WARREN, Ark. — Around 50 people gathered at Warren City Park Saturday evening for a “We Choose Peace” rally calling for peace, unity and community involvement following two recent homicides in Warren.
The rally, held at 6:30 p.m., was organized by Warren City Council member Latanza Atkins as community leaders, law enforcement officials and residents came together to encourage cooperation and a renewed commitment to reducing violence in the city.
Kilay Cox opened the gathering with an invocation.
Warren Mayor Gregg Reep thanked those in attendance and encouraged residents to work together to promote peace throughout the community.
Council member and Warren School Board member Joel Tolefree also spoke. He emphasized the role families can play in shaping the community. He urged residents to remember that peace begins at home with parents teaching and guiding their children.
Pastor Vernon Colvin and his wife also spoke about the Treehouse program available to young people through the Warren YMCA at no charge. The program was highlighted as one resource available to local youth.
Warren Police Chief Shaun Hildreth was among those in attendance.
The rally comes following the deaths of two Warren men in separate shootings in August.
According to the Arkansas State Police, Warren Police officers responded to the 900 block of Halligan Street at approximately 12:45 a.m. Aug. 5 after receiving a 911 call reporting a man lying on the ground outside an apartment. Officers found 53-year-old Billy Wayne Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bradley County coroner.
A second homicide occurred shortly after 3 a.m. Aug. 30 when Warren Police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 900 block of Abernathy Street. Officers found 35-year-old Ty Calbert suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, Calbert was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Warren Police Department requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division in investigating both deaths. Investigators have said they do not believe the two homicides are connected.
Both investigations remain ongoing.
The City of Warren and Warren Police Department are offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Anyone with information about either homicide is urged to contact Warren Police or Arkansas State Police CID Company B through Troop F dispatch at **(870) 226-3713**. Information may be provided anonymously.
