Cleveland killings this year could pass recent dates

CLEVELAND (AP) — Police say the number of homicides in Cleveland in 2014 is on track to surpass rates of recent years.

The Northeast Ohio Media Group reports 85 people have been killed in Cleveland so far this year. Averaging about two homicides per week, the city could see more than 100 killings by the end of the year. That would be highest count since 2009, when the city logged 120 homicides.

The southeast corner of the city has seen the biggest increase in killings since last year.

City Councilman Zack Reed, who represents that part of Cleveland, tells the media group the city should address the violence by increasing police presence and resources.

The homicide count in Cleveland was down to 72 in 2010, but rates began increasing again in 2012.