ATLANTA — A mother joined Buckhead city movement leaders to call for a ban on “water boys” -- children selling water bottles to drivers on the street. She said it cost her son’s life.
Tomeka Pless sat down with Channel 2 Action News on Wednesday to talk about how her son’s life was cut short.
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“He offered the young man half of the $10. But instead of him taking five, he took my baby’s life,” Pless said.
Pless said she’s now on a mission to make sure no other child is killed over selling water bottles.
“No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child to this kind of preventable violence in Atlanta, Buckhead City or anywhere,” said Buckhead City Committee’s CEO Bill White. “Once lawfully created, Buckhead City will ban water boys and prosecute those who break the rules. In the meantime, we’re proud to support Tomeka’s efforts and ask everyone who lives, works or visits inside Buckhead City’s borders to sign the petition. The unchecked violence, stealing and harassment must stop.”
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Buckhead City Committee has been pushing for changes within Atlanta but is behind the push for the area to become its own city.
Meanwhile, the Committee for a United Atlanta is a group of city and business leaders working with neighbors to keep Buckhead in the city of Atlanta.
They argue that crime solutions should come from working in partnership with Atlanta City Hall and Atlanta Police.
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