LANCASTER, Calif.—The Lancaster community was in shock on June 27 due to a series of shootings that resulted in four deaths within a 24-hour period, leading the mayor to criticize what he described as inadequate policing in the area.
Authorities from the sheriff’s department announced plans to increase patrols and visibility in the city in response to the incidents.
The most recent shooting took place around 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday in the 800 block of East Avenue J-12, where two men were discovered with gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
Shortly after, additional victims with gunshot wounds arrived at a local emergency room, believed to be linked to the same shooting. By mid-morning, the sheriff’s department had identified five more victims who were shot but in stable condition.
All victims were present at the scene when the shooting occurred, according to officials.
“Homicide detectives have determined that this shooting is gang-related and are actively gathering more information on potential suspects while continuing to investigate the incident,” stated sheriff’s officials.
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This shooting marked the fourth deadly incident in Lancaster within a day, resulting in four fatalities. The violence began at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Tuesday with a shooting at Avenue J-8 and 30th Street West.
Later that evening, at 8:45 p.m., a man was fatally shot in the parking lot of Whit Carter Park on Sierra Highway. Authorities reported a light-colored compact vehicle fleeing the scene.
At 9:20 p.m., a male juvenile was fatally shot at a Chevron gas station on East Avenue L by two armed male suspects who fled in a white SUV.
Sheriff’s officials stated that three of the fatal shootings may be linked to gangs, but the connection between all three incidents remains unclear.
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris expressed his anger over the violence and demanded an increase in sheriff’s department presence in the city.
“We currently have only 50% of the necessary number of deputies in our community,” Mr. Parris told ABC7. “They were aware that this was brewing. For some reason, the county has not provided us with enough officers to protect the community, despite us funding it.”
Mr. Parris urged county officials to take stronger action against crime, even suggesting the possibility of involving the National Guard if necessary.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, representing the area, described the recent violence as “deeply disturbing” in a statement.
“I believe every resource available should be utilized to saturate the area quickly and demonstrate to the community that violence will not be tolerated, and public safety will be enforced,” said Ms. Barger. “I am aware that Sheriff Robert Luna is treating this matter seriously and developing a plan. I support him and am prepared to assist in providing any necessary resources to address this issue.”
The sheriff’s department released a statement announcing increased visibility and patrols by the Lancaster Station to focus on areas affected by the recent violence.
“The station will engage with community members at various events to address safety concerns and discuss ongoing efforts to enhance public safety,” the department stated. “Additionally, specialized teams will be deployed to target specific areas in Lancaster to improve security.
“We are utilizing all department resources and tools to prevent further violence and apprehend those responsible for these murders. Our homicide investigators are diligently examining information and evidence from each incident.”
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