FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Finishing touches on the field at Chukchansi Park on Monday, ahead of the Grizzlies 25th annual home opener. Close to 6,000 fans are expected to flock to Downtown.
“We just want to be a beacon in the community, and we want to help Downtown anyway we can. One of the best ways to do that is to pack this place as much as we can,” says Tim Slack, Fresno Grizzlies.
In light of a recent uptick in violent attacks across Fresno, two stabbings just last week in Downtown. Keeping fans safe is at the forefront. Security will be at every entrance, and fans must follow a clear bag policy.
“We have a new security company. We have a team that is vigilant and it’s ready to protect fans and act quickly,” says Slack.
For Downtown businesses, the fear factor stemming from the recent violence has become a matter of survival.
“It’s like a kick to the stomach. It’s like, wow, we just were trying so hard just to keep it going and some violence happens like this,” says Cynthia Leary, The Cave Bar & Grill.
In response, Chief Mindy Casto announced a Violent Crime Suppression Operation to prevent future attacks.
The increased patrols are already seeing results.
Chief Casto announced that each of the suspects involved in last week’s stabbings is now in custody.
“It should serve as a lesson for anybody who wants to come into Fresno, especially our most prominent public spaces and commit crimes. You will be held accountable. We would put every resource to bear in order to keep that crime from happening and placing fear in our community that is unwarranted,” says Chief Casto.
Just this weekend, PD made over 100 arrests and recovered 15 crime guns.
Of the nine murders so far this year, Police say they’ve made strides and have identified eight suspects.
Over the next several weeks, Chief Casto says her officers will focus on protecting busy hotspot areas.
“I believe this city is safe, and we will do everything possible to preserve that safety,” says Chief Casto.
Police say they do plan to add patrols for the home opener in Downtown.
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