ANTIOCH, Calif. ( KRON ) — The eruption of gang violence in Antioch has prompted city leaders to draw up drastic possible solutions to an escalating problem. Antioch’s mayor says all options are on the table, including street closures and reaching out to the National Guard.
At least 14 additional shootings have been reported in the city of Antioch since police say 21-year-old Elijah Scales was shot to death on Peppertree Way on Sept. 2. Police say most of the shootings are gang-related and in retaliation to Scales’ killing.
“We have to keep people safe,” said Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe.
As four people recover from injuries sustained in the recent shootings, Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe is considering options to curb the violence.
“We’ve had about 48 hours of no shootings. So, hopefully we’ll experience the same tomorrow,” the mayor said.
If that is not the case and the violence continues to spike, Hernandez-Thorpe says possible options could include restricting public access to troubled areas like Cavallo Road and the Sycamore Corridor. The mayor said the city could also reach out for the California National Guard’s assistance.