Community seeks action as shootings rise in the Bronx

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Even though murders are down in the 48th and 52nd precincts, they have more than doubled in the 46th precinct.

When it comes to shooting incidents, all three have seen an uptick.

A shot to the head instantly killed Evelin Vargas' son, 29-year-old Devonte Serrano. It happened steps away from his home near East 182nd Street and Mapes Avenue on Sunday afternoon.

“He died for defending me. The guy was going to kill me, and he came and looked what happened to him,’ said Vargas.

26-year-old Herman Gayle, who police sources tell us turned himself in on Monday, was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Friends and family of Serrano say the two did not know each other.

Vargas described the interaction, claiming Gayle had blocked her from behind with his bike. She says she asked him if he didn't see her.

"He starts talking crazy and calling me names," said Vargas.

She said Devonte came and told Gayle to apologize but he didn't. "He just got on the phone and said 'Bring my gun down.' That's how it started," said Vargas.

The result is another New York mother mourning the loss of her son to gun violence.

“The police need to do something, take the guns out of the streets from these animals, they killing people like nothing,” implored Vargas.

Looking for ways to get guns off the streets, Councilman Feliz sent a letter to the interim NYPD Commissioner last week, asking for more police officers in his district.

“Our precincts in the Bronx, especially the 46th, 48th, and 52nd need more resources. We’ve seen a reduction in violence and shootings in many other precincts we haven’t seen that here in the Bronx,” stated Feliz.

Recent NYPD data show that shootings in neighborhoods within these three precincts have gone up compared to last year. Citywide, shootings are down by 8.5%.

“We know that police officers alone cannot fully resolve the issue of public safety for that we need good schools, and good job opportunities but police officers play a very important role in the issue of deterring crimes,” added Feliz.

Feliz told PIX11 News that the NYPD responded to him by saying they were reviewing his letter.