Lawrence police using new tactics to fight increased gun violence

LAWRENCE, Mass. — City leaders in Lawrence held an emergency meeting Monday after a weekend of violence.

A Lowell man was shot and killed Saturday near Burger King on Broadway. Sunday, a 40-year-old woman was killed and other person injured when an argument inside the La Cava bar spilled into the parking lot and shots were fired.

Police haven’t made arrests in either shooting.

"What we've been able to accomplish today repurposing some of those elements some of those resources with new tactics,” Police Chief James Fitzpatrick said. “We're looking at identifying people in the gang/drug trade and going after these people aggressively.”

Fitzpatrick said his department has responded to 10 incidents involving gun shots this month alone.

As a result of the increasing violence, the city said it wants to hire 12 additional police officers.

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera took to Facebook and posted a lengthy statement about how the city is being proactive and what people can do to help.

He went on to say that the violence stems from:

• The heroin and opioid epidemic
• Out-of-towners who visit Lawrence's night clubs
• Illegal weapons
• Domestic violence

Rivera said, "it's so easy to obtain a gun illegally in the area as it is to buy a cell phone."

Residents tell FOX25 they're afraid to even step outside once it gets dark.

“I’m a citizen, I live in this city and should be able to freely move about without the fear of getting hurt,” Arlene Garcia said.

Fitzpatrick said the plan is to hire a dozen new officers. He says in his 24 years of service he's never seen so much violence.

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