Gun-reduction program shows early successes

YOUNGSTOWN — State, county and city officials say the Violence, Gun Reduction Interdiction Program is working, and they laid out the confiscated guns to prove it.

Officers and officials associated with the V-GRIP program in Youngstown City Council chambers today laid out multiple firearms, including automatic assault weapons, sawed-off shotguns and handguns. Some of the weapons included sight scopes.

Mayor Jay Williams said the guns, drugs and other illicit items seized during the program, which went into effect July 4, shows the program’s immediate success.

Police have seized a total of 41 guns in the program to date.

Steven Dettelbach, U.S. attorney for Ohio’s Northern District, said the program is responsible for several arrests along with the confiscated guns. He listed four indictments that are a direct result of the V-GRIP program.

For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com