Jackson Mayor Says Gang Activity is Behind Shootings
JACKSON Tenn., – Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist said the rounds of gunfire this week in the Hub City will not be tolerated, and is taking action to stop the violent crime. “All of this from what we can tell is gang related and we have to fix it,” Mayor Gist said. Mayor Gist has ordered 24-hour police presence in the city’s low income apartment complexes, places he called “hot spots” for crime. “We’re going to find whatever money we need to get proper law enforcement to the citizens,” Mayor Gist told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News. The family of one of the shooting victims, Alexander Merriweather said they appreciate the extra efforts, but they are too late. “It’s ridiculous,” said Shay Ward, Merriweather’s cousin. “Now they are doing it now that two people are dead. They should have been doing it before.” “I appreciate what they are doing right now,” said another family member, B.J. Ward. “They need to keep it like that and it need to go on everyday.” Mayor Gist said the extra police force will continue until he sees a difference in crime in these areas. On top of the Police presence, Gist said he needs help from the community, and asks anyone with information in any of the shootings to call Jackson Police at (731) 425-8400.
