Law enforcement officials in Hattiesburg have announced a youth curfew in response to an outbreak of shootings over Independence Day weekend.
A string of “incredibly reckless and dangerous decisions,” as described by Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker in an impassioned social media post, has prompted authorities to crack down on violence. In the meantime, from Sunday through Thursday, those 18 and older cannot be out unsupervised from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the enforcement period begins at midnight.
“Acts of violence will not be tolerated. Those who choose to engage in violent behavior will face serious consequences, including arrest,” Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims said. “Our officers are committed to keeping our community safe, and we will take all necessary measures to prevent violence from becoming a norm among our youth.”
Sims said the police department will strictly enforce the curfew. A first-time offense will result in a juvenile being housed at the Hattiesburg Police Department until picked up by a parent or guardian. Repeat offenses could yield charges filed against the perpetrator in youth court. Any minor found in possession of a gun will serve 30 days in juvenile detention.
The penalties also extend to parents. A parent believed to be allowing his or her underage child to violate the curfew could face criminal charges.
Law enforcement officials from Petal, Lamar County, and Forrest County joined Sims at Wednesday’s press conference regarding the curfew. A unified front, the law enforcement leaders have vowed to work jointly to curb violence in the region.
“We have shared values. We have faith, our family, and hardworking Southern hospitality. That’s what we’re about here,” Forrest County Sheriff Charlie Sims said. “Unfortunately, in recent weeks, we’ve had a threat to those values. People have chosen to increase their activity in violent behavior, and that’s just not what our community is about.”
Hours after officials launched the curfew, police announced the arrests of a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old reportedly connected to a shooting at a Hardy Street business on Monday night. Both suspects have since been transported to the Forrest County Detention Center.