TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The city of Tucson’s Safe City Task Force met for the first time Friday, led by Mayor Regina Romero.
The task force is part of the city’s Safe City Initiative, which aims to find solutions to crime, drug, and safety concerns. The dozens of individuals involved in the task force were introduced to the initiative and given the opportunity to identify what they see as the biggest safety issues.
The task force brings together dozens of public safety professionals, community advocates, and behavioral health partners to determine the gaps in services and work through potential solutions.
SUN TRAN VIOLENT INCIDENTS SINCE APRIL
- On April 5, 25-year-old Daniel Michael Jr. allegedly attacked a man and woman with a hatchet at a Sun Link streetcar stop in downtown Tucson. Jacob Couch died from his injuries from the attack, and Michael was charged with murder.
- On May 12, 42-year-old Frank Rick Lopez allegedly attacked two people with a hatchet at a Sun Tran bus stop near Sabino Canyon and Tanque Verde Roads.
- On July 9, a 15-year-old woman was arrested after a 19-year-old woman was injured during a knife fight on a bus at the Ronstadt Center in Tucson.
- On July 25, a woman was arrested for allegedly stabbing a man on a bus at the Laos Transit Center in Tucson.
- On Aug. 11, a man was injured in a stabbing at the Ronstadt Center in downtown Tucson.
- On Aug. 12, a man was injured in a fight and stabbing at the Loas Transit Center in Tucson.
- On Aug. 19, a man was injured in a fight and stabbing at the Tohono Tadai Transit Center near the Tucson Mall.
- On Sept. 9, a Sun Tran driver was injured in an assault at Udall Park in Tucson.
- On Oct. 6, an elderly man was injured in an assault at a Sun Tran bus stop near Pantano and Stella in Tucson.
- On Oct. 14, a suspect was arrested following a shooting on a Sun Tran bus near Irvington and 13th Avenue.
“I don’t pretend as though the task force is going to come up with all of the solutions, but it is to bring different perspectives, different experiences,” Romero said…