Yakima city leaders look for solution after 6th homicide this year

The deadly drive-by shooting in Yakima marks the 6th homicide this year and city leaders say something needs to be done.

Mayor Kathy Coffey said in a press conference Tuesday the council will look at what resources can be given to the police department to combat gang-violence.

"Put forward the initiative as far as emphasis patrol, and it was very effective at the time. It's not a long term, but it can be used very effectively to calm the waters," says Coffey.

Yakima's Police Chief Dominic Rizzi says they have two teams on the gang-task force and have been working with other law enforcement agencies to try and prevent the violence. He adds suspects with violent tendencies are very few, but have been hard to identify without the communities help. Chief Rizzi went on to implore those who know who is responsible or see a crime occur to come forward.

The city manager says currently 43% of the budget goes to the police department and court system, added with EMS, fire and public safety, the budget for public safety reaches 63%.