WASHINGTON, Pa. — Washington City leaders calling on the owner of a local gas station to implement immediate changes to help curb crime.
Mayor Jojo Burgess and Police Chief Steve Devenney had a meeting with the owner of the Exxon gas station on Murtland Avenue.
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“We made it clear that some things have to happen to make the business safer,” said Mayor Burgess. “The city supports all of our local businesses, but public safety will always take priority over profit.”
Chief Devenney believes that the changes that have been agreed to should help eliminate the likelihood of future problems. “The owner promised and now we will expect him to execute on those promises in a timely manner,” the chief stated.
City officials are requesting the owner implement measurable changes immediately, including stop selling items known to be used as drug paraphernalia, increase lighting, secure outside porta-john, look into adding a security officer and enforcing their “no loitering” policy.
The Exxon owner tells Channel 11 he appreciates the majority of community members who come into his store. He says only a select few people continue to cause problems.
Last week, officers arrested 62-year-old Lawrence Martin. They say Martin stabbed a man in his chest and bicep.
Mayor Burgess also reminds people that the community plays a major role in solving these cases and getting criminals off the street.
“Vigilante justice or retaliatory actions will only make our community less safe and will not be tolerated. Please do not try to take the law in to your own
hands and please consider the safety of city residents, instead of personal feelings,” Burgess said.
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