Marianna, AR issues state of emergency, curfew over violence
MARIANNA, Ark. — The city of Marianna, Ark. has declared a state of emergency and a curfew due to increased gun violence.
The City Council of Marianna declared a state of emergency for 52 hours.
It begins at 8:00 p.m. Friday night and will conclude on Sunday, March 31 at midnight.
The City Council of Marianna say that the decision was not made lightly, but is essential to the safety and security of all 3,000-plus residents of Marianna.
They also said that the rise in gun related incidents poses an immediate threat to the welfare of the community and this measure is necessary to address the crisis immediately.
“This is about protecting the community and I think it’s a good thing,” Lee County resident Anita Walker said.
While this curfew could conflict with some residents’ holiday plans, one person said it is worth it if it means it keeps people safe.
“Anytime a holiday is here, a lot more people are out” they said. “So the more people are out, the more likely the gun violence or whatever type of violence – fights or whatever will break out.
This move comes a few weeks after a two-year-old boy was shot in the head while playing near an apartment complex.
During the state of emergency, the following measures will be in effect:
Curfew: A mandatory curfew for all non-essential personnel will be enforced from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Public Gatherings: All public gatherings, including outdoor events, are suspended during this period to ensure public safety.
Increased Law Enforcement: Residents will notice an increased presence of law and emergency personnel.
WREG talked to Police Chief, Rodney Perry, who said he will give police the authority to pull people over who are out past the curfew to try and determine who the troublemakers are.
The City Council has also released the following instructions for residents:
Please stay indoors during curfew hours unless necessary.
Report any suspicious activities or emergencies to the police department at (870) 295-2508.
Stay informed through the Marianna Police Department Facebook Page.
“It’s like the feather that broke the camels back,” Perry said. “You try to do other things and other things don’t work, so you try something else. And this is something that I think we’ve seen work in the city of Helena-West Helena, where I used to live. So I know this is one thing that will keep people inside where they can’t go out to commit these types of crimes.”
Chief Perry added that the city will continue to take action like this until the problem is solved.
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