Pocono News Section

Sunbury Cops Confront Gangs

Sunbury Cops Confront Gangs - Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 5:10PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Tuesday, Mar 17, 2009 @ 05:10pm EST
Sunbury, Northumberland County-

Police are seeking the public’s help after breaking up several large, gang-related fights the past few weeks.

Sunbury’s police force is being stretched to the limit. Typically, two to three cops are on duty at a time.

Those officers responded to a fight involving up to 30 people at Sixth and Race Street Saturday night. Glass still litters the street where car windows were smashed.

Detective Travis Bremigen recalled, “We got to the corner. Everybody started dispersing. And with people running in all directions, it’s hard for two officers to be able to catch up with that.”

Another altercation involving a motorcycle gang a short time later led to similar results.

Most guidelines call for a city to have two police officers for every one thousand people.

That means Sunbury should have about 20 cops. They currently have 11.

So police are asking for the public’s help.

Bremigen explained, “Get a good description of the people involved and if vehicles are involved, we’re asking to get the license plate numbers and a good description of those individuals in the vehicle.”

Chief Steve Mazzeo noted, “I have to stress that people can call anonymously. They do not have to give their names. All of that helps us.”

Many people here say they’re ready to step up and take back their neighborhoods.

Amy Rucker said, “We live here and no one’s going to take care of it except us. It’s kind of our responsibility. If they can’t be everywhere at the same time, we’ve got to look out for our own.”

Sunbury police know they are not alone. Most local departments, as well as the state police, are also undermanned.

Rucker added, “Just pay attention. Report things you’re supposed to report and if there’s crowds of people, give them a call.”

“That’s what we’re looking for. We’re looking for people to be our eyes and ears,” Mazzeo said.

The Sunbury police department is currently seeking federal and state grants to provide additional equipment and manpower.