Anti-crime group Guardian Angels launching chapter in Wilmington

WILMINGTON (WPVI) -- Guardian Angels walked the streets of Wilmington Sunday meeting police and the public.

The crime prevention group's founder Curtis Sliwa says he's responding to calls from residents of a city recently wracked by gun violence.

"Now that unfortunately Wilmington has the highest crime rate of any small city in America, surpassing Camden, never thought that would happen. We're here to begin recruiting, training, and beginning an operation," Sliwa said.

The Wilmington News Journal reports 88 people have been shot in Wilmington so far this year, 18 killed.

On Tuesday, 10-year-old Mekhi Mitchell was in a house on the 700 block of Townsend Place when he was critically injured from a gunshot wound to the head.

And gun violence hit too close to home for one grandmother Saturday.

A bullet struck her house on the corner of Stroud and Anchorage streets.

Shameka who asked we not use her last name was watching a movie feet from where the bullet landed.

Her 5-month-old granddaughter was in a chair beside her.

"If I would have stood up, you never know. Being at home and not safe, that's terrible," Shameka said.

Sliwa says he believes his group can make a difference in Wilmington.

"There's no doubt. We help cities in 18 countries, 130 cities, why not right here in the USA?" Sliwa said.