Othello holds gang meeting tonight

Open to the public

OTHELLO — A forum addressing gang violence in the community is being  held at McFarland Middle School in Othello at 6 p.m., Thursday. The middle school is located at 790 S. 10th Ave.

The meeting is being held after a recent Othello City Council meeting  where several community members explained their concern about gang  violence in the community. At the meeting a potential ordinance addressing gangs was discussed.

The concern came after the shooting death of 17-year-old Julio V.  Cervantes. The teen was gunned down while standing in an alleyway.

Police determined the shooting was gang-related.

During the meeting a panel consisting of Othello police Chief Steve Dunnagan, Adams County Sheriff Doug Barger and representatives from the Adams County Prosecutor’s Office, Adams County Board of Commissioners and Adams County Juvenile Services.

The public is invited to attend. During the forum, the panel will discuss gang violence and possible  solutions, and answer questions from the audience.

— Staff report