Tucson Adult Entertainment: TPD sets up deployment in response to violence
… We’re seeing low-level drug dealers ripping off other low-level drug dealers,” Klein said. In some cases, large amounts of drugs and money are involved, he said.
“The violence is tied to the drug trades. It is difficult to say on this side which house is tied to which cartel (in Mexico), or if it is tied,” said Klein.
Since January, there have been 55 homicides – 38 under the jurisdiction of the Tucson Police Department and 17 under the jurisdiction of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Fifteen homicides happened in August alone.
The most recent is the killing early Friday of Jose G. Armenta, 61, in a Midvale Park subdivision home on the city’s southwest side.
During the special deployments, which will last as needed, between 25 to 40 officers will be concentrating on curbing drugs on the streets and also targeting prostitution, among other crimes.