GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Update, 9/21/2021: Per the Grand Rapids Police Department, the online tip portal has been closed. Leads are now being evaluated.
Original Story, 9/9/2021:
As leads have fizzled out, the Grand Rapids Police Department has found a new way to obtain evidence for a crime that left one man dead and four others hurt.
On Aug. 22, 27-year-old Lamont Nelson was shot and killed in the 1500 block of Linden Ave SE, and four others were also injured in the melee.
On Thursday afternoon, Grand Rapids Police held a press conference to announce the creation of an online portal where people can submit pictures, videos and other tips anonymously.
Authorities said more than 100 bullets were fired at the scene, and a crowd of at least 100 people were nearby and witnessed the shooting.
"Given the significant number of people present and the theory that video was probably taken of the incident or at least the moments leading up to the incident, the major case unit working with IT personnel have established this link," said Sgt. Dan Adams with the Grand Rapids Police Department.
"This is completely available to any community member and it is completely anonymous," added Sgt. Adams, "all submissions will not be able to be re-tracked to the person making the tip."
Detectives are hoping witnesses will share photos and videos leading up to and following the shooting to help catch those responsible.
"It is the hope for not only the Grand Rapids Police Department, but also for the Nelson family, that those with information or evidence of the incident will find it in their heart to submit that to this portal so that justice may be found for Lamont's family," said Sgt. Dan Adams.
If you'd like to submit evidence anonymously, click here.
Sgt. Adams said the link will be open 24 hours a day for the next seven days, and if it needs to be re-opened after that they will do what is necessary.
He adds that they hope this will continue to build a relationship between the police department and the community.
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