Several members of various law enforcement agencies gathered Thursday to announce the latest results of the multi-agency Syracuse Truce program. Police Chief Frank Fowler set the tone:
"When I talk about the crime stats, I'm not going to talk about it from a perspective of joy because, in order for us to reach this point, and the reason why we're here, is because two young men lost their lives in the process."
Fowler says the latest “truce trigger” began when Zavion Escobar and Tony Guyton were murdered last fall by members of the 110 gang. Fowler announced at a press conference at the Southwest Community Center that 27 known gang members have been arrested , including the two charged with killing Escobar and Guyton. He admits their crackdowns have mixed results.
"Some areas, the Truce enforcement works, and it stems the tide of violence altogether; in some areas, it only works for short period of time. This is not the first time we have been in this particular area; in fact, I've spoken to some people who live here in the community, and we've talked about some ongoin issues that we have to continue to address.”
Fowler says collaboration with the community is key. Program director for Save our Youth Larry Williams says the police can only do so much.
"Obviously, we can't have lawlessness, we can't have crime, so arrests will continue to be made when there are egregious acts of violence. But I think it's imperative that we continue the work of being proactive in our community with all the services that we have.”
Williams says neighbors need to speak up if they know of at-risk people who could benefit from the services of community outreach groups.
