The Ashland bike path is calm now, but last December, it was the scene of a heinous crime.
23-year-old David Grubbs was nearly decapitated as he was walking home from work.
“I’m more concerned police find who did it,” saidnew Ashland resident Carole Colt.
In the wake of the crime, Ashland residents wanted city leaders to install lights and increase police patrol. The Ashland City Councilaccepted a recommendation by police not install lights on the bike path.
“….[police] found there was no crime like this in the west coast. So, then you have to wonder, what is really going on And it seems like it’s an anomaly,” said Carol Voision City Councilwoman with the City of Ashland.
The lights would have cost the city more than $300,000.00 dollars.
Ashland’s top cop, Terry Holderness, said the installation of lights would have provided a false sense of security.
“I have alley ways, that are not lit, that have had seen more violent crimes in the five years I’ve been here,” said Chief Terry Holderness of the Ashland Police Department.
A bike path goer we spoke with agreed.
“In the case ofMr. Grubbs, it appeared to me whoever was after him was going to get him no matter where he was,” said Colt.
City officials sayare relying more on education seminars to keep people safe rather than installing pricey lights.
Officials say they arealso looking into the possibility of increasing volunteer police presence during the day.
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