Jay Williams: Cops in zero-tolerance mode to reduce crime

YOUNGSTOWN — After a quadruple murder that Mayor Jay Williams described as “shocking even by Youngstown standards,” he said the police department is going into “zero-tolerance” mode.

“Every available officer will be in every available cruiser with specific instructions,” he said.

That means effective immediately, police will pull over vehicles for infractions such as failing to have rear bolts on license plates or littering for at least the next 30 days, Williams said. The plan is for zero tolerance to reduce crime and put criminals on notice that they won’t be able to get away with anything in Youngstown, he said.

After those 30 days, the zero-tolerance policy will be reviewed, he said.

“This is a punch in the gut to fight back,” Williams said about the four homicides in the second-floor bathroom of 548 W. Evergreen Ave. on the city’s South Side, reported to police at 10:24 p.m. Monday.

Three of the four victims had criminal records. Police said an ongoing feud may be the motive for the murders.

“It’s virtually impossible to protect people who commit crimes,” Williams said.