CHESTER, SC — Safety was a concern as people enjoyed the sights and sounds of a Christmas parade in Chester Friday night. The sheriff is adding manpower to fight the war on gangs, despite not getting more money from the county.
Flashing lights in downtown and more manpower on the streets, sent a message from officers: we’re here. It was reassurance for families enjoying the annual Christmas parade in downtown Chester, who are concerned about gangs taking over.
“There’s a lot more violence,” said Chester resident Meredith Price. “We just don’t have any activities. There’s not as much of a crowd and small businesses are dying.”
Sheriff Alex Underwood is getting help from 10 South Carolina probation and patrol agents to help find suspected gang members. The help comes just days after a plea from Sheriff Alex Underwood to the city council.
“Please give us the manpower to do our job before someone else gets hurt or killed,” said Sheriff Underwood to the council.
Underwood is asking for money for four new deputies and gang investigators, but the county says it doesn’t have the cash. Families say they’re willing to pay more taxes.
“We raise taxes on other things we have,” said Chester resident Dolly Copeland. “Why not for protection of people?”
“We need to do whatever we have to do to keep our community safe,” added Angel Price, also of Chester.
The increased worry comes after the murder of Chester City Councilman Odell Williams, which the sheriff says was gang-related. On Monday, he pointed to two other murder by gang members.
“How many more people have to be shot at? How many more neighborhoods have to have gun shots going off? How many people have to be killed?” he asked.
The Chief Deputy tells WCCB the heaviest patrols will be between 10pm and midnight.
