STOCKTON, California — The Stockton Police Department, city and county leaders, as well as community-based organizations, came together to help a neighborhood heal after being traumatized by violence.
On Thursday afternoon, outside the same apartment complex on Marsh Street near Filbert Street where two people were shot Tuesday night, Mayor Kevin Lincoln said city leaders gathered to figure how they could help. Tyrone Deloney, 32, died during what police say was a "random" home invasion.
"We care about what's going on, and we will respond and will continue to respond to ensure that the needs of our communities that are impacted by this violence are met," Lincoln said.
Interim Police Chief Jim Chraska said part of the department's neighborhood impact team comes into an area after it has experienced a homicide.
"We're hoping that we have some outreach, some folks that maybe have trauma get some help or get some resources to them. And, then, we are also hoping that we can build rapport with the community," Chraska said.
Dozens of neighborhood residents came out of their homes and apartments to hear and see what police and community groups had to offer. The community gathering offered a glimmer of hope for residents like Selina Ramirez.
"It took a sad event for it to happen, but I am happy something is happening about it," Ramirez said, standing next to her three-year-old daughter.
Two ice cream trucks gave away free frozen treats to kids after school let out at King Elementary. The school sits across the street from the apartment complex where Tuesday night's violence happened. Free food was also handed out by the non-profit, Bread of Life.
"We try to hit spots that struggle a little bit more economically so that we can give them a hand up. That's our goal," Chris Johnson, Bread of Life Director, said.
Deja Jackson has a daughter who goes to school across the street from the apartment complex where the home invasion happened. She liked what she saw, but wants more.
"We don't see this many police on the block in the area that much... They should be around and out here more. They only come out here when something happens," Jackson said.
Stockton police say they are doing patrols in the neighborhood, and, now that COVID-19 guidelines are easing, they plan to attend more community events like the one held today.
WATCH ALSO:
