Columbus anti-violence plan to pay $1,000 for tips

COLUMBUS (AP) — The mayor has announced a plan to pay $1,000 for tips that lead to arrests and confiscation of guns used in crimes.

Mayor Michael Coleman says the Gun Stoppers program is one of several efforts to reduce crime in the city following a higher than normal homicide rate.

Ohio’s largest city has recorded 77 slayings this year compared to 55 this time a year ago and 66 this time two years ago.

Coleman says almost all the killings involved guns. He says the tips program is starting with about $25,000 but more money will be found to continue beyond that.

The city is also using federal funds to expand a program putting more officers on the streets, including truancy patrols to help cut down on daytime burglaries.