PORT ARTHUR — The City of Port Arthur has recorded discouraging homicide stats for 2018. The 14 homicides reported this year reflect a startling rise from the five reported homicides in 2016 and 2017.
The number of homicides in Port Arthur in 2018 were three times the city's yearly average.
According to the Port Arthur Police Department, most of the killing was not gang-related. Instead, investigators argue most murders were a result of disputes or arguments between people.
Police have made arrests in 11 of the 14 cases, with five homicides happening in January.
Trinh Nguyen, the brother of Khoa Dang Nguyen, the 33-year-old Nederland fisherman who was shot and killed on Pleasure Island late September.
Nguyen, who lives in Port Arthur, said he is not happy about the spark in violent crime, but believes the best thing people can do is not fear about the future.
"I believe people should not be afraid, let your kids play out in the yard, and don't live in fear," Nguyen said.
According to the Port Arthur Police Department, no arrests have still been made in that case.
Police ask the community to help report suspicious activity in order to reduce the likelihood of violent crime.
CRIME STOPPERS | Submit a tip @ 833Tips.com
If you have information about this crime, you could earn a cash reward of up to $1000 by providing an ANONYMOUS tip to Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas.
Call 833-TIPS (8477) or text "BMT" followed by your tip information to CRIMES (274637) from your mobile phone.
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