Mayor Butt and Members of City Council,

As you know, there have been several incidents of violence that have affected our community over the past week.  I want to provide you with an update on these incidents.

Friday Night DeAnza High Shooting

On Friday, September 27, 2019, Pinole Valley High School football team played a league game at De Anza High School.  There were three on duty Richmond police officers assigned to the games, along with a number of school security guards and school administration.  There were approximately three physical fights amongst fans during the game, which resulted in people being removed from the stadium and school grounds.  A large group was seen leaving the school walking toward Valley View Avenue and Morningside Drive. As officers and school officials made their way toward the front of the school they heard numerous gunshots on Morningside Dr.  Officers then located two victims suffering from life threatening gunshot wounds.
Victim 1, a 17 year old male, was shot in the back of the head and V-2, a 16 year old female, suffered a gunshot wound to her upper torso.  A third victim (17 year old male) arrived at Kaiser Hospital – Richmond approximately forty five (45) minutes after the shooting, with a gunshot wound to his leg. A fourth victim suffered from cuts related to broken glass.  Witness interviews provided minimal information on this shooting. 

UPDATE
In following up on investigative leads, detectives working in conjunction with the School Resource Officer from De Anza were able to identify several of the males that were involved in an auto burglary just prior to the shooting.  They were able to secure a warrant for one of the suspects and served a search warrant on his residence on October 2nd.  During the service of the warrant, they arrested  the 17 year old male and recovered a handgun.  The handgun was later determined to be one of the two handguns used in the DeAnza High shooting.  Two additional suspects were also subsequently arrested. 

Victim 1 has since been released from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries. 
Victim 2  remains in the hospital with life threatening injuries.
Victim 3 was released the same night of the shooting.

This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for review. 

Triple Shooting – Esmond Avenue

On Wednesday, October 3rd RPD Officers responded to the 3100 Block of Esmond Ave on a report of a Shotspotter activation. Upon arrival, officers quickly identified a crime scene and three male adult victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers on scene immediately rendered medical aid. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, emergency medical paramedics pronounced two of the victims deceased at the scene. The third victim was transported to the hospital by a helicopter ambulance, where he received medical attention for his injuries. At this time, the third victim is in stable condition, recovering under the supervision of medical staff.  Based on the preliminary investigation, information was developed which suggests this shooting was most likely gang related.

Recognizing the potential for retaliatory violence was imminent, patrol officers and Special Investigations Detectives immediately began collaborating and sharing collected intelligence. As a result of their collaboration, a list of possible involved persons and affected geographic locations throughout the city were identified. An enforcement plan of action was developed and executed last night.  As a result of the information sharing and enforcement operation, Special Investigations Detectives observed a vehicle of interest leave a target location at a high rate of speed. A traffic enforcement stop was initiated by Officers, however, the suspect vehicle failed to yield. Detectives observed the front passenger throw a firearm from the vehicle in the area of 13th St and Roosevelt Ave. The front passenger, later identified as a gang member, foot bailed from the vehicle and the driver, also identified as a gang member, continued to drive w/b on Roosevelt Ave. Detectives caught up to both suspects and eventually took them both into custody without incident. Detectives located the firearm at 13th St. and Roosevelt Ave.

Moving into the weekend we plan to do the following:

·         Continue our directed patrols focusing on targeted areas and people
·         Work with additional law enforcement partners to identify and arrest perpetrators of gun violence
·         Follow-up on investigative leads to identify the suspects in the Esmond shooting

Please feel free to call or email me with any questions or concerns.

Bisa French

Interim Chief Bisa French
Richmond Police Department
bfrench@richmondpd.net