Troy residents discuss public safety issues

TROY -- More than 200 Lansingburgh residents attended a neighborhood watch meeting Tuesday following a weekend of violence. Police say six fires were intentionally set early Monday morning. There was also a stabbing and shooting in the city.

"I want the mayor to know, I am afraid. I'm a grown woman and I am afraid. I'm afraid to live in Lansingburgh and I never thought I'd ever say that ever," said resident Kate Skaarup.

Mayor Lou Rosamilia and Chief John Tedesco sought to reassure residents the city is taking action. Earlier in the day, the FBI and state parole officers were scheduled to meet to review files of those recently released from prison. Tedesco told the crowd police do not have a suspect, but are hoping to speak with several people in the coming days.

During the meeting, several people praised the city's community policing strategy, but said they were still reluctant to approach some officers.

"We're trying to do walking patrols as much as we can. We're putting out as many details as we can, but I've got to tell you I'm a bit disturbed by that myself especially when I hear there's officers at an event huddled together or cops are telling people there's nothing we can do. That'll be job one for me tomorrow," said Tedesco.

Tedesco added the department is focusing more intently on the fires because it involved random acts. He said the shooting and stabbing involved people that knew each other.

Police advised residents to leave outdoor lights on and report any unusual activity. Tedesco pointed to a string of burglaries that was solved when someone called 911 to report strangers walking around. A responding patrol car in the area spotted the burglars and made an arrest.

"It's scary, it's a warzone, I feel like I'm living in a warzone," said Jessica O'Brien. "We're all going through it and we all need to pull together as a community and we need to do what's right."