We are saddened by the tragedy of a young man being killed in a shooting within our city of Williamsport boundaries.
This week's shooting, for which arrest warrants have been issued regarding a teenager and a 23-year-old, serve as a reminder of the violence and danger that exists in some of our city's neighborhoods.
Just as disturbing is the lack of cooperation from people, young and old, who could be helping police solve these crimes or prevent future tragedies from happening.
Mayor Gabriel J. Campana spoke of his frustration after speaking with a teenager who is a former student of his. The teen told him he had been instructed by his family not to talk.
We understand the reluctance to talk with police. In some neighborhoods, talking with police comes with a perception of personal peril.
But the mayor is correct when he says there is a greater danger of future tragedies if people don't talk with police.
The dangers of violence and tragedy already exist in some of the city's trouble spots, so talking with police is the only rational way to fight the problem. Perpetrators of violence count on a general public that is hesitant to be the eyes and ears of police. They thrive on intimidation.
An informed police who can solve crimes quickly and bring offenders to justice is the best way to fight that intimidation. Heavy jail time is the only language that violent offenders understand.
We bristle at the idea of anyone being shot on our playgrounds. We all have to speak up and work with police to put an end to such atrocities.
