El Paso Police bulking up patrols in wake of gang incidents
ABC-7 was the first to tell viewers this week that three of the shooting incidents the past week in Central and Northeast El Paso were linked, likely to gang activity.
Police would not characterize the situation as a gang feud or spike in gang activity, but they did admit they are bulking up patrols in some areas.
“I really can’t speak about a feud or confirm one,” said EPPD Sgt. Robert Gomez. “Some of the incidents have been gang related.”
While Gomez wouldn’t call three shootings in just six days a gang feud, he admits that gangs are involved.
“All the regional commands are providing additional officers to shift over to that area of town,” Gomez said. “Just to make sure the public is safe, to assure the public we are taking care of matters and make sure that the public is safe.”
An ABC-7 viewer sent video of the scene outside of Perches Funeral Home on Joe Battle in East El Paso on Thursday, showing a big police presence at the viewing for Charlie Bertram. It was Bertram’s mother who told ABC-7 the shooting incidents over the past week or so were linked.
“I’m very concerned,” said Bertram’s mother, Ana Richburg. “I’m concerned and I’m scared.”
Wednesday August 5th — a man was shot and killed near Van Buren and Cassidy.
The following night — on the way to a vigil for that man, Bertram is shot and killed by a police officer near the Player’s lounge in Central El Paso. Investigators said Bertram had a gun and fired at the officer.
This past Monday, two men on riding US-54 shot at another driver in Northeast El Paso. The victim jumped out of his car and ran to safety.
“Gangs have existed, will exist, we don’t think it’s a problem as of yet,” Gomez said. “But we’re definitely keeping our eye on the situation and making sure that problem doesn’t become serious.”
Despite the string of shootings, police stress violent crime is down overall in the city from last year by 10 percent, including a 12 percent drop in Central and three percent in Northeast.
