Seattle adds new prosecutors to crack down on Aurora Avenue crime

The Seattle City Attorney says two new prosecutors will target pimps and guns along Aurora Avenue, but neighbors in North Seattle are waiting to see real results. Fox 13's Dan Griffin is in North Seattle, where people say gunfire still echoes near homes and businesses. As the City Attorney's Office tries to address issues with pimps and guns along Aurora Avenue, neighbors know there's not a perfect solution, but they want the crime to stop. Wednesday morning, more gunshots captured on camera near Aurora Avenue. Rudy Pantoja says people here are exhausted. We're getting a lot of false promises with not much hope. Seattle City Attorney Erica Evans has unveiled an unprecedented push to crack down. I think the city attorney's intentions are good. For the first time, a new cross-deputized city prosecutor will charge both misdemeanors and felonies, targeting pimps, johns, and traffickers. Putting all resources that we can to hold people accountable, prosecute people that are causing this violence in our community. Felonies were traditionally left solely to King County, but now the city is stepping in. Officials say the issues are severe as police are recovering children from Aurora weekly. We're standing for survivors. There needs to be more services for folks that are trying to get out of what's happening. A second new prosecutor will focus on extreme risk protection orders to seize guns from people considered dangerous to themselves or others. Still, people in the neighborhood remain skeptical. No, I'm not optimistic. But Pantoja hopes this time is different. We have high expectations for our public safety. He wants the gunfire to stop and for victims to get the help they need. Now, this new approach was born out of conversations with outgoing City Council member Deborah Juarez, though both candidates looking to fill the position say that Aurora is a priority. Reporting in North Seattle, Dan Griffin, Fox 13 News.