MERCED, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — The Merced Police Department is stepping up gang violence prevention efforts after a recent rise in gang-related incidents.
The special enforcement comes after five people were shot in the city just in January alone.
That includes two 15-year-old boys who were gunned down at 13th and G streets.
This past weekend, a 23-year-old man was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds on Austin near Olive Avenue.
Back on January 2nd, two employees of Little Caesars Pizza were shot and wounded while taking out the trash.
Merced police shared a post on Facebook, saying the Gang Violence Suppression Unit will operate seven days a week until further notice.
The department is also collaborating with the sheriff’s office, district attorney, probation and CHP to process case reviews, warrants and investigations.
The department will also focus on long-term efforts to reduce gang activity.
