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'We're scared for our lives:' Collinwood residents say 911 calls don't make a difference

Posted at 4:47 PM, May 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-25 16:47:46-04

When you call 911, it's because you need help and you need it fast, but people living in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood say that's not happening.

"I was up in my apartment getting ready for work, there was a bunch of gun shots. A guy out here shooting an AR-15," Mike Miller told News 5.

Two others shared similar stories about their community on the east side of Cleveland.

RELATED | When Seconds Count: On Your Side investigation reveals slow 911 response times by Cleveland police

"There are Heroin dealers and addicts are sitting in front of the house shooting up, we all, they don't respond," Ginger Zahitian said.

"I've had people pass out in my lawn! And every time I call the cops, nobody shows up," Ryan Mcgrew said.

The residents said they don't know where else to turn. Wednesday night came their most recent concern: People causing problems in the middle of the street for hours overnight.

"I called the police, no response...I asked the dispatcher, do I have to take care of it myself," Miller said.

Miller told News 5 eventually he gave up.

"They put us on hold for over 25 minutes and then they hung up," he explained.

According to the Cleveland Department, priority and response depends on each call, but they said they'll always respond. Miller and his neighbors insist that's not happening.

"I feel like they just don't care about is down here," Mcgrew said.

"You should feel safe in your community, and I don't," Zahitian told News 5.

MORE: Cleveland councilman calls for change after On Your Side investigation into police response times