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College Park Motels, Gangs, Gunshots and Prostitution

A motel in College Park

Recently, I came across a discussion on the issue of public safety around numerous motels in College Park. This came after a 20 year old Lanham resident was shot dead in the early Sunday morning. The Police report says, a fight between two groups broke out in the parking lot of the hotel, and the victim was shot during the confrontation. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The incident adds more problems to other crime related issues that our hotels and motels are having in the city. In the past I’ve heard complaints from residents on prostitution in and around some motels along Route 1. Some residents told me that prostitution problem often spills over to the nearby residential houses.

Police is saying Sunday’s unfortunate incident was gang related. Could these gangs be involved in other property related crimes such as auto thefts and thefts from vehicles that we see all the time?

In terms of public safety, someone pointed out to me motels pose more problems than hotels. Motels have open access to their rooms, whereas hotels don’t have that; all residents must go through the main security. Open access to rooms can potentially invite more crime.

While there have been talks to redevelop these hotels and motels on Route 1, we should do everything to improve public safety surrounding these motels. As investigations continue in last Sunday;s shooting we’ll be working with our staff and police to that direction.