Columbia police chief, mayor to talk about gangs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Columbia’s mayor and police chief are gathering community and church leaders to discuss how the city can stop gangs.

Interim Columbia Police Chief Ruben Santiago and Mayor Steve Benjamin will announce their efforts to stop gang crime and violence Monday morning at St. Anna’s Park.

Columbia and surrounding Richland County has seen several high-profile gang crimes this summer. A bakery worker was killed by gang members, a man was killed at an apartment complex during a gang fight and a 4-year-old girl was critically injured when she was hit by a stray bullet fired during a shootout between gang members.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says a crackdown on gangs is needed immediately before there is more violence.