ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Residents of Rochester's northwest side are expressing concerns over a noticeable increase in crime in their neighborhood. Recently, a drive-by shooting on 18 1/2 Street Northwest left one man injured, highlighting the ongoing issues.
Gary Sobotta, a resident since the 1980s, noted that crime has increased in the area, although it is not out of control. "Honestly, I don’t think the police have enough manpower for the kind of community policing we need," Sobotta said.
The Rochester Police Department and Olmsted County Sheriff's Office have been allocated $26,581 from the FY 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to fund crime prevention and community engagement activities. This funding aims to support initiatives like Safe City Night and the development of