SCRANTON, Pa. — State and local leaders gathered in Scranton on Monday to talk about how to combat gang and gun violence in the area.
This discussion comes after Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin was shot while investigating shots fired incidents in the city in January.
Just a few weeks after that, a 16-year-old was stopped carrying a rifle just outside of Scranton High School.
Both of those incidents are being called gang-related.
Now, the Lackawanna County District Attorney, state police, and drug task force officials are working on fighting what they're calling a growing problem.
"What we're doing is obviously trying to come by before it grows. Unfortunately, right now there is a systemic problem. We need to get a hold of it and find out how we can reverse it so we can protect our children and our community to keep it safer for everyone," said Scranton School Board President Ty Holmes.
Officials say it's important for the community to be aware of gang violence because they are recruiting younger members.