Montgomery plans "aggressive' approach to gun violence - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Montgomery plans "aggressive' approach to gun violence

Posted: Updated:
  • NEWS

  • Friday, May 17 2013 10:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:12:11 GMT
    Shana Young has lived in Columbus for quite some time she remembers when uptown used to be downtown and it wasn't the heavily populated place it is today. She believes a lot of that is because of Columbus
    Shana Young has lived in Columbus for quite some time she remembers when uptown used to be downtown and it wasn't the heavily populated place it is today. She believes a lot of that is because of Columbus
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 10:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:52:09 GMT
    WTVM's Give 9 Campaign rolled on Saturday despite a few drops of rain moving the Animal Ark Rescue event indoors. Members of the News Leader 9 family including Anchor Barbara Gauthier and Jason Dennis
    WTVM's Give 9 Campaign rolled on Saturday despite a few drops of rain moving the Animal Ark Rescue event indoors. Members of the News Leader 9 family including Anchor Barbara Gauthier and Jason Dennis
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 6:29 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:29:33 GMT
    Four vehicles burned overnight in Columbus' Historic District. The car owners live within a block of each other. The victims say they don't have any idea why they were targeted. Find out how the suspects
    Four vehicles burned overnight in Columbus' Historic District. The car owners live within a block of each other. 
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

Montgomery city leaders are planning what they consider an 'aggressive' approach to combat gun violence. This comes on the heels of 5 murders in the last 10 days in Montgomery. 

It comes down to this. "We've got to get back to the sanctity of life," said Mayor Strange at a news conference in Montgomery City Hall.

Now the practical part. 

Police wouldn't talk about details in terms of strategy but authorities have already doubled the size of the Directed Area Response Team or DART for short.  

So far the surgical strikes in the community have taken 38 illegal weapons off the streets. WSFA 12 News has learned most of the weapons were handguns. The weapons will eventually be destroyed. 

The other tool in combating gun violence relies largely on the public. City leaders are practically begging residents to call police if they know of someone who has an illegal weapon. 

Montgomery Area Crimestoppers is offering $300.00 to anyone who turns in an ex-felon with an illegal gun, the tip must lead to an arrest before the money can be collected.

Copyright 2013 WSFA 12 News.  All rights reserved.