Too scared to go to the police with info. that could help? There's an alternative!

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee police continue to seek a second suspect connected to the shooting of 10-year-old Sierra Guyton. Police say Guyton was caught in the crossfire -- shot as she played on a playground near 28th and Clarke -- feet from her home. Police and city leaders are strongly encouraging neighbors to speak up if they have information that could lead to the arrest of the second suspect in this case. So is MPD getting enough help from members of the Milwaukee community -- in this and other cases? Are neighbors too afraid of the potential for retribution to risk speaking up? FOX6 News has learned -- there is an alternative.

"Playground and shooting should never go together. That's the wake-up call," Duril White said.

One group in Milwaukee is trying to get ahead of the seemingly increasing violence.

"Block by block. We care, and we're here," White said.

"We worship here, we work here, and we want it to be safe," Danell Cross said.

Cross is a member of the Metcalfe Park Community Action Team. She and about a dozen patrolled the area near 28th and Clarke on Tuesday, May 27th.

"Getting out here and intentionally engaging the community," White said.

Duril White is another individual trying to connect with the community to curb crime and prevent the kind of violence that brought the group to the area of 28th and Clarke -- an area where on any given day, dozens of children play.

Sierra Guyton was playing in the area last Wednesday, May 21st when she was shot and seriously injured.

Police have taken an 18-year-old convicted felon into custody with the help of the community. They continue to seek a second suspect.

"It's not snitching when you're standing up for what's right. It's not snitching when you try to stop a kid from being hurt," White said.

This group knows police are looking for a second suspect -- and there may be someone who can help, but is too scared to call police.

So, the group is offering up an alternative.

"If you don't feel you're in a position to talk to police directly, then you can talk with us and we can take it to police," Cross said.

This group hopes making themselves present in neighborhoods where violence is a problem will show neighbors the number of people looking for safe streets outnumbers those looking or trouble.

"Take your drama somewhere else. You're not going to hurt our kids," White said.

Police will always prefer talking directly to anyone with information. There's an anonymous tipline people can call if they fear for their safety (1-800-78-CRIME) -- but as a last resort, sharing information through a third party is better than nothing.

If you would like to contact the Metcalfe Park Community Action Team -- you're asked to send an email to DurilWhite@aol.com.