The Woodland Police Department announced Friday the launch of a newly formed task force and reward fund that seeks to curb gang violence and identify suspects in a recent series of unsolved homicides.
In a video posted to the department’s Facebook page, Woodland police Sgt. Francisco DeLeon said the Gang Task Force was “created to investigate and combat gang crime in the city of Woodland,” with local and state agencies invited to partner in that effort.
The agency also is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrests of suspects in the recent spate of shooting homicides — three in the city since October.
“The Woodland Police Department and the community as a whole will not tolerate gang crime in the city of Woodland,” DeLeon said, noting that the task force’s operations begin “effective immediately.”
Woodland has been plagued over the past few months by the suspected gang-related shootings, several of which have resulted in injuries and deaths. The homicides victims have included:
• Alvaro Gamera, 16, of Esparto, fatally shot on Oct. 21 at North and East streets. Two other victims also were injured.
• Raymond Ortiz, 44, of Woodland, shot to death Nov. 17 in the 100 block of Elm Street.
• Isaaco Carlos Morales, 20, of Woodland, fatally shot on Jan. 9 in the 100 block of College Street.
No suspects have been charged in connection with any of the deaths. A suspect arrested shortly after Gamera’s murder was later released uncharged pending further investigation.
Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to contact Woodland police detectives at 530-666-2411, or call the department’s 24-hour crime tip line at 530-661-7851. Callers may remain anonymous.