Recent Surge In Violence Concerns East Palo Alto Officials
EAST PALO ALTO (KCBS) – The latest in a troubling spike in violent crimes in East Palo Alto occurred on Tuesday night, as a 26-year-old man was shot and killed.
Acting East Palo Alto Police Captain Jeff Liu said the fifth homicide of the year in the city happened on Camellia Court.
"A subject approached on foot and had a brief conversation with the victim before opening fire on him and fleeing on foot," Liu said.
KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:
Liu said the victim, 26-year-old Hugo Chavez, died in surgery at Stanford Hospital.
The murder comes just a day after a 23-year-old man, Jabari Banford, was shot and killed on Illinois Avenue. But witnesses have not been cooperative in that case, even though the shooting happened almost directly behind police headquarters.
Loraine Conley, who is a longtime resident in the neighborhood, said that despite the recent spate of violence, she is not concerned.
"I feel safe. I've been here for 40-45 years and no one bothers me," she said.
Police have announced a "summer violence reduction plan," which is targeting crime hot spots, gangs and drugs, with the help of other agencies.
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