The calls for installing cameras on freeways have increased since there have been a number of shootings this year. The state of California is planning to install 200 closed-circuit television cameras, and according to CalTrans, eight of those cameras have already been installed in the East Bay.
To catch criminals who commit violent crimes on California’s freeways, Governor Gavin Newsom announced funding for new freeway cameras back in May. Three suspects have been charged with murder after the 23-month-old Jasper Wu was found dead on an Oakland freeway, according to the announcement made by Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley on Thursday.
“The horrific nightmare for the Wu family and their baby being killed in such a senseless and violent manner can never be reconciled,” said O’Malley
The toddler was killed on November 6, 2021, while dozing off in his car seat, by a stray bullet. On Oakland’s Interstate 880, two gangs engaged in a continuous gunfight that included the Wu family. At the press conference was Jasper’s father.
“They wish that no family, no one will have to go through what they’ve gone through and they want to keep everybody safe,” said President of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Carl Chan
The Wu family is advocating for the installation of additional freeway cameras, and Chan has thrown his support behind them. Since Wu’s passing, there have been a number of additional highway shootings on I-880 and I-580.
“Innocent people are quite literally caught in the crossfire,” O’Malley said.
The new high-definition CCTV cameras should be able to identify the type of vehicle, the license plate number, and even the number of occupants. The $10 million one-time cost for the pilot program is being covered by Caltrans.
The location of the cameras is still being determined, a Caltrans spokesperson tells KRON4. As previously stated by the governor’s office, the cameras will be positioned along the main routes of Interstates 880, 580, State Routes 4, 24, and 185 in the counties of Alameda and Contra Costa.
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Source: kron4.com
