MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Orrden Williams was walking a woman to her car, because she was scared by rowdy teens in the parking lot at the BP on Poplar and Cleveland.
“I said can you please respect this lady and back up. Act like your mother’s taught you something and you have home training,” said Williams.
That’s when one teen punched him in the head, then others joined in kicking, punching and beating him.
WREG invited Williams to our studio as we invited community leaders to listen to him and you.
Many people called in fed up and ready to fight back.
Williams said he wants parents held accountable.
“Why not get involved? Why wait until News Channel 3 puts your child picture on the news so everybody can call you and tell you how much of a disappointment he is,” said Williams.
That was the consensus of the night.
People kept saying parents are key you have to be the parent you can’t be the friend.
Some parents who called in said not so fast.
“I talked to a lady who has issues with a 17-year old, he’ll be 18 in November but he’s totally disrespecting her,” said Frank Garrent with Memphis Police.
She was at wits end too.
The mayor said there are programs to help parents but the real problem lies not with police but the courts.
“If you check our apprehension rates against most cities, we have one of the highest rates. The problem is not catching them but once they are caught what happens,” said Mayor A C Wharton.
