FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – City leaders fighting back against gangs in Fresno
Fresno Mayor Lee brand and Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer met Friday June 30th with religious leaders and groups including the NAACP, Stop the Violence Fresno, the Boys & Girls Club, just a handful of names that are all vowing to do their part to convince gang members and young would-be gang members that there is a different way to live and it doesn’t involve violence.
“We are collectively calling for a gang truce in the city of Fresno, with West Fresno gangs and those gang members who are out there wreaking havoc in our city.” – Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
Dyer said the passion and unity of the groups with their desire to stamp out gang warfare and stop young kids from turning to a life of crime was unlike anything he has ever seen in his history with the police department.
Cheryl Sumler, the grandmother of Kayla Foster, who was killed in a drive by shooting that targeted a party on Memorial Day, spoke passionate words and joined a pledge to stop the gang violence wreaking havoc in Fresno. Her family was present at the meeting.
Chief Dyer said Crime Stoppers is increasing the award to $5,000 for tips in the Kayla Foster murder. Crimestoppers is creating rewards to target gangs by offering money for tips about gang members with guns and drugs.
Fresno Mayor Lee Brand, too, stood at the podium, pledging that the City will devote resources and personnel in the fight to save the city from gangs.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
