The new police chief in East Point, Georgia, says community cooperation is key to stopping violent crime. | https://m.facebook.com/EastPointPoliceDepartment
The new police chief in East Point, Georgia, says community cooperation is key to stopping violent crime. | https://m.facebook.com/EastPointPoliceDepartment
East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchannan has asked the city to work together to tackle violent crime.
The request comes after two violent murder crimes occurred within two weeks. The city also approached the one-year anniversary of when 11-year-old Tyrell Sims was shot. There is still a lack of information on the killer, according to FOX 5 News.
“I'm asking you today--it takes a community to have a safe city--if you know anything about this case, please come forward,” Buchanan said according to FOX 5 News. “This family deserves justice. That could be your child. It could've been my child. I'm not tolerating that type of behavior in this city.”
Buchannan plans to make addressing rising violent crime a focus point of his tenure, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
“We're going to make this city one of the safest cities in metropolitan Atlanta," Buchannan said, according to FOX 5 News. “I guarantee you, [be]cause I'm not going to tolerate any less."
Taking over the top spot after 23 years on the job, Buchanan said he has put everyone in the department on patrols regardless of rank, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Juan Lopez, 29, and Knox Panter, 24, were killed within two weeks. Lopez was shot at an ATM on Nov. 26, and Panter was shot and killed Dec. 10 when he came across two men trying to break into his truck. Police recently released a video of one of the suspects from the Lopez shooting.
"Every East Pointer should be able to carry out day to day activities like going to the ATM and make it home," Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham said, according to CBS 46. “Or checking to see what's going on when they hear something awry."
According to CBS 46, Lopez was a father, and Panter a cancer survivor.
"East Point residents want more than statements," Ingraham said, according to FOX 5 News. "While our statements are safety is and will always be our top priority, we are committed to act with a sense of urgency to deploy all necessary resources to make persons who commit violent crimes fearful again of coming to East Point."
Anyone with any information on these deaths is asked to report to Crime Stoppers by calling 404-577-TIPS.
Alerts Sign-up