MEMPHIS, Tenn. — We now know three juveniles were charged after the violent attack in Midtown Friday night, but unlike the days after the Kroger parking lot attack, Memphis’ police director and mayor aren’t saying much.
Sharon Mourning was one of the victims in this weekend’s violent mob attack near South Bellevue and Peabody.
She told WREG, “Memphis is going to burn if they do not control these children.”
Mourning says the kids were crowded in the middle of the street and attacked her car.
Early Monday morning, WREG sent requests to talk with Police Director Toney Armstrong and Mayor A C Wharton.
People at city hall say the mayor is still out of town but want you to know, “The spike in violence in our city is attributable to a small, but destructive minority. The City is doing its part to provide alternatives for teenagers.”
Wharton’s office then said police are working with schools to stop similar problems from happening.
Police pointed the finger at parents.
In a prepared statement Armstrong said, “Parental supervision is crucial to reducing delinquent behavior; we have got to get our parents more involved with what is going on in the lives of our children.”
Armstrong also said he’d ask the sheriff’s office for help. County Mayor Mark Luttrell says the problem of youth violence is focused in Memphis.
“We are noticing our offender population is getting younger and younger. Our juvenile justice system issues are greater and greater,” he said.
He says the responsibility falls on more than just parents and police. He wants to see social services step in, as well as the students who are going to school and staying out of trouble, to serve as mentors and motivators.
