Stockton Violence Prevention Worker Shot: A First in Program History and What It Means for Community Safety

Wednesday morning brought a grim moment to Stockton’s Office of Violence Prevention when a team member was shot in the leg on South Van Buren Street. This marks the first time in the program’s history that one of their workers has been a victim of gun violence, despite spending every day trying to prevent exactly this type of incident. The victim is expected to recover, and Stockton Police Department is actively investigating the shooting with no suspects or motive identified at this time.

Vice Mayor Jason Lee’s response captured the painful irony of the situation, calling the incident“heartbreaking and unacceptable”and noting that someone dedicated to interrupting violence became a victim of it. This perspective highlights a reality that often goes unspoken: the people doing violence prevention work in our communities face real danger. They’re not police officers with tactical training. They’re community members building relationships and trying to stop cycles of violence before they escalate.

Program Director Lora Larson’s commitment to moving forward is notable. Despite this traumatic event, she reaffirmed the team’s dedication to supporting the community and building a stronger, safer Stockton. This incident raises important questions for our region: How do we protect the people who are protecting our neighborhoods? What resources do violence prevention programs actually need to keep their workers safe while they do this vital work? The answers matter not just for Stockton, but for communities across the Sacramento region dealing with similar challenges.