Monday night took an unexpected turn at the Biggs Gridley Memorial Hospital, when 18 year old Alonzo Robles Morales was brought in with a severe gunshot wound. Hospital administrators quickly called the Gridley Police. "He had serious injuries, so it had just occurred," according to Gridley Police Chief Gary Keeler. "He was in a vehicle, we believe, when the shooting occurred, and the occupants of the vehicle drove him right to the hospital."
Chief Keeler was told by witnesses from the car, that Morales was shot while inside the vehicle at the corner of Cedar, and Indiana Streets by an unknown man in another car. That information led him to believe the incident was gang related. "This affects all communities, unfortunately. Gridley as well as every town in California has potential for gang violence."
Residents we caught up with, like Joe Ruggirello say they're shocked, and angry something like this could happen so close to home. "I'm mostly surprised because it seemed like things are getting better, and quite upset because there are lots of young families with young kids."
Chief Keeler told our crew the biggest asset the department has in the investigation is the local community. So far they've already contributed valuable information, leading investigators to several people of interest in the shooting. "This is a tragedy, clearly, and as a dad, I can't imagine it. But it's refreshing that we do have community support, and we will get to the bottom of this."
