Meridian City Council speaks out after recent shooting of elderly couple

MERIDIAN, Mississippi (WTOK) – City Councilman Davis spoke out Sunday about the recent shooting of the elderly couple in the 1600 block of 37th Avenue.

As children return to school and summer vacation comes to an end, crime in the city has also increased slightly. From home and car break-ins to late-night shootings, Meridian residents are questioning their safety in the Queen City.

Innocent 73-year-old John Davis died in the shooting on Wednesday evening; his wife is in critical condition.

Councilman Davis talks about why the citizens of the City of Meridian can feel safe.

“Here in Meridian, they can feel safe. One thing you should know: Everyone should know that our Meridian Police Department and our Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are doing their best here in the county and in the city to keep our city safe. I also have to say that we need to pray for our Meridian Police Department and our Meridian Sheriff's Department because they put their lives on the line when they go out and protect the citizens here in Meridian and Lauderdale County,” said Dewayne Davis, City Councilor for District 2.

Councilman Davis also talks about what the city has done to keep you safe.

“Meridian is in a time where we weren't used to having as much crime as we do now, but we've taken steps to stop crime. We're going to build a real-time crime center with real-time crime cameras so the police can see what's going on before they arrive. So in Meridian, you're not just going to have shootings or violent crimes, you're going to have people stealing and you're going to have people damaging other people's property. So crime is a problem and it's a big one for me. At the top of the list is what we need to take care of. At the same time, we can move forward and be a city,” Davis says.

Councilman Davis would like to extend his thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family during this difficult time.

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