LODI, Calif. — The city of Lodi is tackling an uptick in violent crime, including a total of seven homicides so far this year.
Lodi police said violent crimes have become a growing problem, and they recognize the fear and concern violent crime is causing for neighbors.
"We have less gang-related shootings. We have less shootings overall this year than we did at this point last year. However... I think it is fair to say that there is a significant uptick over the last several years with random shootings, gang-related shootings or shootings that don't necessarily have a person tied to it," said Sgt. Matt Latino, spokesperson for Lodi Police Department.
While violent crime has seen an uptick over the years, police said they have a high rate of success in finding the people responsible, with a 70% to 80% solve rate for violent crimes.
The city's latest violent crime saw a 15-year-old killed while visiting his father on Thanksgiving, according to the boy's family. Here's the latest on the homicides in Lodi so far.
March 16: An interrupted burglary
Police were called to the 400 block of West Locust Street after a report of an interrupted home burglary. Latino said a 45-year-old man was shot.
Three suspects, Isaiah Ware, Zachary Adler, and Rayshan Quarles, were all booked on suspicion of attempted murder at the time.
However, the man recently died in the past few months due to his injuries from the shooting, according to police.
June 23: A dispute in a bar
Police were called to the El Dorado Club for a reported shooting. Arriving officers found two men in their 20s shot. One of them died from his injuries.
Latino said the shooting was in connection to a dispute inside of a bar near closing time. No additional details have been released in this case.
Oct. 3: Realtor allegedly kills man
Police were called to South School Street near West Pine Street for a reported shooting in the area. A 53-year-old man was found shot. Despite being taken to a hospital, he ultimately died. The victim was identified by police as Felix Makinano.
Latino said a local realtor, Scott Sherman, allegedly shot and killed Makinano. Sherman was booked on suspicion of murder, weapon and drug charges.
Oct. 16: A double homicide
Police were called to the 1100 block of South Central Avenue for a reported shooting inside a home. Arriving officers found two victims with life-threatening gunshot wounds, both of whom died from their injuries.
"There were some allegations of sexual assault with a juvenile victim, which may have led to that double homicide occurring," said Latino.
Police said Oscar Hernandez, 41 of Lodi, was ultimately found in Missouri and booked on suspicion of murder.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Oct. 30: Possibly drug-related
Police were called to South Main Street, near West Pine Street, for a reported shooting. A 36-year-old man was found in the alley behind the building and taken to the hospital. Police described the shooting as a targeted incident.
"There was some sort of altercation over what is currently being investigated as possibly a drug deal," said Latino.
27-year-old Jerry Rayburn was arrested in connection to the shooting.
Nov. 25: Targeted shooting
According to investigators, the shooting was first reported to police around 11:15 p.m. Saturday in the 600 block of Hale Road. Medics took the boy to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police described the shooting as a "targeted incident."
The boy was identified by family as 15-year-old Alan Ruiz. His aunt said he was visiting his father for the Thanksgiving holiday.
On Dec. 10, Lodi police announced that a teenager and a 30-year-old co-conspirator were arrested in connection to the shooting. The teenager was booked on suspicion of murder. The co-conspirator, identified as Alberto Valentin, was arrested on suspicion of homicide and weapons violations with gang enhancements.
Dec. 8: Shooting at Holz Rubber
A person was shot and killed at Holz Rubber in Lodi on Dec. 8. According to Lodi police, the shooting appears to be targeted.
The suspect, only described as a man with dark clothing, came to the business on South Sacramento Street, fired shots and ran away.
The relationship between the shooter and victim isn't clear at this time.
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