Stokes calls for calm after shooting. - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Stokes calls for calm after shooting.

Stokes calls for calm after shooting

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By David Kenney - bio | email

By David Kenney - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Ward Three Councilman Kenneth Stokes is speaking out against a shooting that left a teen hospitalized Tuesday evening.  Now, he's asking for changes in the police department, to help prevent similar shootings in the future.

This shooting happened in Ward Three where Councilman Stokes lives.  He said he believes a stronger police presence would have prevented it.

Thursday morning Stokes held a press conference on Hollywood Avenue, where 19-Year-Old Pierre Cooper was shot.  Stokes said he wants the police department to create a special unit to deal specifically with guns and gangs.

The councilman said more attention needs to be placed on the youth in inner city neighborhoods, where he said violence is escalating.  He fears there could be more shootings and more lives lost.

"It's not the Crips and the Bloods, some may call it that.  I'm not saying it's the magnitude of   L. A. where if you wear red or blue you're gonna get shot," said Stokes.  "It's not the magnitude of Chicago, but I'm saying we have a problem that's beginning to grow till it's getting out of control."

Stokes said in addition to a gun and gang unit, he would like to see more supervised activities offered to youth. 

Jackson police have not made an arrest in Tuesday night's shooting.

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