Upper Darby is fighting back.
The township has been rocked by two recent homicides.
First a teen was gunned down after an altercation erupted at a party. Several men chased him as he left the house and gunned him down in the street.
A few nights later, a man was fatally shot when he was ambushed as he got into his car.
Both cases remain under investigation.
Mayor Tom Micozzie issued a township-wide alert Thursday night to reassure residents that both cases remain under investigation, and the township is ready to tackle the problem of gun violence that continues to wreak havoc on so many streets.
Micozzie has assembled a group of elected officials, community leaders and clergy members to come up with a strategy and resources to address violence in the community.
But he stressed that they need the community's help. Township Police Superintendent Mike Chitwood has expressed frustration at a lack of cooperation from witnesses who for the most part have been unwilling to come forward and tell police what they know.
"I want to be clear," Micozzie said in a statement. "Elected officials, clergy, and leaders in the community can provide direction on these issues. But this is a problem we cannot solve on our own. We need all residents to be come together and be involved in making the changes we all want to see in our communities to combat this senseless violence.
"As mayor, I am asking for the support of all township residents to come together as a community to assist in combating and curbing violence. This is not someone else’s problem. This is a problem that impacts all of us. If you see something, say something."
The mayor urged any residents with information regarding a crime - or if a resident needs assistance - to contact the township help and tip line at 610-734-7693.
Micozzie said he plans to host a community forum in early September to provide an update for residents in the battle against violence in the community.
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