Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

The smoke from New Year's Eve fireworks has barely dissipated as people celebrated the incoming year 2021, has now been replaced by a shooting that had tragic consequences. Two local women were shot in the 300 block Jason Drive Monday January 4 that left one dead and the other with serious injuries. One of the women, Samarius Colquitt died from her wounds and the other unidentified(as of press time), was airlifted to a regional hospital according to media reports. The shooting was allegedly called an drive-by shooting, but law enforcement authorities has not confirmed that as a fact. The incident is under investigation by police and they are asking for any information that could help them in making a speedy apprehension of the assailant(s). The shooting came just days after Mayor Friday Ellis announced what he characterized as "big plans" for Monroe, with emphasis placed on the police department. A local report reveals that there is a slight increase in murders committed in the city compared to years' past. Ellis and Police Chief "Vic" Zordan both are aware of citizen's concerns, as Zordan said that one of his goals is to have more officers in the streets. Zordan said that he wants the force to be proactive instead of being reactive. With additional officers in the streets, Zordan said "that when there is a call, that takes away resources from other areas of the city because of a high officer demand. The city, according to Zordan is in the process of hiring 16 officers with a goal of having 135 officers to protect the city." The shooting on Jason Drive so early in the new year is a major concern for city residents, as Mayor Ellis is sure to be on the hot seat to come up with solutions sooner rather than later. Anyone that has information concerning the Jason Drive is urged to call Monroe Police at 318-329-2600 or Crime Stoppers of North Delta at 318-388-CASH (2274). All information is confidential.