TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A local business owner says changes need to be made to prevent crime after a man was stabbed and killed in Tallahassee.
It happened across the street from a strip mall on West Pensacola Street.
"The poor guy ran across the street, came inside our store asking for help. We called the ambulance, called the police. They did what they could, but unfortunately, he lost his life," said Baha Kasem.
Kasem has owned ASAP Smoke Shop on West Pensacola Street for eight years. He says they never used to have a problem with crime until a new homeless shelter opened up just a few blocks away in 2015.
Now, Kasem is noticing a problem with transient men and women causing trouble at the bus stop across the street.
"Literally, 10 to 20 to 30 people on any night. If you pass by here after 10 p.m., you'll see them standing here, hanging out, partying, drinking," said Kasem. "They are, most of the time, rejected from the Kearney Center. They've been there too long, they've overstayed their welcome and then they come to these bus stops and come to our plaza and drive us insane."
Kasem says he wants to see the Kearney Center take more responsibility for what happens outside their doors.
Molly Collins, a spokesperson for the Kearney Center, sent WTXL this statement:
"We are aware of the situation that happened over the weekend. It is our number one priority to keep community members, clients and non-clients safe. We appreciate all of the work that law enforcement does to protect our community and will assist them as needed in any investigation."
According to data from Tallahassee Online Police Statistics, in the last year, officers have responded to nearly 100 incidents within 500 feet of the scene of Sunday night's deadly stabbing. Some of the calls for service include theft, disorderly conduct, trespassing and battery.
Kasem says it's so dangerous, he's had to hire extra employees for security. However, he's been told police have trouble removing people from the bus stop unless they can prove a crime has been committed. That's why Kasem thinks the city needs to step up.
"Let's put surveillance. Let's put lights. Let's put cameras. Police on foot in this neighborhood," said Kasem. "Let's do everything right. Why are we letting this get worse and worse?"
WTXL reached out to the City of Tallahassee for comment. We're still waiting to hear back.
Tallahassee police arrested Marcus Butler, 29, for the fatal stabbing. Police have identified the victim as 21-year-old Andrais Johnson.
Butler has been charged with second degree murder.
Leon County court records show Butler has a long rap sheet dating back more than 10 years. After his last arrest in March 2017, he was labeled a violent criminal offender of special concern.
Butler only served roughly two months in jail before being let out.
