Pleasanton Police Chief Addresses City's 2 Recent Homicides

PLEASANTON, CA — Pleasanton Police Chief David Swing said that two recent homicides in the city are “isolated events” that do not represent a threat to the community.

Swing released a video message Tuesday morning on the department’s social media page to reassure the community that it is still safe, despite a rise in residential burglaries, along with the fatal shooting and fatal stabbing.

“Let me assure you that your safety is our top priority, and while the two recent homicide cases are concerning, they are isolated events, and there is no ongoing threat to the community,” Swing said. “This type of violence is rare in Pleasanton, and our team of detectives is working tirelessly to find justice for the victims, and their loved ones. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims.”

Two suspects have been detained and charged in the case of Blake Mohs, a Home Depot employee shot to death while trying to stop a shoplifting in progress.

On May 1, a man, now identified as Edevion White, was stabbed to death in his apartment building on Owens Drive. Police continue to search for two suspects, but say they have cause to believe the suspects knew White, and targeted him specifically.

There has also been a rise in residential burglaries. Last fall, a string of home break-ins occurred that the PPD said shared certain commonalities, including intruders entering through the back of the home to steal jewelry and purses.

Despite all that, Swing said that his team “remains vigilant in neighborhoods to deter criminal activity. We continue to look for crime trends both locally and regionally to inform our patrolling practices.”

Comments to the post were largely supportive, with many commenters simply thanking the department for their service.

Other posters advocated for the recall of Alameda County DA Pamela Price, who has tried to institute more progressive sentencing policies. Others pointed to knowledge of California’s “Castle Doctrine”, which allows for deadly force against a home intruder if the homeowner has “reasonable” belief that they are in immediate danger of being seriously injured or killed, and deadly force is the only way to stop that.

Swing pointed to a few tips to keep homes safe, including, keeping homes well-lit, installing security cameras and alarms, and clearing shrubs and bushes around the home.

While some commenters expressed pessimism about crime in Pleasanton and the Bay Area, others claimed it remains safe. “I have lived here for 25+ years. The town is just fine. The department is responsive. I feel just fine. Let's ignore the alarmists in these posts,” one person wrote.

“I’ve lived here since 1978. The Bay Area is not as safe as it used to be. But you do you,” another replied.

Crime has been rising, at least in San Francisco, but in 2022, security consulting firm Safewise ranked Pleasanton the 33rd safest city in California based on reported violent crimes and reported property crimes per 1,000 people in the city. Dublin ranked 36th, while San Ramon ranked 11th and Danville was ranked the safest city in the state, for the fifth year in a row.

“Pleasanton is a safe community in large part because of a partnership between the police department and those we’re honored to serve, and that’s you,” Swing concluded. “Remember, if you see something suspicious, call us to check it out. We are here to serve, and committed to keeping Pleasanton safe. Thank you for watching out for one another and supporting the work of your public safety partners.”