SACRAMENTO, CA - After a murder on P and 18th streest in Sacramento and man beaten with a bat in, what police are calling, a hate crime on D and 20th streets, some are wondering if violence is getting worse in the Midtown.
City councilmember Steve Hansen, who represents the Midtown community, said the incidents must to be examined closely to determine if there is a larger problem or just unfortunate incidents.
Midtown Business Association leaders said they already have private security and hired off-duty officers to patrol the commercial district. They said despite the two incidents violent crime in Midtown remains rare.
"You look at crime statistics in Midtown compared to other parts of Sacramento, and other parts of the country, it's definitely a safe place to be," Midtown Business Association Executive Director Elizabeth Studebaker said.
Sacramento police said they are monitoring the incidents in midtown and so far call the attacks isolated.
Zebra Club Manager David Menbrila believes the recent attacks in the area will not hurt businesses in the area because he believes the attacks are uncommon, but would like to see police open a satellite office in Midtown.
News10/KXTV