YAKIMA, Wash. — The Yakima City Council has called a special meeting for 1 p.m. Friday to discuss how to deal with a recent flare-up in gang violence.

The meeting will take place in the council chambers at City Hall.

The council scheduled the meeting after Councilwoman Sonia Rodriguez earlier this week likened the current series of gang-related shootings to a “state of emergency” for the city.

Rodriguez said she wants the council to find funding to increase police patrols in hopes of reducing the problem.

Police Chief Sam Granato said extra patrols would deter some of the activity. But he said gang members are becoming more aggressive in opening fire on one another.

At least 18 people have been shot in Yakima since early May, including several innocent victims struck by stray gang gunfire.

— Mark Morey