Lorain Council Passes Urgent Ordinance Holding Parents Accountable

UPDATE: Parents in Lorain face potential legal consequences for their children’s crimes after the Lorain City Council unanimously passed a groundbreaking ordinance this week. Under this new legislation, guardians can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor if they “assist, abet, allow, permit, or encourage” their children’s criminal activities through negligence or inadequate supervision.

This urgent measure comes amid rising concerns over juvenile crime in the city, particularly following a recent spike in violent incidents. The council’s decision aims to hold parents accountable, with council member Angel Arroyo Jr. stating, “We’re going to start holding our parents accountable for the children that are continually out there walking the streets, getting into trouble.”

The ordinance was prompted by alarming incidents such as a break-in at B & D Shooting Range where two 16-year-olds crashed a stolen car into the facility and stole at least 16 handguns. Surveillance footage of this incident, presented during a council meeting, shocked community members and highlighted the urgency for stricter measures.

“It’s about time we take a firm stand,” said Robert Debany, the owner of the shooting range, who emphasized the need for tougher consequences for juvenile offenders. He believes that parental accountability could lead to better supervision and reduced crime rates.

In addition to the parental responsibility ordinance, the council also raised the penalty for weapons offenses from a minor misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. This decision aligns with a broader strategy to combat violent crime in the area, including the consideration of an earlier curfew for minors.

The push for accountability comes on the heels of a tragic incident where 18-year-old Isaac Brocco-Rivera was fatally shot at Lakeview Park during homecoming weekend. Arroyo noted that this tragedy weighed heavily on the council as they voted on the new ordinance. “It’s time that the city stands up and that we stand together and say, ‘Enough is enough,’” he said.

While some community members, like Kyriece Brooks from Lorain Stop the Violence, expressed concerns about the potential financial burden on families and its impact on stability, many, including Debany, view the ordinance as a necessary step towards restoring safety in Lorain.

Police reported over 50 arrests involving individuals aged 18 or younger with firearms since the beginning of 2023. These statistics underscore the pressing need for community action and legislative reform.

As Lorain embarks on this new approach, the focus remains on creating a safer environment for all residents. The city council plans to further explore additional safety measures in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and its impact on the community.