Group works to stop violence in Charleston

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Concerned residents and groups are joining forces to thwart violence in Charleston.

"Nobody in this town should fear being shot," Charleston Department of Public Safety chief Robert Hearnes said. "If you commit a crime with a gun or try to tamper or intimidate a witness, you can expect an aggressive enforcement of the law and prosecution from all the law-enforcement agencies in this county."

On Oct. 29, a group consisting of clergy, law enforcement, concerned residents and non-government organizations in Mississippi County, Missouri, came together to show unified opposition to recent violence in the community.

"This group met at the (Mississippi County) Courthouse and urged the residents to come together for the common good and make the community a safe, drug-free place to live," Hearnes said. "The groups asked for the public's support and cooperation with the law enforcement and judicial system so that the criminals committing these violent acts will no longer operate with impunity."

One major problem law enforcement has faced is people unwilling to testify in cases, with fear being a major factor, said Arthur Cassell, president of the Charleston chapter of the NAACP.

"It's difficult for law enforcement to get the testimonies," he said.

Pertinent address:

Charleston, Mo.