More Gun Violence Rocks Peoria
By: Maria Chandler WMBD/WYZZ TV
Updated: June 18, 2010
PEORIA- Gun-violence is wreaking havoc in peoria as another pair of shootings rock the area. Community leaders are helping to slash crime.
A shooting Thursday night hits a man at Villa Bordeaux apartments. Minutes later, a woman comes to Methodist E-R with gun wound to her leg.
This is just the latest in a slew of shootings over the past few days resulting in city it's 14th homicide, but Lieutenant Vince Wieland says Peoria isn't seeing more violence than last year.
Wieland says, "There is a little spike as of now, but it's not that much different than what we've seen."
Pastor Harvey Burnett says the latest spree is over gangs, drugs, and territory.He's determined to curb the chaos, and he's focusing on three elements to do it.
The first is teaching a moral element.
Burnett says its about teaching, "Community, deeper moral sense, greater value for human life."
Burnett says the community also needs to tackle the economic situation, "Let these young men know and those caught up in drugs and gans that it's not the end of life."
And he says one of the biggest elements is motivating those who need it most.
"Some have opportunities, but aren't motivated to pursue those opportunities," says Burnett.
Both Pastors and Police cracking down in the community agree.It's not a matter of Black or White, Male or Female...it's a Peoria Problem.
Burnett says, "This is our city and what goes on in one particular area affects everywhere. We want this to be safe for all of Peoria."
And it will take all of Peoria's help to put an end to the violence.
If you have any information on the crimes you are urged you to reach police at (309) 673-9000.
And if you want to volunteer to help stop the violence you can click here.
