Safety at Bradlee Shopping Center

Bradlee Shopping Center is easily the most popular after school destination, morning breakfast stop, and hangout spot. It has delicious restaurants (Starbucks, McDonalds, Tropical Smoothie, and Duck Donuts), convenient grocery stores (Fresh Market and Safeway), and many other shops like Walgreens and Michaels. It seems to be the perfect place, except for one rather large issue. Safety.

In the past year, there has been everything from shootings to stabbings. Many people were aware of the safety concerns, but not the magnitude of them until the death of an ACHS student last year. Last May, a fight broke out midday between groups of students, and an ACHS student was killed in the parking lot outside of the McDonalds. Other incidents have taken place around the McDonalds, and it continues to be a spot for concern within the city community. 

From built up concerns and the sudden need for change after the stabbing, the police have been stationed in the parking lot regularly. This will hopefully reduce the violence, but so far it has not been very effective. 

On April 17th this year, shots were fired in the parking lot, but fortunately no one was injured or killed. The gunmen then proceeded to run into Fort Ward park, forcing the SSSAS middle school to initiate lockdown protocols. Following the shooting, the suspect was arrested, and the firearm was taken. 

Now, the real question is: Do you feel safe to go to Bradlee? For many people, they do not feel safe at Bradlee but due to its convenience and shops, many will likely continue to travel to the shopping center. If you are going to Bradlee simply for the certain foods, then perhaps you could try an alternative location, but if you do decide to go make sure to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings.