As Gun Violence Surges In Philly, Police and DA Are Losing the Arrest Battle

Philly police make arrests in 1 of every 4 shootings. And once the cases go to the District Attorney, about half are withdrawn or dismissed. A group of "Violence Interrupters" is trying to lend investigators a hand.

As protesters clashed with police in West Philadelphia on May 31, Manance Cisse begged her 18-year-old son to not go out that night.

The family, who immigrated from the Ivory Coast, lived just a few blocks from the chaos: Looters were ravaging stores in the business corridor, and police were tear-gassing and shooting plastic pellets at protestors. 

“I was scared,” she said. “I said, ‘Don’t go outside today.’ And he said, ‘Okay, Mommy, I don’t go outside today. I’m going to stay home today.’” Read More