Baxter Citizens Concerned About Wheeler Street Activities

Multiple Baxter residents concerned about the activities they are seeing from certain people on Wheeler Street.

Multiple citizens said they have seen people from a specific house on the street acting as if they are on drugs throughout the day and night. Residents also said there was recently a stabbing in the area. Lifelong Resident Cathy Jones said the people in question frequently trespass through nearby yards, stealing items including gasoline and bags of aluminum cans as they go.

“All the while, like they said, the unmentioned is still walking up and down the road,” Jones said. “Neighbors are on edge and are nervous. No one wants their kids outside anymore. My husband doesn’t want me to even mow the yard by myself without him just watching just to see who’s going to come up.”

Police Lieutenant Brandon Herren said the alleged stabbing is being investigated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. Mayor John Martin said Baxter police will start to patrol the neighborhood more often.

“You will see more police cars go through your area,” Martin said. “I promise you that.”

Martin said citizens should call the police if they see any suspicious activity.

“We want our police officers to protect you,” Martin said. “We’re not evading anything that you’re discussing here tonight. We want it taken care of.”

Several residents reported hearing a gunshot in the neighborhood, but police officers said the sound came when one of them accidentally drove over a football. City officials said the are working with the city attorney on a plan to condemn and tear down the property that citizens are concerned about.