TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — According to reports, nationwide crime has decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data indicates that the number of teens committing violent crimes has sharply increased throughout several US cities.
The unimaginable happened on Halloween of last year when a deadly mass shooting took place in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood. A 14-year-old and two adult suspects were arrested and charged for their roles in the incident.
Nearly a year later, juvenile crime is on the rise throughout the Tampa Bay region, including St. Petersburg. After an altercation with his 11-year-old friend in August, a 14-year-old boy fatally shot him. He was recently charged as an adult.
The community is calling for an end to the violence and demands explanations.
On today’s episode of ‘Rooted in Progress’, St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway joins hosts Deanne King and Terrance Middlebrooks to discuss the recent gun violence in his city. We ask the steps needed to put the weapons down and stop the violence. We also ask if there are ways residents can strengthen their relationship with local law enforcement.