Fayetteville leaders hope amnesty offer, curfew will cut down on violence
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- The Fayetteville police chief and the mayor are calling for bold action to fight youth violence in the city.
Mayor Nat Robertson has asked city staff to come up with an anti-loitering ordinance, and a curfew for children under 16.
Tuesday, during an anti-violence rally in front of the courthouse, Police Chief Harold Medlock offered amnesty to anyone who voluntarily turns in an illegal hand gun.
Chief Medlock said, "We will come get it, no questions asked."
City leaders are reacting to a reported 10 homicides in the city so far this year. That includes last month's shooting death of 19-year-old Ravon Jordan. He was killed in the cross-fire of gunfire by rival gangs.
Wednesday night, another 19-year-old -- Demarcus Turner -- was shot in the leg by a maintenance worker during a confrontation near the swimming pool area.
Robertson says something has to be done about youth violence now.
The mayor said, "I think we are at a point where we have never been before. We are not necessarily, any deeper than any other community is, but if we don't stop it now it can get worse."
Robertson has asked his staff to come up with plans for the ordinances, and present them to council at their August meeting. The mayor says recent numbers show that crime is down.
