Chief's Community Update - April 16, 2023

Thank you for visiting our website and taking a moment to read this community update.

During the early morning hours of April 16, 2023, patrol Officers responded to the 2500 block of Fordham for a Shotspotter activation.  Shotspotter is the gunshot detection system the City of East Palo Alto has used for many years to detect gunfire and pinpoint the location.  When Officers arrived to this particular activation, they saw two suspects in the area and listened as he racked the slide of a semi-automatic handgun.  While the Officers were observing, one of the suspects fired 9 rounds into the air.  The Officers quickly converged on the two suspects and detained them for investigation.  After conducting their investigation, the Officers arrested both suspects, seized two firearms (one a ghost gun), and seized additional ammunition.

Anonymous tips and immediate service

We appreciate all the anonymous tips we have been receiving.  It is important to note that anonymous tips are not a resource for immediate police response as it is not monitored 24/7.  For immediate police response, either call 9-1-1 or our non-emergency phone number 650-321-1112.  For complaints related to property violations, please contact Code Enforcement department, which operates under our building department (https://www.cityofepa.org/building/page/code-enforcement).

When providing information to the police, we need specific information about the crime or criminal.  As an example, if you are reporting someone for dealing drugs, we need to know:

• where and when they are selling the drugs
• a detailed description of them (white female, blue jeans, red jacket, baseball cap)
• any description of a vehicle
• any other information you have about the crime. 

While we don’t expect you to jeopardize your safety to get this information, it is very important information if we make an arrest.  Not only will your tip provide us with accurate information about the suspect, but we are also able to serve as a witness to the crime and we can testify in court.  Please use these options for providing an anonymous tip.

You can make an anonymous tip to the police by calling or texting to (650) 409-6792.

If there is a topic you would like addressed in the next update, please feel free to send an email at jliu@cityofepa.org. 

Thank you,

Jeff Liu

Interim Chief of Police