South Monterey County law enforcement agencies ramp up enforcement

Leland McFarland and his wife have been living in Greenfield for a combined 35 years.

“We thought it was a safe neighborhood,” said McFarland.

But now he said he’s not so sure.A man was shot outside his home Tuesday night. Officers are investigating the incident as an attempted homicide.

It’s just one of the latest shootings in southern Monterey County. Over the last five days, three people have been killed and five injured.

On Wednesday, standing together as a united front, Soledad police, Gonzales police, Greenfield police, King City police and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office addressed the public about the recent spike in violence.

“We want the offenders out there, the criminals, to know that we’re talking, we’re working together, and we’re going to solve these cases,” said Greenfield Police Chief Adele Frese.

Each chief and over 20 officers met to review the recent shootings, compare notes and analyze the cases. In the end, all the departments agreed a bigger street presence is the way to prevent more gang violence.

“Right now that’s the way to stop this, is a show of authority on the streets,” said King City Police Chief Tony Sollecito.

To do this, they will share resources. The Sheriff’s Office has committed extra deputies to the area, the gang task force willwatch thestreets and in King City, the California Highway Patrol willhelp with daily patrols.

Still, McFarland and his neighbors are worried the violence will get worse.

“I’ve heard a lot of them say where can we move to that’s safe,” said McFarland.

Investigators said there are some similarities and patterns between the recent shootings but it’s still too early to know if they are connected.