Mayor, Police Chief Want Clevelanders Help To Stop Violence

CLEVELAND, OH — City officials are urging the public to become more engaged in the policing of their neighborhoods. A joint statement from Mayor Frank Jackson and Cleveland Chief of Police Calvin Williams rued a bloody stretch of violence that marred Independence Day celebrations in the city.

"Fourth of July weekend is an opportunity to enjoy spending time with family and friends. Tragically, five people were killed within our city over the course of the last three days. This violence simply cannot be tolerated," the pair said in their statement. "Our investigators are working around the clock to bring the violent offenders to justice. We've said it before, crime is a symptom of a greater ill and we must address it holistically."

Residents are being asked to learn more about the police district in their neighborhood, to take time to meet district commanders, learn more about people perpetuating crime and take an active role in protecting their own community.

The two officials said the city is also looking to hire more police officers, build a stronger relationship with local and national crime fighting organizations and create more inclusive community programming and youth services.

The outpouring of municipal support comes after five people were killed in three days around July 4. One of the people killed was an 18-year-old girl that was stabbed to death while at her uncle's holiday cookout near E. 103rd Street. Police are currently looking for her killer.

Anyone with information regarding the recent incidents of violence is asked to contact investigators at 216-623-5464. Anonymous information can be reported via Crime Stoppers at 216-25-CRIME.

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