Wilmington leaders offer reward in recent shooting, plea for community’s help

WILMINGTON,  NC (WWAY) — A news conference was held this afternoon to discuss violence in the area and community violence reduction efforts.

Mayor Bill Saffo, Police Chief Ralph Evangelous and other local leaders discussed recent crimes and ways the community can help prevent future crime.

Mayor Saffo said the City is working with law enforcement to not only find criminals but also prevent crimes. He said the City is putting $151,000 into keeping community centers open and supporting organizations in order to keep youth out of trouble.

“There are people that are driving around this community that are shooting at people in broad daylight on Market Street or shooting into a home with many people in the house, infants in the house, old people in the house, have a total disregard for the law, for civil society and they don’t need to be out on the street,” said Saffo.

Police Chief Ralph Evangelous said the police department is being proactive when it comes to stopping the violence in Wilmington. Officers are helping to promote and create neighborhood watch groups. He added there have been increased patrols and the City has designated $620,000 for eight new detectives and their vehicles.

Chief Evangelous said they still need help from the public.

“Realize we can’t be everywhere. We don’t have all the answers but with your eyes, your ears and your voices we can end the senseless violence that’s going on in our community,”  said Evangelous. “Remember nobody wins when we keep silent.”