Springfield mayor speaks out about recent violence in city - WFSB 3 Connecticut

Springfield mayor speaks out about recent violence in city

Police are investigating their fourth shooting in the city since Thursday.

While none of the shootings have been fatal, Mayor Domenic Sarno is none too happy about the recent incidents.

Just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, police responded to a shot-spotter activation near the Golden Nozzle car wash on Main Street.

When they arrived, police told CBS 3 that they found a man who was shot three times, once in the chest, once in the torso, and once in the arm.

They also said the man was suffering from stab wounds in his upper back, however police said he is not cooperating with the investigation.

That news had the mayor fired up.

"Arrests are being made but some of the victims are uncooperative," Sarno exclaimed. "They don't want to talk. They know what happened. I say to each and every one of them out there, it could have been another member of your family. A loved one or close friend on there."

Recently, the state legislature approved $100,000 in new money to continue efforts to fight crime in the city with the state police.

Sarno wants to see that money put to use right away, involving specific initiatives in the city.

"I need them to supplement the initiatives we have going on in lower Forest Park, the BADGE Unit," said Sarno. "We have a Mason Square initiative that we're working and I want them in the Mason Square area. And also, with our downtown public safety initiative, I want them in the club quarter area, especially during closing hours."

The mayor also said he has instructed the licensing commission to have certain clubs appear in front of the board, especially ones who have had recent issues with the law.

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