(04/12/06) TRENTON ? A self-proclaimed leader of the Bloods street gang delivered a call for peace in Trenton Wednesday during a surprise news conference.

Earlie Harrell told reporters the Bloods would like a 90-day truce enacted between all gangs in the city. The announcement follows a spike in violent gang-related crimes in the community. In one incident, an 8-year-old girl was shot in the face and wounded while riding her bicycle.

Harrell said his gang is saddened by the shooting of the girl. Despite the call for peace, many people in the community are skeptical. Community activists say gangs will continue to be a problem due to a lack of jobs and options for young people in the city. Many people are also curious to know what will happen once the 90-day period expires.

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