SANTA MARIA, Calif- A 20-year-old man is sent to the hospital this morning after being shot in Santa Maria, police say this incident is believed to be gang related. Around 2-am officers responded to a shooting that happened at Fesler and Railroad.
Sergeant Marc Schneider says, "they contacted the male he's a 20-year-old Santa Maria resident and he sustained a gunshot wound." Official's say he was shot in the upper torso and that he was walking down a busy intersection when he was approached and shot. He was then picked up by a friend and brought to the emergency room at Marian Medical Center.
Police say he is expected to live. Officials say it's that time of the year when gang activity tends to rise. Sgt. Schneider says, "as we approach the summer time and going through the summer, that activity tends to pick up historically." Officials believe it's because of more day light and people walking the streets. In San Luis Obispo County there has been more Norteno's coming into the area, and in Santa Barbara County they are seeing other outside influences as well. Sgt. Schneider, "we've also seen some influence of the Mexican mafia here in town they've had some cases that they've investigated involving both MS-13 and the Mexican Mafia in unrelated incidences."
Police say there is definitely something that is drawing gang members to the central coast, and that typically it is because of a family connection. Police are still looking for a suspect in the attempted homicide that happened this morning. anyone with information is asked to contact Santa Maria Police Crime Stoppers 1-877-800-9100.
