Lodi police arrest armed gang members at Halloween event
LODI - A possible mass shooting at a local Halloween event was stopped by police before the bullets could fly.
A gunfight foiled in a crowd of a thousand-plus people.
Lodi police confirm they stopped a group of gunmen seeking to shoot rival gang members at a Lodi Halloween-themed event where people were gathered shoulder to shoulder, none aware of the arrests that may have saved lives.
Jason Shillinsky is an organizer of the Lodi Zombie Walk and Halloween Faire.
"Mostly I'm grateful," Shillinsky said, "for Lodi police being so diligent and swift. It's like, 'oh God, this could have been bad.'"
Cellphone video shows the huge crowd dressed in Halloween and zombie attire.
"Everybody gets dressed up and shows off their costumes and make-up skills and has fun just kinda roaming the streets," Shillinsky said.
As the costumed crowd partied, police got a tip that four gunmen were arriving at the event and planned to look for rival gang members to target.
Officers found all four within minutes, taking three into custody — one was able to make a getaway in a car.
Officers seized a shotgun and a handgun.
Mayor Mark Chander says the investigation is not over.
"Anytime you hear of a tip of that nature, you have to get into action and that's what these guys did. And that's the best result you can hope for," Chandler said.
The Zombie Walk and Halloween Faire has become a Lodi civic staple over the past decade.
Now, this close call with gunmen and gratitude, for an anonymous tipster and fast-acting officers, preventing a senseless shooting.
"Everybody's got to be more diligent these days and keep their eyes open and if they see something funny, call the police," Shillinsky said.
Police say the two suspects who remain in custody are 18 and 17 years old. They released another juvenile at the scene and are still looking for the fourth suspect.