CLAXTON, Ga. () — Following four shootings in two weeks within the same Claxton neighborhood, the mayor and a resident are speaking out about violence.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Evans County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) are still working to learn exactly who’s responsible. Claxton Mayor Terry Branch talked exclusively with News 3 about the recent crime, and he said he believes this is gang activity.

“Whether it be gangs from here or some of the surrounding towns, all of it probably ties back to gangs. Gangs and drugs,” Mayor Branch said.

Evidence of violence still lingered at a home on Church Street Tuesday, where two people were injured in a shooting earlier in the month. Three more shootouts happened the following week, on Sept. 28.

“The answer seems to be to shoot at each other. I mean, it’s just devastating. It’s just frustrating, and somebody is going to lose a life,” Branch said.

These recent shootings and other crime in the area prompted a multiagency operation called “You Can’t Have Claxton.” It was a success, according to Sheriff Mac Edwards. Many people praised the effort online.

According to a release, multiple arrests were made. One resident and business owner said more needs to be done to keep the community safe.

“‘You Can’t Have Claxton.’ Well, it looks like the juveniles took Claxton. They don’t have a GED, but they have guns to get everything they need in these streets,” Duane Nunnally said.

Mayor Branch said law enforcement are doing what they can to patrol the area and work together to prevent this violence. They’ve discussed more patrols, installing cameras in crime-ridden areas and investing in activities to keep juveniles in positive environments.

The sheriff’s office reported one roadblock in the investigation – uncooperative victims.

“They’ve got to be a help to law enforcement to be able to solve some of the issues that have been going on,” Branch said.

is working to learn more about this operation, the arrests made and the ages of those suspects. Sheriff Mac Edwards was not available for an on-camera interview.