Trail safety, drugs and gangs were hot topics at the Lake Wilderness Lodge Monday.

Maple Valley Police Chief Michelle Bennett organized a town hall meeting addressing safety concerns on the Lake Wilderness Trail, drug abuse in the schools and community and information about gang activities.

A large gathering of more than 150 attended the meeting that began at 7 p.m. and questions were still being asked after 9 p.m.

The meeting was prompted by a Dec. 28 incident on the trail when 19-year-old Shayne Willis shot a 19-year-old man and his 16-year-old girlfriend. Willis was charged with two counts of assault in the first degree by the King County Prosecutor’s Office.

Bennett’s message was, “If you do see something suspicious on the trail please call us.”

The chief emphasized the need for community members to be watchful and willing to call police.

The chief along with Maple Valley Sgt. Jim Corey and Detective Jason Stanley talked about being alert, walking with a friend and not leaving valuables visible in parked cars.

The police officials noted crime is still rare on the trail and it is safe to use, despite the recent problems.

Maple Valley Detective Tony Mullinax spoke about illegal drugs and King County Sheriff’s Office Detective Joe Gagliardi discussed gangs.

Gagliardi said the gang problem in Maple Valley was “extremely small” but is a growing and serious problem around south King County.

The detective noted gangs “don’t discriminate” recruiting all races, genders and the young.

“They know they can get a lot more work out of a teenager,” Gagliardi said.