Antioch gangs have ‘no regard for human life,’ mayor says after string of shootings

(KRON) — A string of September shootings in Antioch continues plaguing the city following the death of homicide victim Elijah Scales. After Antioch's police chief asked for the community's help to identify shooters last week, even more deadly violence unfolded over the weekend.

On September 2, 21-year-old Scales was shot in the head on Peppertree Way. Since Scales' slaying, Antioch police officers have responded to a dozen shootings that may be related, police said, including one shooting at Scales' memorial ceremony. A 58-year-old man was shot at the ceremony on Cavallo Road and he suffered life-threatening wounds.

Four more shootings broke out over the weekend. Investigators said one of the four shootings was related to the Scales' homicide.

"The related shooting occurred on September 21 at 7:56 p.m., in the 1100 block of Sycamore Drive. At least 17 bullets were fired, and three nearby businesses were struck by the gunfire," the Antioch Police Department wrote.

On the afternoon of September 20, an 18-year-old man was gunned down on Cavallo Road near Sunset Drive. On September 22, a man and woman were shot on East 18th Street.

Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe described the past three weeks as an "unprecedented level of death and violence."

The mayor said, "We believe that the shootings are retaliatory in nature and are being investigated as gun gang rivalries," he said. "As a result of the violence, we've added extra patrols to the Sycamore community. Let me be very clear, these gangs have no regard for human life, they have no regard for law enforcement, and they have no regard for you or me."

Hernandez-Thorpe said Antioch needs immediate "eradication of these gangs. We also need to hold these gang members accountable to the fullest extent of the law." The mayor said if things get bad enough, he'd support shutting down Cavallo Road or calling for the National Guard.

Business owner calls Antioch the new Oakland after violent weekend

It's unclear if any arrests have been made. People with information about the shootings can contact Investigations Sgt. Bill Whitaker by calling 925-779-6876 or emailing of September Shootings in Antioch

September 2 at 9:35 p.m.: Elijah Scales was shot in the head on the 2100 block of Peppertree Way. He died from his gunshot injuries days later in a hospital.

September 3 at 7:26 p.m.: On the 2100 block of Peppertree Way, multiple guns were used to fire at least 32 bullets. A 31-year-old man was shot in the leg.

September 4 at 8:59 p.m. on the same street block: Eleven bullets were fired from multiple guns. Bullets struck a building.

September 7 at 9:31 p.m.: On Sycamore Drive at Peppertree Way, twenty-nine bullets were fired from multiple firearms. A 52-year-old woman was shot in the leg while in the parking lot of Sycamore Square.

September 12 at 8:21 p.m.: On the 2100 block of Lemontree Way, at least 26 bullets were fired. The gunfire struck two homes. One resident was grazed by a stray bullet and suffered a minor injury to his neck.

September 12 at 8:21 p.m.: On the 1000 block of Fitzuren Road, three bullets were fired and struck a business.

September 12 at 8:32 p.m.: On the 2900 block of Pear Street three shots were fired.

September 15 at 9:10 p.m.: On Sycamore Drive at Peppertree Way, a home and vehicle were struck by bullets as 13 shots were fired.

September 16 at 2:30 a.m.: On the 600 block of G Street, multiple gunmen fired at least 12 shots.

September 16 at 4:54 p.m.: A man was shot on the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds property while 30 bullets were fired. The man is currently in critical condition.

September 16 at 7:46 p.m.: Two businesses were struck by bullets while 50 shot were fired on L Street at William Reed.

September 16 at 7:48 p.m.: A memorial was being held for Scales on the 1800 block of Cavallo Road when someone opened fire. A 58-year-old man at the memorial was shot and suffered life-threatening injuries.

September 20 at 12:27 pm: An 18-year-old man was shot and killed on Cavallo Road near Sunset Drive.

September 21 at 7:56 p.m.: A gunman fired bullets into three businesses on the 1100 block of Sycamore Drive. No one was injured.

September 22 at 9:21 a.m.: Two victims were shot on East 18th Street. One man is currently in critical condition. A woman was treated and released from a hospital.

Bay City News contributed to this report.