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WARREN –Warren officials said they will be planning ways to address violence in the city.
Recent episodes include shootings in the downtown area, and large fight at a West Side birthday party.
Warren Mayor Doug Franklin said at Wednesday’s council meeting that he has prepared a video announcement this week on the city’s social media site.
Franklin said officials are concerned for the safety of the citizens, particularly the youth.
“It has come to the attention of my office that there are named individuals who are willfully choosing to use their influence and skill on social media to instigate and promote violence in our city. These acts of violence and related activities are not welcome in our great city,” Franklin said.
He said officials and safety forces have taken notice and the city administration plans to take legal action to prosecute all involved parties.
Franklin advised parents to monitor their children’s online activities, and noted parents’ cooperation will help the city to be safe.
“The violence must end. The violence in our city and across our nation is not out of our control like a natural disaster. This is avoidable and controllable by us,” Franklin said.
He said the city will use of all its resources and the power of the mayor’s office in its endeavors in the coming months.
Franklin said plans will be announced in upcoming months for important initiatives that will be aimed at helping youth.
The mayor said officials have been informed about the instigators, promoters and participants of violent acts in the city.
“Your activities and behavior are not welcome here. They are criminal actions and will be treated as such. I advise you to please stop now,” Franklin said.
Safety/ Service Director Eddie Colbert said at the meeting the police are doing their job in protecting the city.
“We are always on high alert when it comes to protecting the city and the residents,” he said.
INCIDENTS
Colbert said two recent situations were random.
There were shootings of three people on June 4 in the city’s downtown, not far from the last day of the annual African American Achievers’ Festival. The incident happened near the Subway restaurant.
There also was a large fight this past weekend at a 13th birthday party. Several law enforcement agencies responded to the brawl on Parkman Road NW.
Fifteen squad cars were called to the scene, with initial dispatch calls reporting more than 100 people in a parking lot fighting on June 10.
Officials said much of the violence involves teens and young adults.
Franklin said he is aware that many fights happen because of arguments on social media, and this is why parents need to do more monitoring of their children.
Officials were praised by residents at the meeting for a program called “Violence Interrupters,” which will involve city law enforcement and the city school system, as well as local health care providers.
Franklin said the goal will be to offer teens other safe alternatives and activities to help them become a healthier asset in the community,
At the meeting, Adam Parker of Palmyra Road thanked the mayor for his speech and is hoping the message gets across.
Kristen Reilly of Washington Street said she has had to call police several times after juveniles had been seen breaking into houses in the neighborhood — including last week.
She said the juveniles also are seen shooting up drugs and overdosing.
“As soon as we see them trying to get into the houses, we call the police.” she said.
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