Local pastor calling for the end of gang violence after shootout in Southwest Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Two days after Joby Jones, of Fresno Street Saints, led a march against violence, another shootout happened on the same Southwest Fresno streets.

"Its sad cause, it's like, they no reason behind what they doing."

Detectives can't figure out either why two rival gangs suddenly opened fire on one another late Tuesday night. But at least 10 bullets were fired, seven people injured, all happening during a citywide gang crackdown.

"It is disheartening that people are so brazen in their actions that they go out and shoot at one another and think it's okay to shoot at one another," said Lt. Dave Madrigal, Fresno Police.

For the past several months officers have been saturating, but the number of homicides has continued to rise. Wednesday night, more officers are in the area, trying to prevent retaliation.

"We do something good, something bad happen and people say it ain't working, and I tell them, it's not a big thing we are going for, it's one or two people," said Jones.

Police said these cases are hard to prosecute because no one is willing to cooperate. Jones used to be a part of that problem, now he is part of a street outreach group hoping to protect children.

"I'm poor, dude show you a wad a money you want it too, that's how they got me. They didn't tell me I was going to get shot, go to prison; little brother was going to get killed."

Jones said as hard as police and local pastors try change will only occur when the entire community gets involved. He hopes this recent shooting will be a wake-up call.

"We need you all support, we need you all to get involved with the community and be there for us, that's the only way we're going take back our streets-- standing up and saying enough is enough."