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WILKES-BARRE — As angry as residents are about shots ringing out in their neighborhoods, so too are the officers patrolling the streets, said city police chief Joseph Coffay.
The almost daily drive-by shootings in the past week dominated the discussion during the city council meeting Thursday night that Coffay attended.
“Those men and women in that building over there (at police headquarters) take this very personally. You know, shots being fired throughout the city. They take it very personally,” Coffay said.
Some officers have even volunteered to work on their own time to make arrests and make people feel safe again, Coffay added.
The police chief assured the audience of approximately 25 people that he has the support of the Pennsylvania State Police and federal law enforcement agencies in an attempt to silence the gunfire.
“If something happens and we have a serious crime, just like these shootings, all I have to do is make a phone call. A phone call, next thing you know I have 15, 20 agents coming down here and that’s what we have. That’s exactly what we have now,” Coffay said in response to a question about getting more outside help and resources.
Since June, 33 guns have been taken off the street, Coffay said.
But resident Jim Burden made it known he’s carrying a gun when he goes out at night. The Marines veteran said he was struck in the back by a pellet while walking his dog and showed council members a photo on his cellphone of what he said was the red mark it left.
“Now when I walk my dog at nighttime, when I take him out at night, I don’t go alone. I take my friend with me (my gun) besides my dog. I’m afraid for my wife, for my grandchild, this is ridiculous,” Burden said.
Rolling Mill Hill resident Linda Joseph told council she wonders if she will be caught in the crossfire while driving her car.
Joseph said she’s heard residents say it’s time to bring in the Pennsylvania National Guard to deal with the situation. “Sounds extreme, but it speaks volumes to the frustration and desperation residents are now feeling,” she said.
In its regular business, council approved:
• A vehicle lease program with Enterprise Fleet Management Inc.
• Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC to audit the city’s 2018 general purpose financial statements at a cost of $59,500.