Dayton youth implore community to end gun violence, promote peace
DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — On Thursday, a group of community members marched for peace and an end to gun violence in the city.
This evening, marchers will also honor the lives lost to gun violence with a vigil.
The march began with a meeting at Grace United Methodist Church with leaders discussing gun violence prevention and safety. Protesters then walked from here to the corner of Superior Avenue and Broadway Street this afternoon to share a message of unity.
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According to the Dayton Police Department, there have been 70 juveniles arrested with firearms so far this year. This compares to 94 arrested last year overall.
DPD also reports eight murder or homicide incidents where the victim was a minor so far this year. That is more than the last two years combined. This year has also seen an increase in aggravated assaults compared to last year.
Vice President of the Omega Community Development Organization Rachel Ward says youth in the Hope Zone want peace.
"They want to see peace. They want to be a part of creating opportunities for safe spaces. And so this is an opportunity for us as a community to support them, to stand with them, and to demonstrate that we want peace for and with our children here in the Hope Zone," said Ward.
