the community met at a park to discuss the incident, show solidarity as neighbors and hear from new Maricopa police Chief James Hughes.

RELATED STORY: Gunfire erupts on Glennwilde street

Residents created a block watch program and met their neighbors.

“We are creating a village. These are my neighbors and family,” said one mother, who preferred to speak anonymously. “Most of the individuals in our subdivision are planning on retiring here. These are the people we will live by for the next 50 years.

“We are so proud of the Glennwilde response and support,” she added. “That is what I want this community of Hickory to know moving forward: your children are my children, your property is my responsibility, your safety is my responsibility.”

Police are investigating Sunday’s shooting on West Chimayo Drive. According to a resident of the neighborhood, six shots were fired outside a home shortly after 2:30 p.m.

Police confirmed the investigation earlier this week to InMaricopa but has not made public any additional information about the incident.

“The neighbors are scared and frustrated,” one resident said this week. “There are tons of young kids here that are always out and about and for that to occur anywhere is frightening. But for it to be in your small, quiet neighborhood is even worse.”

The mother said her son observed the incident.

“My 9-year-old son witnessed the shooting event and was playing right next to where it occurred,” she said. “Right away, a neighbor watched out for my child! He told my son to go home right away and have his mom (me) call him. He was watching out for my son that day, and I know he always will.”

Hughes attended Thursday with four city police officers. They were joined by Councilmember Henry Wade.

“I was very impressed with the turnout and community involvement,” said resident Jamie Brisbin, whose State Farm agency provided food and supplies for the gathering.

“I was also impressed with the Maricopa City Police Department and Councilman Wade. They did an excellent job of communicating the situation to the community,” he added. “I think that many in the community were comforted and reassured by their remarks. Overall, it was another excellent example of the Maricopa community coming together.”