Author: Gunner Quinn
A local organization, the Persayus Way Project, hosts its second annual Summer Cookout in Youngstown, Ohio, to honor the memory of children who have fallen victim to gun violence. The event, which provided free food, resources, and fun activities for children, specifically commemorates the birthday of Persayus Davis-May, a 10-year-old who was shot and killed in 2021, highlighting the ongoing impact of such tragedies on the community. CEO Million Perry-Phifer emphasizes the importance of community involvement, stating that change begins at home, but requires collective effort to create a safer environment for children. The Persayus Way Project not only aims…
A 32-year-old man and four children, including a 10-year-old boy, are detained following a car theft and armed robbery incident in Northeast Baltimore. The group allegedly assaulted a victim at a bus stop on East Northern Parkway before fleeing in a stolen vehicle, which police later traced back to a theft on July 4. This incident is part of a troubling trend of juvenile crime in Baltimore, with recent reports highlighting multiple carjackings involving minors. As city officials grapple with the rise in such offenses, Mayor Brandon Scott emphasizes community engagement efforts aimed at providing youth with productive summer opportunities…
A Fort Smith man faces serious charges after allegedly pistol-whipping a victim during a robbery in his apartment, prompting a judge to order a mental evaluation. Kenneth Byrd, 28, stands accused of armed aggravated robbery following an incident on June 4, where he reportedly attacked a man, stole $500, and fled the scene, leading to his arrest the next day in Roland, Oklahoma. Byrd’s public defender raised concerns about his mental fitness to stand trial, leading to the psychiatric exam approval on June 25. In addition to the serious robbery charge, Byrd is currently out on bond while also dealing…
A 33-year-old Lancaster man, Jovan Anthony Martin, is sentenced to serve between 7 1/2 to 27 years in state prison for selling methamphetamine and illegal possession of firearms. The sentencing follows his guilty plea to multiple drug and gun-related charges, including the sale of 185 grams of meth from his residence over a six-month period. During a police search in April 2023, authorities discovered Martin’s illegal operations, which included two handguns—one previously reported stolen—underscoring his prior felony convictions that barred him from owning firearms. This case highlights ongoing concerns about drug trafficking and gun violence in the community, as Martin’s…
A man is dead and a woman is hospitalized with critical injuries following a domestic-related shooting in Hallandale Beach on Sunday, according to local police. Officers arrived at the scene near 200 SW 10th Ave to find the woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, while the man was pronounced dead at the scene. As detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, residents express their shock and concern over the violent incident occurring in their community. The preliminary investigation suggests the shooting may be isolated, raising questions about safety and domestic violence in the area. Police encourage anyone with…
PILLAR, a local organization, is giving away three free gun locks to residents aged 18 and older in Laredo as part of a campaign aimed at enhancing gun safety and preventing firearm-related tragedies. This initiative comes in response to alarming data indicating that over 50% of suicides in the U.S. in 2023 involved firearms, with Laredo experiencing 12 reported suicides so far this year, of which seven were gun-related. Arturo Diaz, co-CEO of PILLAR, emphasizes the importance of secure firearm storage by stating, “This small step can save lives.” The organization advocates for community dialogue around mental health and responsible…
A recent study from the University of Washington reveals that the percentage of gun owners in Washington storing their firearms securely has risen significantly from 34.9% in 2013 to 48.8% in 2022. This increase reflects a broader trend towards responsible gun ownership, as secure storage is linked to lower risks of suicide, accidental injuries, and gun theft. The stability of overall firearm ownership in the state, with about one in three households owning a gun, contrasts with the marked rise in secure storage practices across diverse demographic groups, including veterans and parents. This trend underscores the importance of safe gun…
A Charlotte police officer is recovering after being shot in the leg while responding to a domestic dispute in uptown Charlotte on Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. outside an apartment complex, where one of the individuals involved in the altercation opened fire on the officer, resulting in an injury that required surgical intervention. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by additional officers who arrived shortly after the shooting. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has confirmed that the injured officer is expected to make a full recovery,…
Family, friends, and community members gather in Cumberland, Indiana, to honor 12-year-old Jeremiah Cotton, who was fatally shot in an incident on June 27. Originally reported as an accidental shooting while a 16-year-old acquaintance handled the firearm, police are now pursuing the case as a homicide, prompting further investigation. Jeremiah’s mother, Jaleesa Weatherly, expresses profound grief and anger, reflecting on her son’s vibrant personality and the impact of gun violence on their family, already scarred by the loss of a relative to similar circumstances in 2020. As the investigation unfolds, Weatherly emphasizes her determination to remain strong for her other…
Rep. Connie Durand emphasizes that the rampant flow of U.S.-made arms into Mexico and Central America exacerbates drug-related violence and destabilizes the region. Notably, 95% of gun-export applications are reportedly lacking necessary vetting, which contributes to the growing power of drug gangs and the spike in violence across countries like Guatemala. Durand urges Congress to take action against the arms trade that undermines safety and security, highlighting the connection between U.S. firearms and the heightened risks facing both border officers and communities in the region. As the U.S. remains the largest arms exporter, the implications of these policies are profound,…