RESIDENTS FEELING TERRORIZED

GALVESTON -- The San Jacinto neighborhood is being terrorized by drug
dealers, one resident told city council members on Monday.

Kathryn Dawson said drug dealers operated openly in the neighborhood, south
of Broadway around 19th Street, and had threatened and intimidated
law-abiding residents who complained about the criminal activity.

Dawson said her car and an auto belonging to a vocal neighbor were torched
after they called police about drug dealing.

Officials confirmed that Dawson's car was destroyed in an arson fire about
10 days ago while parked in front her house on Avenue N.

Galveston Crime Stoppers has offered up to $1,000 for information leading
to an arrest in the case.

Dawson's plea for help drew promises for action from council members Joe
Jaworski and Cornelia Harris Banks.

"This was a true terrorism crime," Jaworski said.

Banks said she was moved to action after hearing from residents who found
themselves in face-to-face confrontations with drug dealers.

Dawson said traditional police methods have not worked in the neighborhood.

"The raids, the stings, the reverse stings are a waste of time and money,"
she said. "They just shrug it off as part of the overhead of the business."

Jaworski asked the city attorney to compile a written report about
successful methods used in other cities to combat crime.

"We need to look at increasing police, code enforcement, tax foreclosures,"
he said. "These folks are feeling alone disenfranchised and terrorized."