In response to a recent spike in gun violence, residents plan a meeting tonight and a march and forum on Thursday.
Tonight's meeting is 6 p.m. at Visions of God Family Worship Church, 350 Leland Avenue and focuses on the East Second Street corridor near Garfield Avenue, where residents said there have been two recent shootings. On Thursday, Councilwoman Vera Greaves said, a march is planned from Rock Avenue and West Third Street to Leland Avenue. A forum will follow from 7 to 9 p.m.at Plainfield High School.
Tonight's rally is sponsored by the East Second Street Revitalization Committee, led by Rev. Paul Dean, Councilman William Reid said.
The city's first homicide this year took place over the weekend. Police are investigating the fatal shooting of Dearn Marcano, 20, and the wounding of three others at West Third Street and Manson Place Saturday. Police Director Carl Riley said by this time last year, there had been eight homicides.
At Monday's City Council meeting, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said although violent crime is down in the city, there was an uptick in the last six weeks.
"This is not something we will tolerate," he said.
Sarah Cadogan, the mother of shooting victim Spencer Cadogan, tearfully recounted the loss of her son in 2010 and said "My heart is aggrieved" at the latest shooting. She said she doesn't know what brought about the recent "barrage of shootings," but said the city must "make our children a priority."
In memory of her son, she founded a group called "Young Men of Resilience," which is among sponsors of a back-to-school event Saturday featuring vouchers for haircuts and school supply giveaways, among other supportive activities.
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When people want to help the Police ... contrary to the No Snitch crowd ... then something will be done.
ReplyDeleteWhen we develop a profile of the drug buyers, primarily from out of town, and charge them aggressively including "contributing to the delinquency of a minor", seize their vehicles, publish their photos and distribute informational flyers to their neighbors, we can then get about the business of drug dealer rehabilitation once the "market forces" have been addressed.
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