Deep Ellum – The Other Side Dallas

May 13, 2022May 13, 2022

Wild West Deep Ellum Violence Continues

The wild west Deep Ellum violence continues with an overnight shooting in the entertainment district.

This shooting took two more lives and impacted countless others as three others were wounded around 2:00AM when clubs were closing in the area. Dallas Police say they have those involved in custody.

Dallas Police say they believe this is an isolated incident, but a safety plan for the area was released just one day ago.

Overall violence crime is up and Dallas per capita crime rivals Chicago, Los Angeles, and other historic centers of city violence.

Last month, city leaders met with Safe Night LLC, a group aimed at creating safe environments for businesses and patrons, for training on how to improve street safety around Dallas, but particularly as the violence takes a toll on the nighttime economy trying to recover from coronavirus.

Wild West Deep Ellum Violence

Violence is not new to Deep Ellum and Dallas police close streets in the area on weekends under the guise of curtailing violence though it is not clear that works.

Some in Deep Ellum believe Dallas Police Department officers escalate situations unnecessarily as in the case of Melvin Williams who assaulted a bystander.

City code enforcement also has a confusing relationship with the area. Last year code enforcement began ticketing club owners for noise violations in an area zoned for clubs and entertainment.

July 30, 2021July 30, 2021

DPD Assault In Deep Ellum

There was a DPD Assault in Deep Ellum Tuesday that made its way to Dallas Police Department Internal Affairs via social media post.

DPD is investigating an officer for possible use of excessive force during a recent arrest in Deep Ellum. The investigation comes after Dallas Texas TV shows an officer pushing a man into a light post. The officer then punches him repeatedly while he was on the ground before two other officers intervene and remove the attacking officer.

There is no word on the condition of the man assaulted or what prompted the actions by what appears to be a police sergeant, i.e. a front line supervisor who would be expected to set the standard for behavior in uniform.

This assault comes almost fourteen months after another video shows DPD officers beating a prone subject during the George Floyd protests. It is still unknown if those officers ever faced disciplinary action for their behavior.

It is not clear how this incident will be seen by City Council who last year was working to defund the police.

Keep Dallas Safe which is launching a podcast today has called on 2000 new officers.

DPD Assault In Deep Ellum Applauded By Chief Garcia

DPD released a statement on the incident:

“The Dallas Police Department is aware of the video on social media showing a Dallas officer using force in the Deep Ellum area of downtown Dallas. The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs administrative investigation. A criminal inquiry is also being reviewed by the department. Chief Garcia would like to commend those officers who recognize their duty to intervene in this incident and deescalated the situation.”

One source noted that while Chief Eddie Garcia commends the officers who intervened, it took a social media post, not self reporting of the incident by officers to bring the issue to light.

July 3, 2021July 4, 2021

Deep Ellum Noise: Turn Down Enforcement?

Code enforcement has been broadly targeting Deep Ellum noise recently and is getting push back from local bar owners.

Groups like 24 Hour Dallas have been trying to reinvigorate the night time economy locally so it was surprising to some to see Code Enforcement out in force recently.

A petition on Change.org states City Council “snuck through a new sound ordinance recently,” but this appears to be new enforcement of current city code, not a new policy.

Deep Ellum Noise Ordinances

Dallas City noise ordinances say “(1) No mechanical loudspeaker or sound amplifier may be operated within 150 feet of the property line of the premises of a residence, except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and sunset, as designated by publication in a local newspaper of general circulation.”

The next section also says “(2) A mechanical loudspeaker or sound amplifier may not emit loud and disturbing noises so as to interfere with the enjoyment of life or property or to interfere with public peace and comfort.“

Section 51A-6.102 handles noise regulation within the City of Dallas.

August 29, 2020August 29, 2020

Deep Ellum Fire Overnight: Pecan Lodge Damaged

A Deep Ellum fire broke out early Saturday morning at Pecan Lodge. Dallas Fire Rescue is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Pecan Lodge had a similar early morning fire in 2016 due to what was described as a grease choked smokestack.

Pecan Lodge opened in spring 2010 and has won the praise of barbecue aficionados and has been named one of the city’s better restaurants. It has also been feature on the Food Network‘s Guy Fieri featured it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Pecan Lodge Not Only Deep Ellum Action

Dallas Police also responded to a shooting leaving one dead and five injured overnight in Deep Ellum.

Dallas murder rate is ahead of last year’s which broke a ten year record.