Increasing Violence in Parlier Has Residents Asking For Help

People in Parlier say violence is happening far too often because of a police force that is under funded and short handed.

The victim of a shooting Thursday evening in Parlier is a man in his 20s. He was air lifted to Community Regional Medical Center after police say he was shot twice in a Parlier neighborhood. Witnesses say once in the hand and again in the back. Police didn’t release a current condition for the shooting victim but say he was still in surgery late Thursday night.

Investigators say the shooting happened at about 5:30 Thursday evening near Mendocino and Amigo in Parlier. Witnesses say the victim was riding his bike back from the store when the suspect vehicle pulled up beside him and started firing shots. After the man was shot he collapsed in the street where neighbors helped keep him alive.Police say this shooting might be gang related.

"Well it seems like it’s just getting worse as far as the gangs or whoever is doing it it’s just happening more often you know? So we do need more protection and more help if it’s available we know the funding sometimes isn’t there, but we do need that," said Parlier Resident Ramona Cano, who lives a few blocks from the shooting.

"The gang activity in Parlier is increasing a little bit at a time so we’re trying to battle it as quick as we can," said Sgt. Thomas Rodriguez of the Parlier Police Department.

Police say the suspect vehicle is described as a white, or cream colored Mitsubishi Eclipse. Police say the same vehicle may have been involved in a shooting incident in Selma. If you have any additional information you’re asked to call Parlier Police.

With the recent violence and gang activity in Parlier many people didn’t want to speak on camera Thursday night, but say they are frustrated about the shootings and worried a growing number of victims are going to end up here in the hospital. Witnesses and residents hope other law enforcement agencies will find the resources to step in to help.