DeKalb County commissioner wants crime to stop at gas stations Gas stations in DeKalb County have turned deadly after numerous shootings have left neighbors injured or killed.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – The legal system doesn’t appear to be a deterrent to crime, something DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson says needs to change.
Cochran-Johnson told Channel 2’s Justin Carter this is something that keeps her awake at night – shootings and murders plaguing gas stations and convenience stores in DeKalb.
In February, a man was shot at a gas station on Redan and Panola.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
In March, a young father was shot and killed, caught in the crossfire of a shootout on Covington Highway.
Last week, a clerk was shot in the face at a gas station on Candler Road.
“What is going on?” Carter asked Cochran-Johnson.
“Let me say, you can’t legislate morality and decency,” she said.
TRENDING STORIES:
So what can be done? Cochran-Johnson said authorities will make criminals aware.
On Saturday, hundreds of people took a stand in a rally on Hairston Road, holding signs and demanding that the violence stop.
Lance Hammonds, chairman of the Rockbridge Coalition, was on hand and said they spearheaded a new program to get local businesses on the same page.
“Basically, it’s a program to ask the businesses to work with us. We ask them to put up the proper signage, the lighting … inside and outside the property. The cameras, the ‘no loitering’ signs, ”he said.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
So far, 15 businesses are on board.
“We’ll provide them with a sticker to let us know that they are a community certified business and that lets the community know that this business is with us … and we’re gonna support them wholeheartedly,” he said.
John Hammond works security at gas stations throughout the metro and says he carries two guns and wears a bulletproof vest everyday.
“We are in a new day and time. We don’t have that luxury to be that relaxed at the gas pump,” Hammond said. “What I would suggest is to be conscious of your environment at all times. Pump your gas, stay off the phone. ”
IN OTHER NEWS:
© 2022 Cox Media Group