Dallas police chief promises changes in Deep Ellum after deadly Halloween shootings

Dallas police say 58 officers were assigned to Deep Ellum on Halloween night, when three shootings left four people dead and 15 others injured.

Visitors to Deep Ellum could soon see a more visible police presence and changes to security measures following a deadly Halloween night that left four people dead and 15 others injured in three separate shootings.

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux outlined plans for the North Texas entertainment district Monday during a Dallas City Council committee hearing examining the department's preparation and response to the Halloween night shootings.

“We definitely had the proper staffing, you know, it was just a bad night,” Comeaux said.

Deputy Chief Devon Palk, commander of the Central Patrol group, said 58 officers were assigned to Deep Ellum on Halloween night, including 11 hired by the Deep Ellum Foundation.

Palk said that was about 20 more officers than the previous weekend.

The violence included a shooting in the 2600 block of Elm Street that killed 20-year-old Isaiah Boling.

In a separate shooting in the 200 block of South Crowdus Street, three people were killed: Kenesia Scott, 21, Anthony Martin, 25, and Unique Benjamin, 28.

No arrests have been made in either deadly shooting.

David Yancy, 31, was arrested Nov. 4 after admitting he fired into a crowd from a parking lot on Main Street, according to police. Seven people were injured in that shooting.

Dallas City Council member Jesse Moreno, whose District 2 includes Deep Ellum, urged city officials to remain open to additional safety measures, even though the entertainment district's safety plan was updated seven months ago.

Moreno said one of the most common suggestions from business owners and residents was reinstating a juvenile curfew.

However, Dallas police said state law prevents cities from enforcing juvenile curfews, meaning any change would require action by the Texas Legislature.

Moreno also questioned whether police could establish a physical security perimeter around Deep Ellum, where streets provide access from multiple directions.

“What would a perimeter, a physical barrier perimeter around Deep Ellum to monitor entry and exit, look like?” Moreno asked.

“It’s not easy,” Comeaux responded. “You put a perimeter around Deep Ellum, you’re talking about probably increasing the manpower by 20 to 30.”

Comeaux said the department is already working with parking lot owners on measures that would allow police to issue trespassing citations to people who are loitering.

He also pledged to develop a consistent weekend safety strategy that residents and visitors would be able to see.

“We’re going to put together a plan that we can do every single weekend, and everyone in Dallas is going to be able to see what we’re doing,” Comeaux said.

“And it’s going to be very consistent.”