A coalition of Gary municipal officials, law enforcement and clergy gathered Friday to talk of the need to work together to reduce the city’s homicide total – which at 15 is two more than at this time last year.
For Gary Common Council President Ronald Brewer, the problem has taken on a personal tone.
Brewer said a recent victim was a personal friend and that he was headed for the man’s funeral services after Friday’s appearance with Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson, police Chief Richard Allen and others.
“He was trying to put his life back together, and he was making progress,” said Brewer of the victim. “His death is a loss for Gary, because we need more people like him who are willing to work hard.”
In 2017, Gary reported 48 homicides. There were 52 in 2016 and 50 in 2015, officials said.
Freeman-Wilson said the rising homicide total comes despite the fact that the number of shooting incidents in Gary is actually 50 percent less this year compared to last year at this time.
Allen said Gary police are cooperating with federal, state and county law enforcement authorities – including the Indiana University Northwest police that actually helps patrol the city’s Glen Park section around the campus.
Freeman-Wilson said people also ought to comprehend that most Gary residents are not violent people. “We need to work together to make sure that ‘majority rules’ in Gary,” Freeman-Wilson said.
Officials also announced an April 21 concert at the West Side Leadership Academy, 9th Avenue and Gerry Street. The 7 p.m. concert will have tickets for sale at $20 and will include various acts touting a message of anti-violence.
Tree of Life Church pastor Eric Boone, who said he has lost four family members or friends to violence, said one act will be a man who himself was once shot nine times and will urge young people to look toward peaceful ways of dealing conflict.
Baptist Ministers Conference President Edward Turner said a key is to get adults involved in mentoring young people. “The goal is to put a viable, and visible face in front of them so they can realize we’re all on the same team and working toward a common goal.”
Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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