McCarthy Points To Significant Drop In Gang Shootings

CHICAGO (CBS) — Chicago Police Superintendent outlined a significant drop in key stats on Wednesday and as Brad Edwards reports, they used one face as a shining example of what’s right.

“For the last six quarters, we have had a significant reduction in the murder rate, also with a significant reduction in the shooting rate,” said McCarthy.

Through March 13 2014, gang shootings are down 45 compared to year prior and a 60 percent drop from two years ago. The Chicago Police Department is two years into a strategy of gang audits and warning future potential victims.

Has the deep freeze aided that drop, especially this season?

“Well. It hasn’t been winter for the last year and a half,” said McCarthy. “It has been a very steady progression.”

Amongst a storm of numbers and titles, there was one name: Andrew Holmes.

To have the safety you need in a neighborhood, you gotta to live by a moral code, not a code of silence and I’m gonna highlight Andrew Holmes because he stepped forward and said I have a moral code, I have a moral responsibility,” said Mayor Emanuel.

McCarthy says guns are still the city’s top scourge, with 1000 guns seized already this year.