Warren officials seek method to fight crime

Warren officials seek method to fight crime

WARREN — Two city lawmakers want a zero-tolerance program instituted to combat crime in the city, although the money to fund it isn’t available.

Councilmen Alford Novak, D-2nd, and Robert Dean Jr., D-at large, called on the city administration to institute an effort similar to that used this summer in Youngstown in a move to reduce violent crime.

Meanwhile, Mayor Michael J. O’Brien said a fourth shift will be added to the police department after the first of the year to fight crime.

The councilmen’s comments were made today after the city recorded its 11th homicide Wednesday night with the shooting death of Phyllis Putnam, 46, at her home at 164 Iddings Ave. on the Southeast Side.

Detective Jeffrey Cole said two men invaded the house about 9:45 p.m. Putnam’s two adult children were also home at the time.

Shots were fired, and Putnam was found dead on the kitchen floor. The two men who rushed into the house fled.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.