Toledo police create gun task force that will stop "those who look suspicious"

Toledo's Fox News affiliate is reporting that anti-gun Police Chief Michael Navarre is desperately looking for ways to control crimes committed with guns in the city.

From the report:

In the wake of at least six shootings and eight people shot over the weekend in the Glass City, Toledo Police Chief Michael Navarre has come up with a new way to stop the violence in the city and put some extra cash in your pocket.

Chief Navarre wants to make Toledo's streets safer by getting ride of illegal weapons.

For the first time in the department's history, it is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone with the information to make that happen that leads to an arrest and conviction of a person in the Glass City who illegally possess a firearm.

"This might be the first time we've ever done that here in the city of Toledo," he said.

But the chief says it's a necessity. In a seven-hour span late Saturday and early Sunday, police officers responded to at least six shootings.

..."Most of these incidents involve people illegally possessing weapons," he said.

...With 75 percent of officers already patrolling the streets, Chief Navarre is planning to add more during the summer months.

"We are bringing in extra officers," he said. "We will be paying them overtime. It will be predominately during the nighttime hours. This is absolutely necessary in order to get a handle on what has happened in the last weeks.

With the new task force, those officers will make several traffic stops, and stop those who are traveling in groups or look suspicious, the police chief said.

This idea might upset some residents, but Chief Navarre said on Monday it has to be done.

FLASHBACK 2009:
25-year police veteran to Toledo residents: "Buy guns. Invest in precious metals: lead, gun power and brass."

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