CINCINNATI, OHIO – Police have recently released video footage showing a violent attack in downtown Cincinnati, which occurred after a separate group had jumped a man just one block away the day before. Lt. Jonathan Cunningham revealed that a 15-year-old had been injured in this latest incident, and Ken Kober, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, stated that the police suspect the same group of teens are responsible for both attacks.
In response to the surge in violent crime incidents involving juveniles in Cincinnati, Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge took to Facebook to express her concern, stating that the video of the attack should be disturbing to all residents. “There is no reasonable explanation for anyone to inflict harm upon another in our communities,” she wrote. It was reported that on January 23, a man was attacked and robbed on 6th Street by a group of eight people, including teens, and two individuals were subsequently arrested in connection to the attack.
Amidst the increase in violence, Rodney Christian, president of the East Westwood Community Council, lamented that it seems like children are leading a lifestyle of violence. Christian runs an after-school program at a local church and has launched a new initiative aimed at curbing violence named “Peace of Hope Lifestyle,” which he hopes will instill a culture of peace and hope in the community, where violence is absent.
Joining in the effort to combat teen violence, Dorron Hunter, founder and CEO of Future Ambassadors, emphasized the importance of providing alternatives and support to young people. He stated, “We gotta get them to understand that there’s a better way of solving problems other than fighting, and shooting, and killing.” Hunter also highlighted the significance of addressing the root causes of teen violence, including the lack of essentials like food and the need for parents to play a more active role in their children’s lives.
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval has also taken action by announcing that 10 additional police officers will patrol downtown during peak after-school hours in response to the uptick in violence. The mayor stressed the need for a multi-jurisdictional approach involving schools, courts, and community advocates. Both Hunter and Mayor Pureval emphasized the necessity of engaging with teenagers, providing them with guidance and support, and steering them away from violence.
As the community strives to address the issues of teen violence, officials are asking for the public’s help in identifying any of the suspects involved in the attack. The collaboration between law enforcement, community leaders, and residents signifies a collective effort to combat the pressing issue of violent crime amongst juveniles in Cincinnati.