FORT WORTH, Texas -- Volunteers are now patrolling an area in the Las Vegas Trail area where a teenage girl was attacked last week.
Along Calmont Avenue this afternoon, volunteers could be spotted in bright green t-shirts, wearing whistles around their necks. They stayed posted around schools and at places where buses let children off to walk home.
"Just walking and making sure the kids are safe going to and from school," said volunteer Alicia Lockhart who lives in the neighborhood.
The patrols were launched by a faith-based organization called Restoring Our Community. They are focused on the area where a 13-year-old girl was attacked and seriously injured last Thursday. Fort Worth Police say she remains in critical condition, unable to speak with investigators.
Police are asking for the public's help, releasing a new surveillance video that they say shows a person of interest. They are asking for help locating the individual, who is described as a white male 5'8" to 5'10" and about 200 lbs.
"This is just a person of interest we'd like to speak to," said Sgt. Chris Britt, Fort Worth Police spokesperson. "Maybe this individual saw something and might have some information."
Las Vegas Trail has long been a concern in Fort Worth. It is a high crime neighborhood that has been the focus of a city task force and promises from police to step up public safety.
Neighbors say they've had enough, now that a little girl has become a victim.
"It is dangerous, and being out here does help, I believe," said Lockhart.
The volunteers promise to continue patrolling before and after school for the foreseeable future. Parents who live nearby are already expressing gratitude.
"The whole thing around here has everyone on edge and worried about their children, because that should never happen to anyone," said Jenny Wilson, a mother who has two children in elementary school. "I'm glad we have the parents looking out for our kids more now, but it shouldn't take something like this to happen. And bless that little girl."