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Increase in assaults near Pride Park calls for more deputies

Posted at 6:13 PM, Aug 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-03 02:36:31-04

Sheriff Rick Wells plans to add more deputies to the Pride Park area of Manatee County. He said the two square mile radius around the park makes up for about 10 percent of all the reported crimes in Manatee County.

He said more than ninety assaults have been reported in that area just this year.

"I believe it, sometimes it is really bad," said resident Emily McCoy.

McCoy said she feels safe in the Pride Park area during the day, but at night it's a much different story.

"I'm more aware, cautious of noises I hear outside, if anyone is hanging out i look out for them," said McCoy.

Wells said the deputies will increase patrols during high crime times, including the weekends.

McCoy said she would prefer to see consistent patrolling in her community.

"There needs to be more consistent patrols, cause some days there will be three or four and other days there are none." said Mccoy.