SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Police Department is searching for the person they believe shot a 2-year-old and a woman in a drive-by on the east side.
The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday on Timilo Drive off of Gembler Road.
Police said the two victims were shot in the legs and taken to local hospitals in stable condition.
Authorities said the family was having a get-together in the front yard when a black SUV, possibly a Jeep Cherokee, drove to the intersection and fired several rounds toward the home.
But, it didn't stop there.
SAPD said the car drove off, but then made a U-turn and fired even more shots.
The child and the woman who was shot are related, but the woman is not the child's mother, police said. Police searched for the suspect, but were unable to find them.
The family was celebrating the life of a loved one who recently died when the shooting took place. Their funeral was supposed to take place on Friday.
While the hunt for a gunman continues, so does the search for broader solutions to crime.
Tuesday night, District 2 City Council Representative Jalen McKee-Rodriguez is hosting a Neighborhood Safety and Crime Prevention Summit.
It's a 6pm, two-hour panel discussion open to anyone interested in being part of the solution.
The event takes place at the Second Baptist Church Community Center at 3310 East Commerce.
The panel includes community representatives like Dr. Doshie Piper, Earnest Mitchell and Ananda Tomas, as well as the Deputy City Manager who oversees police, Maria Villagomez, and Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
More information about the meeting can be had by calling Joleen Garcia at 210-207-0950.
While large forums are a chance to reach larger crowds, long-time neighborhood advocate T.C. Calvert says his group has been seeing great success with small group meetings and a simple post card campaign that allows residents to express their concerns anonymously.
The tag line of the "Hot Spot" card campaign is "Don't agonize. Organize."
Calvert says the cards are a very effective tool.
Started by the local Neighborhoods First Alliance group, Calvert says the cards are now being used by community groups across the country.
"People don't want police cars in front of their house because basically, they're considered a snitch, so we take (information) directly to the police department," Calvert said.
Calvert also said there is a movement underway to advance the concept of 'house meetings' to help grow safer neighborhoods organically.
"The main thing that we're focusing on is trying to have at least 500 to 1,000 house meetings in neighborhoods. That is the goal," Calvert said.
Calvert said small group settings allow people to speak freely "People are more open and more genuine and they are not afraid when you have house meetings."
Calvert said "When you have three or four people in the room they feel more comfortable. If there's 100 people, there may be someone in there spying. You have to understand the criminal element. They send their troops to these meetings."
Calvert said the concept is simple and neighborly and starts with an invitation.
"You talk to your neighbors. You say 'Can we get together over at my house for coffee or tea, just a few of us, to talk about how we can look out for each other?'" Calvert said.
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