Stockton Police Chief Talks About City's Murder Rate And Possible Federal Help

STOCKTON (CBS13) - There have been four murders in the last eight days in Stockton that have been scattered across the city.

"It was pretty bad," said one resident.

"It was like a terrible situation," said another neighbor.

Three young ladies were sprayed with bullets as they sat in a car, but there were no witnesses, and no suspects in custody.

"No, I didn't see nothing," said a neighbor.

"It's certainly a challenge," said Chief Eric Jones, Stockton police.

Jones, somewhat of a rookie, has a lot on his plate.

On the job since March, he's not only dealing with having a depleted staff from previous budget cuts but he's also trying to get a handle on the growing violent crime.

So far this year Stockton has experienced 39 murders with two of the three young ladies gunned down fighting for their lives at local hospitals.

So, with all this violence, is it unreasonable to consider martial law, to have military troops help keep residents safe?

"For federal troops, for example the national guard, it would not meet the requirements," said Jones.

"I think Stockton is good place to learn," said recruit officer Joshua Lizardo.

Lizardo fought on the streets of Iraq as an army soldier and will soon be patrolling Stockton.

"I look forward to combating any problems that we can fix," said Lizardo.

Rudy Rodriguez just bought the home next to Wednesday's shooting and hopes to find a tenant.

"Well, it will make it a little harder to rent, I suppose, you know," said Rodriguez.

Jones says he's hoping to hire 20 more officers within the next year.