CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston residents, law enforcement and public officials came together at multiple events held Tuesday night throughout the Capital City to discuss crime in the community and how communities can engage with police officers to protect residents.
This was part of National Night Out, an annual nationwide event that focuses on police-community relationships. Thirteen events were held in Charleston, some of which included free haircuts and cookouts at certain locations.
At Lee Terrace on Charleston’s East End, more than 40 people gathered at the Lee Terrace apartments to discuss not only the city’s recent crime trend, but also the use of drugs. Charleston police officers and firefighters were on hand to talk to attendees, and two gospel groups provided musical entertainment.
West Virginia Delegate Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, said he sees National Night Out’s benefits not as a lawmaker, but as a Charleston resident.
“It’s something that brings communities together,” he said. “Anything that brings neighbors out and seeing their neighbors, that makes communities safer.”
Pushkin said how recent crimes in the city have been troubling, including an attack last week near his home on the city’s West Side involving a man setting a sleeping woman on fire. The suspect, Carl Magee, of California, faces murder and arson charges in connection to the death of Rachelle Jarrett, of Charleston.
He noted when it comes to the relationship with the community, the Charleston Police Department has done a tremendous job in reaching out to the public.
“I’m not just saying that because I live here,” Pushkin said.
Pushkin said crime in the city is connected directly to the increased use of drugs such as opioids. He added if drug addiction should be better addressed first in order to make Charleston safer.
“We can’t arrest our way out of this problem and everybody knows that,” Pushkin said. “It’s a public health issue. We’ve got to get more access to treatment, we’ve got to get more people to treatment centers and make sure when that window of opportunity opens when someone needs help, we’ve got to make sure they are able to get that help.”
Charleston police officers at the Lee Terrace gathering handed out gym bags, plastic cups and pamphlets on how to get in contact with emergency officials.