Arizona tribes launched a temporary curfew for members under the age of 18 on Tuesday due to the recent rise in violent crimes within their communities.
Stephen Law Lewis, governor of the Gira River Indian Community, south of Phoenix, declared a public safety emergency and launched a curfew for nearly two weeks.
“I will always take action whenever necessary to protect young people in my community. I encourage all community members to report any suspicious or criminal activity to the Gira River Police Station,” Lewis said. He said in a statement posted on Instagram.
According to a Facebook post from Gira River Police Station, the announcement came on the same day that the shooting occurred within the community.
Police said in January, officers responded to at least four missing people reports, 65 attacks and 17 drug-related lawsuits.
The extent of the increase in violent crime was unknown, as if one particular incident led to a tribal decision.
The police department and the tribe declined to comment.
According to the announcement, people who do not comply with curfews could face civil or criminal penalties.
That includes adults who violate curfew for minors.
The curfew exception could be made for emergencies, workplaces, schools or instances involving young people with parents or guardians, the tribe said.
The tribe temporarily banned dancing after a tribal police officer was fatally shot and killed last year.
