WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins Police are still investigating a Monday night shooting where a man was shot in the leg. Police say the suspects appear to be a group of teenagers.
So far, police have not identified the three young men involved or their ages.
Most neighbors on Oak Grove Road and Sidney Hicks Road say they didn't know much about the shooting. One man said young people shoot in the area often.
"We do have a significant uptick with youth violence involving firearms," Police Chief Wayne Fisher said.
He says it's a national trend, and the city isn't seeing as much of a problem as others. However, just last month, Warner Robins Mayor Larhonda Patrick held a call to action asking police and other organizations to help reduce youth violence.
Fisher says they can help connect troubled youth with programs that teach them redirection and help them learn every decision has a good or bad consequence.
"We're also working in partnership with other youth programs in the Houston County community like the Young Marines Program and the Boys and Girls Club," Fisher said.
He says by the end of the month you will also hear announcements for their Public Safety Young Cadet Program aimed at youth ages 14- 21.
"It gives them the opportunity to receive some training and exposure to what the profession might be, so that they have a better degree of understanding as to whether or not this is something they desire to be later on in life, and in that process get a greater understanding about the community itself," Fisher said.
He says although the department can provide support, the real work starts at home.
"It takes parents to be that, love your children, but be the parents," Fisher said.
He says the department supports the Second Amendment, but they want parents to be responsible firearm owners, and to pay close attention to kids.
"If you do realize that your child has a firearm that isn't the household the family firearm, that should be a concern," Fisher said.
Gun safety is one of the subjects the department will discuss with people on Thursday at their community town hall.
"Part of our discussion points that we'll have at the town hall meeting is how we as a society can work together to try to get these guns off the streets," Fisher said.
The discussion is part of a series of at least four community town halls the department hopes to hold this year. Fisher says they want to hold one on each side of town. These meetings will give the community an opportunity to share concerns and hear some of the police's strengths and weaknesses.
The City of Warner Robins sent 13WMAZ this statement:
"The City of Warner Robins regrets hearing of the unfortunate shooting incident involving juveniles within our city. We are pleased that the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and will continue to investigate the incident. This event greatly emphasizes the importance of community involvement in guiding children towards more positive and constructive activities. Our police department remains committed to ensuring the safety and well being of all residents."