Mayor Bibb pays tribute to fallen officer, 10-year-old drive-by victim during town hall meeting

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb began a town hall meeting at the Gunning Recreation Center Wednesday night by paying tribute to Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter , who was killed in the line of duty, and 10-year-old Gracie Griffin, who died later the same day in a drive-by shooting on the west side.

“I recognize that it’s been a challenging couple of weeks for our city,” Bibb told the audience.

The mayor then saluted the officers who patrol the streets of the city and other first responders.

“They don’t get the opportunity to hear ‘thank you’ enough from our residents, so let’s give them a big round of applause, if we can,” he said.

While crime is a major concern of Clevelanders, Mayor Bibb maintains the situation is improving.

“Already, homicides in our city are down 34% year to date, carjackings are down 28% year to date,” he said.

The mayor says the city is continuing to invest in more crime fighting technology like license plate readers and trying to attract new police officers by increasing pay and offering bonuses.

“Over 42 cadets are in our current class, and we will have two new classes this year, one in August and one in December,” he said.

During questions from taxpayers, the mayor was asked about the growing trend of street takeovers by groups of young drivers in high powered sports cars.

“I understand that the community can see it as a nuisance, hearing it and having their traffic backed up, but it also must be seen as these people need an outlet,” a young Clevelander told the mayor.

“To me, that behavior is unacceptable. That’s why I’m encouraging residents if they hear about one of these meet ups, if they see a street takeover happening in our city, please call 911,” Bibb responded.

The mayor told the audience that the city will be launching a 311 help line, where residents can ask questions and lodge complaints about city services.

“Potholes, graffiti, you name it, to ensure we’re answering your calls and giving you the ability to track your complaint like a FedEx Amazon package,” he said.

The mayor heard from a number of Clevelanders who are not happy about city services, and those who are concerned about issues affecting quality of life, including people seeking donations from drivers at highway exits.

“Whether they’re homeless or drug addicts and the response that I get is, ‘it’s not illegal, they can do that.’ I think it’s a safety hazard and it’s also trashing up the neighborhoods,” a taxpayer said.

“I don’t believe as a community and a society that we should criminalize somebody that is homeless,” Bibb said. “We need a compassionate response. However, if folks are committing crime in our city around basic quality of life violations, we are going to hold them accountable.”

He added that the city is partnering with nonprofit agencies to launch a new program to help find housing for 180 people who are homeless.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.