New Bern police chief points to social conditions that drive youth to gangs, violence

NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) - Flanked by the sheriff and district attorney, New Bern’s police chief addressed recent violence in the city he attributes to gang culture.

Chief Patrick Gallagher pledged that they would stop the violence and detailed efforts already underway to try to keep the community safe.

“Despite these efforts, the social conditions that give rise to gang culture and fuel criminality, particularly gang violence, remain deeply entrenched,“ said Gallagher. ”Poverty, lack of opportunity, fractured families, and neglect continue to create environments where young people are attracted to gang life, often characterized by violence and intimidation as a means of perceived belonging.”

Police have investigated five shootings across the city since March 15th, with four of the shootings happening in a week beginning last Wednesday.

Gallagher said residents will see an increased presence in neighborhoods as police and deputies from the sheriff’s office work together to curb the violence.

“We are going to make these neighborhoods safe. We are going to take them back and my message to these criminals and gangbangers this is not the place to do it,” said Sheriff Chip Hughes. “Don’t bring it here. You need to stop it immediately. The killing of these young children is unacceptable, and we’re sick and tired of it.”

Last night, police say the U.S. Marshals Service found and arrested Nasir Robbins and Taquandre Cherry, who were wanted in last Friday night’s murder of 23-year-old Silas Wallace on Hillmont Road.

Gallagher says they also made an arrest this morning in the March 26th shooting of a teenager on 3rd Avenue. Sai’llen Hatter is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

Even though it was billed as a press conference, the chief said no one was allowed to ask them questions. “We are very guarded by the need to ensure that any statement made by law enforcement does not compromise our ongoing criminal investigations and future prosecutions,” said Gallagher.

Police encourage anyone with information related to these shootings to call the New Bern Police Department at 252-633-2020 or Crime Stoppers at 252-633-5141.