A recent rash of San Mateo shootings is connected to a murder in the city last week, police said.
At about 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, a 30-year-old father of Polynesian descent was fatally shot, and his toddler injured, in a targeted shooting in the driveway of his home in the 1600 block of Eleanor Drive. The father, whose identity wasn’t immediately available, died at the scene. The toddler was treated at a local hospital and has returned home, police said.
Two days after the murder, officers responded to a drive-by shooting in the 900 block of S. Norfolk Street about 1:12 a.m., where the backyard of a home was targeted, police said. Officers say they were met at the scene with an uncooperative crowd. Then at 2:28 a.m. this morning, officers responded to another non-injury shooting in the 900 block of S. Norfolk Street. About 30 minutes later, yet another shooting was reported in the 600 block of Edna Way, although police who responded to the scene were unable to confirm a shooting had occurred.
The incidents are believed to be connected to the murder on Eleanor Drive, where police have received reports of “civilians closing streets” and “shining flashlights into occupied cars” due to the tensions, police said.
“Unauthorized roadblocks are not permitted and will be addressed,” police said, adding they have increased patrols and the numbers of officers on the street to maintain safety.
Multiple funerals in the coming days related to the murder are expected to draw large crowds and traffic implications in the area of 19th Avenue Park and the Shoreview neighborhoods at all hours of the day, said police. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes if possible.
“Detectives are asking for the public’s help to provide any information they may have in these incidents,” police said. “We are asking for witnesses to come forward and the community’s help in immediately reporting suspicious activity to police.”
Anyone with information or surveillance footage related to these shootings is encouraged to contact Det. Sergeant Paul Pak at (650) 522-7660 or pak@cityofsanmateo.org. Anonymous tips can be submitted here or by calling (650) 522-7676.
Photo credit: San Mateo Police Department
