Community copes with park slaying: South San Francisco residents, officials wish for prompt arrest in fatal shooting

The incident, which police do not consider to be gang related, sent shock waves through members of the South San Francisco community who had not considered the park along Orange Avenue a dangerous place.

“Every time I come out here I feel safe,” said Tim Ordonez, who frequents the park with his daughter Jessica to enjoy the playground. “But I hope they find the guy that did it soon.”

Ordonez said though the violence was cause for concern, he would not allow the incident to paralyze him in fear.

“You have just got to pray for the best,” he said.

The shooting and subsequent manhunt was unlikely to deter Ordonez from visiting the park, but that sentiment was not shared universally.

Noel Banuelos said she felt compelled to use more discretion when visiting the park with her children.

“I am going to keep an extra eye out and if I see anyone that looks funny, I’m leaving,” she said.

Another victim was hospitalized after being shot in the abdomen during the altercation as well, and they are in stable condition, according to police.

Vice Mayor Pradeep Gupta said he found some solace in police claiming the shooting was an isolated incident, rather than being affiliated with gang activity.

“I was worried about a cycle of gang-related violence,” he said. “But it seems that it was a personal altercation that was out of control, and Orange Park just happened to be the site.”

The conflict started nearby on Railroad Avenue, according to police, and the situation escalated as the three involved walked together toward the park where the shooting ultimately occurred.

The shooter was last seen running west through the park and is considered armed and dangerous, according to police.

South San Francisco High School and Los Cerritos Elementary School, which are near the park, restricted exit and entrance from the campus to protect students immediately after the incident.

Ryan Sebers, spokesman for the South San Francisco Unified School District, said in an email a secure campus order was issued but not a full lockdown, because student safety was not believed to be threatened.

“No students or staff were in any danger during this time, and students exited safely from campus when the secure campus status was lifted,” he said.

Tejander Sigh, who lives near the park and visits frequently with his dog, said the incident would not cause him to reconsider how safe the neighborhood is.

“Everything is OK,” he said. “The South San Francisco Police Department is one of the best around compared to other cities.”

Gupta concurred, and said with the collaboration between local law enforcement and other agencies, he is certain an arrest will be made soon.

“I’m sure that in a short time we will be able to catch the suspect and bring this to a conclusion,” he said.

With the manhunt continuing, Gupta shared sympathy for the friends and family of Gomez and the other victim.

“When something out of blue like that happens, I cannot imagine what it is like,” he said. “I hope the other victim does well and recovers soon.”

Though he remains concerned regarding a safe and swift resolution of the investigation, Gupta said the incident also speaks to a larger issue regarding the need for more stringent gun control laws.

“This is another indication we need some kind of diligent regulations on owning a gun,” he said. “So young people don’t get access so easily, and in a moment of anger and rage, use these lethal weapons to settle their altercations. It disturbs me they are able to have that access.”

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Cruz is encouraged to call 911, or the South San Francisco Police Department at 877-8900.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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