13-year-old's shooting inspires anti-crime initiative in Newark for summer safety
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A 13-year-old boy remains in critical condition after a shooting in Newark, and officials want to do something to reduce crime in the area.
The boy was shot on Sunday, May 21 at 5:22 p.m. on the 100 block of Boyd Street.
Days later, a suspect was arrested with a .9mm ghost gun and extended magazine in connection with the shooting.
Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé announced the city's Summer Crime Reduction Initiative on Thursday.
The initiative includes jobs for youth and young adults, mental health support services, neighborhood gatherings, community engagement, and bringing resources directly to residents in "hot spot" areas.
"We're going to have bouncy houses, and DJs, and food, and music, and fun because our community deserves an opportunity to be able to come out into the neighborhood and feel safe, we're going to be hiring over 150 youth that will participate in earn-to-learn programs and training," said Lakeesha Eure of the Office of Violence Prevention.
Fragé says they will also hold community roll calls citywide.
That will allow Newark residents to observe police receiving their foot patrol or riding orders from supervisors in public.
The city said, "The Summer Initiative will also outline violence reduction strategies, including increased police presence in hot spots; the deployment of the Newark Police Community Focus Team; Newark Police working with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners and with code enforcement; increased youth outreach activities; and community engagement by the Newark Fire Division through fire house tours and serving as neighborhood first aid stations."
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