TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – There was an increase in gun violence and killings in Toledo in 2020. 61 people have been registered in the city who died at the hands of others. More than any other year.
“We need to find out how guns are constantly getting their hands on children in our community who can’t afford bread,” said community activist Albert Earl. “How do you get your hands on this arsenal when there are no arms stores in our community?”
The focus remains on weapons in the Toledo Police Department.
“Yes, whether it’s a person who was shot home, a vehicle that was shot in the area, or just shots that were fired in the area,” said Lt. Kellie Lenhardt. “Somebody almost always pulls the trigger every night in Toledo.”
The seized weapon accelerated. TPD 1,202 firearms from the streets in 2019. In 2020 that number rose to 1,614.
Shot Spotter helps in this fight.
“Officers get dropped off much faster than if people waited to call 911.”
For activists, the rise in violence is a red flag that signals that something needs to be done.
“It must be all hands on deck,” said Earl. “It can’t just be a group, an organization, a person. All hands have to be on deck. For those who say they care, they must act as they care. “
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/UGTUQTJV7RFD7CA3QBHMN5C5EQ.jpg "Police make arrest in South Toledo homicide case")
