Tulsans Rallying To Take Back Their Streets

Recent violence has some North Tulsans vowing to take back their streets. Allyn Chatman and Ian Barnett are headed to court next week on charges of first degree murder and armed robbery. Tulsa Police say they shot and killed 22-year-old Robert Holmes earlier this week. Officers say it happened in the parking lot of a Boys and Girls Club on 31st Street North and Cincinnati.

The News On 6's Dan Bewley reports the crime and others like it have sparked outrage in the community. On Saturday, many North Tulsans rallied to stop the violence.

After four homicides and a series of drive-by shootings in just two weeks, some say enough is enough.

Dozens rallied near Apache and Cincinnati. "Taking Back Our Streets" is a community event that has been around for six years, only now, people are starting to listen.

Program leaders say they want to give people the courage to turn to police to report violence they've witnessed.

"With a voice. We're speaking it into existence.  We're making sure people know ‘hey don't be afraid to tell people what's going on in your community if you want it to stop.'  It's not snitching," said Mary Riggins.

Mayor Kathy Taylor and other city leaders are also joining the fight. They spoke out at the rally. Another event is scheduled next week at Archer and Denver at 10 a.m.