Rockford leaders address series of violent crimes on Auburn Street

Rockford mayor Tom McNamara and Rockford Police Chief Dan O'Shea addressed violent crimes at several businesses on Auburn Street within the past week.

One woman was killed from a Sunday morning at a Citgo gas station parking lot. Another person was shot and killed Tuesday night at a Taco Bell.

A Beef-A-Roo on Auburn Street was also vandalized Friday, but no one was hurt.

O'Shea does not see any connection between the crimes. He also says Tuesday's shooting was believed to be a targeted attack.

According to O'Shea, crimes often occur when large groups are out late at night and may happen during illegal activity.

Despite the recent uptick, officials sat the number of violent crimes in the Rockford area has decreased over 17 months.

McNamara and O'Shea encourage community members to be more involved in reporting suspicious activity going forward.

"Public safety has to be first," McNamara said.

McNamara says a group meeting will be organized with Auburn business groups next week to discuss safety protocols and security measures.