Fresno Police Chief says rape, assault, robbery, and car thefts all down, but murder rate up

Wednesday, June 14, 2017
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- While Fresno Police have made big progress in slowing most crime categories, overall crime is down 10-percent, but murder remains a problem.

"We have 31 people that have been killed in this city this year, as compared to 17 last year. That is a staggering 82-percent increase," said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

Dyer said since gangs are responsible for 70-percent of the homicides and going after them is an effective way to reduce the killing.

"Targeting those individuals we know have guns, those are the ways we can prevent violence, prevent shootings, and prevent murders. Some of the domestic violence calls we respond to, they are not predictable, therefore not preventable."

In his monthly review of crime in the city the Chief noted a recent gang crackdown resulted in more than 60 arrests, and took five guns off the street. He also cleared up questions about the Memorial Day weekend shootings of three men.

Dyer said two gunmen from Stockton got the wrong address of a house they planned to rob. He said it has been determined; they shot and killed 68-year-old Chong Yang, and were then shot and killed by his 19-year-old son.

Dyer confirmed the son did not accidentally shoot his father, and that the family was mistakenly targeted and not involved in criminal activity.

"The victims in this case were hardworking people not involved in narcotics trafficking."

On a positive note, Dyer noted the city is expected to see its lowest level of auto theft in 30 years, but still an average of five cars a day are stolen in Fresno.

The Chief added that his officers are getting a more positive reception throughout the city, and more citizens are cooperating in investigations.
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