Community gathering at Museum Hill Apartments gives away backpacks, aims to ease tensions following alleged stabbing

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A community gathering took place at the Museum Hill Apartments as part of annual events that management host, but some tenets are saying their concerns are not being taken seriously by the St. Joseph Police Department

The tight-knit community in St. Joseph hosted a backpack giveaway right before the end of the school year, offering activities for parents and kids to beat the heat and stay engaged with the community.

However, the event came amid lingering unease following an alleged stabbing at the complex last weekend.

Some residents that spoke to KQ2 said they feel unsafe after the incident, and management organized the gathering to help ease some of that tension.

Sergeant James Edwards with the St. Joseph Police Department said the presence of officers provided reassurance.

"I've actually had a couple adults come up to me and thank me for being here just for that aspect," Edwards said. "They said they've been a little uneasy, and they enjoy seeing us out here, not only interacting with the kids, but it's also a comfort thing."

Along with activities, management invited the St. Joseph Police and Fire departments to help the area feel secure.

Molly Botts with the St. Joseph Fire Department emphasized the importance of building trust.

"I do believe it is a comfort," Botts said. "It teaches kids that we are not scary and that we are a safe people and a safe presence in the community, and that we are trustworthy. People get faces and familiarity in the community."

However, concerns remain among tenants regarding their safety.

Residents say the attack last Sunday could have been avoided.

One tenant with close ties to the apartment managers told KQ2 that when management reached out to police about the alleged attacker brandishing sharp objects at other tenants, they felt their concerns were not taken seriously.

Tenants and management say they have also complained several other times to the police department regarding other violent incidents at the complex.

KQ2 has reached out to the St. Joseph Police Department about these concerns but has not heard back.

While St. Joseph Police nor management could confirm, tenants also say the victim of the attack from Sunday returned to her home on Wednesday and is resting and recovering.