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GREENSBORO — The Boys & Girls Club at Hickory Trails apartment complex has moved temporarily as police investigate the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy. Police have stepped up patrols in the neighborhood.

The club notified parents Tuesday that it will provide a a bus each morning and afternoon to the club’s central unit on Neal Street as a precaution for the children’s safety.

Amos Quick III, executive director of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, said Wednesday that the move also was made to “not overly scare or frighten” the children as police continue their investigation.

He said The Salvation Army remains committed to resuming the club’s operation in Hickory Trails on Monday as long as it’s safe.

“We fully trust and support that law enforcement will handle this matter,” Quick said. “While this temporary move had to happen, it will not disrupt our operations, and we are fully committed to be back at that location.”

Breyon Shon Deese died from multiple gunshot wounds about noon Tuesday on a pedestrian bridge in a wooded area that connects two parts of the apartment complex on Bernau Avenue.

The Greensboro Housing Authority operates the complex.

The wooded area is behind the Boys & Girls Club, although officials said the children there were safe at all times and the violence was not connected to the club.

Police believe the homicide is connected to an ongoing dispute between two groups of teenagers at the apartment complex.

They believe a recent fight at a nearby gas station led to a 7-year-old girl being shot in the ear at Deese’s apartment last Thursday, which then spiraled into Tuesday’s homicide.

Police have interviewed a person of interest in the case and are following up on leads but have not filed charges and have not released a motive.

Also Wednesday, Police Chief Tim Bellamy assigned two police neighborhood community resource officers to patrol the complex on foot.

Bellamy said permanent officers hadn’t been assigned there in recent months because the department is short-staffed. He hopes to have two officers there full-time by mid-September.

“That division is short because of transfers, other assignments and promotions,” Bellamy said. “We are going to be increasing patrols in that area and increase police visibility.”

Bellamy said residents had not reported many of the issues that had escalated at the apartment complex.

In media interviews, neighbors have complained about the teen rivalry, gun violence and drug problems. Bellamy said many of the specific incidents cited were not reported to police.

“We are catching up with the rumors,” Bellamy said. A neighborhood canvass also is being planned to generate leads in the homicide, he said.

Councilwoman Trudy Wade, whose district includes the apartment complex, said she supports placing cameras along major thoroughfares leading into the area in an effort to make streets safer.

She said she has heard numerous concerns from residents after the shooting of the 7-year-old girl last week.

Mayor Yvonne Johnson said she supports cameras as well and would like to see a community watch formed at Hickory Trails.

She said the City Council likely will discuss problems there at its next meeting.

A National Night Out event is in the works for the community tonight. Similar events took place elsewhere Tuesday and are designed to create police and neighborhood partnerships.

Organizers need supplies, money and volunteers to help cook food, set up the event or donate cooking equipment. Anyone who wants to participate should call Ben Holder at 617-0624.

Anyone with information about the crimes or issues at Hickory Trails is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 373-1000. Callers remain anonymous and are eligible for cash rewards.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals @news-record.com