FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – City leaders are tackling the problem as more people drunk or on drugs are dying in the streets of Fresno after being hit by vehicles.
Fresno’s Police Chief Jerry Dyer and partners held a press conference Thursday in front of the Fresno Rescue Mission, downtown.
He said with Prop 47 decriminalizing most narcotic offences, there’s an increase in the number of people with substance abuse issues.
Chief Dyer said out of 30 pedestrian deaths by vehicles in 2018, 19 of the deceased were under the influence at the time.
“That’s why the Fresno Police Dept, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and the Rescue Mission have partnered on providing alternatives to incarceration to individuals that are either under the influence of drugs or alcohol or in possession of small amounts of drugs,” said Chief Dyer.
Chief Dyer was joined by Fresno DA Lisa Smittcamp and Rescue Mission Pastor Rob Cravy (below) announcing the Rescue Mission Sober Center will be expanding.
The DA’s Office says they would not file criminal charges for those who followed through with their sobriety.
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
