Sheriff's officials say Hwy 4 fatal shootings in Bay Point are gang related
BAY POINT, Calif. (KGO) -- Contra Costa County Sheriff's officials say the two recent fatal shootings along Highway 4 in Bay Point are both gang related and may be linked. They made the statement at a press conference Tuesday morning.
"At this time, we believe there may be some relevance between the two shootings," said Captain Dan Hoffman.
"What concerns me most is that our local gang members clearly have no fear and worry about going around and doing this type of thing. I want to reassure citizens that they are safe going up and down the roadway," said Hoffman.
Citing the ongoing investigation, Hoffman said he couldn't release information about which gangs may be involved or whether the victims in either shooting were involved in any gangs. He did say he was concerned about retaliation.
"We're always concerned about gangs and retaliatory situations that may come up as a result of those," Hoffman said. "That's why we've reached out to some of the local agencies here that we work with on a very regular basis to make sure that they are with us in partnership in trying to eliminate gangs in these areas."
The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office reported an shooting in Bay Point Tuesday night in what appears to now be a mini-war being played out on public roadways.
"When (the deputies) arrived on scene, all parties had left the location," Hoffman said. "Shell casings were located by deputies as they scoured for evidence."
The victims arrived at John Muir in Concord. Patricia Ochoa,19, of Concord, was one the two victims. She died of bullet wounds. The other victim has been identified as a 26-year-old Bay Point man, who is in stable condition and expected to survive.
The shooting occurred in the area of San Marco Boulevard and Highway 4, according to the Sheriff's Office.
"I keep thinking it could be me, but you have to live your life," said Tina Magennis, a Bay Point resident.
"It wasn't like this. Growing up where you had to get in your car. It's scary," said Fernanda Vargas, who lives in the area.
On Saturday, Tomas Mendez, 20, was shot and killed on Highway 4 on his way home from work. The shooting happened near San Marco Boulevard in Bay Point. Investigators have not made any arrests in that case.
Mendez worked as a cook alongside his father at Katy's Korner restaurant in San Ramon. He leaves behind a two-year-old daughter.
VIDEO: Pittsburg father killed in drive-by on Highway 4 mourned by coworkers
One Bay Point resident, Fernanda Vargas, said she was afraid to go to the grocery store or drive to her parent's house in the area.
"I was born and raised here and it wasn't like this when I was growing up," Vargas said. "It wasn't like this where you had to worry about getting in your car and going to the store. It's scary. I'm worried."
She said she'd like to see local officials provide more opportunities for young people, many of whom come from low-income families and don't have anywhere to go after school.
"There's nothing for them out here," Vargas said. "There're no parks, there's nothing but trouble."
ABC7 News Reporter Wayne Freedman contributed to this story.
