Despite Arrests, Hispanic Community Remains Fearful

Across the Triangle, the Hispanic community is growing. Unfortunately,crimes against Spanish-speaking residents are also on the rise.

Friday, Durham Police arrested two suspects in connection with a recent rash of robberies involving Hispanics. While police are stepping up efforts to try and solve the problem, many people feel their safety andtheir lives are still in jeopardy.

Francisca Ocampo keeps a watchful eye on her children while they play. Like many in the Spanish-speaking community, she doesn't feel safe.

They take everything. My money. My I.D. Two times, they take everything.

In the last year, there have been more than 150 crimes against Hispanic residents in Durham. On Friday, officers arrested 17-year-old TaqiyyColey and 22-year-old Romone Miles in connection with a series of recentrobberies. Both are charged with 18 counts of robbery and kidnapping.

Durham Police are still looking for two other suspects and believe allfour might be linked to other crimes against Hispanics.

"Now that we've established some means of communication," explainsDetective Hector Borges, "we can solve some of these issues, some of these crimes."

Detective Borges acts as a liason between the police and theSpanish-speaking residents. It's his job to help solve crimes in theirneighborhood.

"Thanks to the police, maybe they'll catch the other robbers," saysOcampo. "I like that."

Despite being robbed twice in one year, Ocampa says she's staying put.But many of her neighbors are packing up in search of a safer place tolive, hoping that crime won't again be their newest next door neighbor.

Coley and Miles are both being held on $2 million dollars bond. Theirfirst court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

Editor's Note:The Hispanic population is one of thefastest growing groups in the country. By the year 2050, the censusbureau says 53% of America's population will be white.

The Hispanic population is expected to climb to 24%. African Americans will account for 13% of the population.