Lodi Gang Activity and Violence Analysis
Comprehensive Report on Gang Organization, Criminal Activity, and Law Enforcement Response (2020-2025) | Updated December 29, 2025
Executive Summary
Lodi, a city of approximately 67,000 residents in San Joaquin County, California, has experienced significant gang-related violence over the past five years. The gang landscape is predominantly shaped by the Norteño-Sureño rivalry, with multiple documented Norteño sets including Varrio Centro Lodi (VCL) and Varrio Latino Locos (VLL) active in the area. Despite achieving a 94% reduction in gang-related cases by 2019, the city has experienced a resurgence in gang activity, with a 105% increase in gang-related incidents from 2022 to 2023. This report documents active gangs, their characteristics, territorial distribution, and specific incidents attributable to gang violence, including the most recent fatal shooting on December 28, 2025.
Gang Activity and Violence in Lodi, California
Overview of Gang Presence in Lodi
Lodi's gang landscape is dominated by the broader Northern California gang conflict between rival Hispanic prison gang affiliations. The city's geography—proximate to Stockton, a region with higher gang activity—contributes to gang presence. Gang activity in Lodi reflects a history spanning from the 1980s, with membership fluctuating between approximately 163 documented gang members across 6 active gangs during peak periods.
Active Gangs and Their Characteristics
Primary Gang Affiliations
Colors: Red
Signs and Symbols: Number 14 (representing "N," the 14th letter of the alphabet), "XIV," "X4," four dots, Huelga bird, and the term "Norte"
Affiliation: Pay tribute to Nuestra Familia prison gang
Geographic Territory: Northern California, with the traditional dividing line running through Delano in Kern County
Lodi Presence: Dominant gang structure in the city
Colors: Blue
Signs and Symbols: Number 13 (representing "M," the 13th letter of the alphabet for Mexican Mafia), "XIII," "X3," three dots, and "Sur"
Affiliation: Pay tribute to the Mexican Mafia (La eMe)
Geographic Territory: Southern California and select regions of Central California
Specific Lodi Gang Sets
Identified as a documented Norteño gang operating in Lodi. VCL represents a primary local clique that aligns with the broader Norteño network structure.
Also known as "Vatos Locos Latinos," a Norteño (N14) gang with presence in the Lodi and Stockton area. VLL is "cliqued up" (allied) with the Fly Boys gang. The gang has experienced significant violence, with at least three members killed in the past year: Monch, Chooch, and Manos. From 2017-2019, VLL was engaged in a violent feud with East Oak gangs.
Additional Gang Types
Beyond Hispanic gangs, Lodi has historically experienced activity from:
- African-American gangs: Bloods and Crips
- White gangs: Various white supremacist groups
- Asian gangs: Including Hmong and other Southeast Asian gangs in the broader region
Gang Membership and Statistics
Documented Gang Members (Historical Peak)
Across 6 active gangs
Peak Gang-Related Cases
At one point in history
2019 Gang Cases
94% reduction from peak
2023 Increase
vs. 2022 gang-related incidents
Geographic Distribution and Hot Spots
High-Activity Areas
Lower-Activity Areas
Gang Organization and Structure
Norteño Structure
- Relatively unorganized compared to Sureño gangs
- Each set (clique) typically has a leader or "shot caller"
- Some sets receive guidance from Nuestra Familia generals imprisoned in the California Department of Corrections
- Primary rivals are Sureños, though Norteño sets occasionally engage in internal conflicts
Command and Control
- Most Norteño gang members have no direct contact with Nuestra Familia members
- Nuestra Familia exercises control through a hierarchical prison-based structure
- Street gangs carry out criminal activities that generate income and maintain territorial control
Gang-Related Crimes and Specific Incidents (2020-2025)
2020
September 7, 2020 – Tokei Liquor Store Homicide
Location: Local liquor store
Victim: Gurminder "Gary" Parmar, beloved liquor store clerk
Incident: Parmar was shot and killed during a robbery
Suspects Arrested:
- Sheridan Thomas (20)
- Maleek Carter-Rea (19)
- Larry Thornton (19) – all from Stockton
Outcome: In September 2023, Sheridan Thomas Jr. was found guilty of murder and robbery and sentenced
Impact: The victim's widow expressed continued fear about operating the business; significant impact on community trust and small business security
2021
July 2, 2021 – Jorge Gonzalez Jr. Homicide
Victim: Jorge Gonzalez Jr., age 15
Location: South Hutchins Street strip mall area
Time: Approximately 8:14 PM
Incident: Fatal shooting; police suspected an altercation between two groups
Arrest: A 17-year-old male was arrested on July 8, 2021, and booked into Juvenile Hall for murder
Gang Involvement: Police investigated potential gang involvement but did not immediately confirm gang affiliation
Significance: Represented gang violence involving juveniles
2023
November 25, 2023 – Alan Ruiz Jr. Homicide
Victim: Alan Ruiz Jr., age 15
Location: Near Hale Road and South Cherokee Lane
Incident: Targeted shooting; victim visiting father for Thanksgiving holiday
Significance: Seventh homicide of 2023; deadliest year since 2018
Suspects Arrested: A teenager and a 30-year-old man arrested in December 2023
Family Statement: Victim's family stated he was not gang-affiliated
Broader Context: 2023 saw a 105% surge in gang-related incidents compared to 2022
2024
May 15, 2018 (Conviction 2023) – Rodrigo Lee Ignacio Homicide
Victim: Rodrigo Lee Ignacio, age 23
Incident: Fatally shot in front of his home
Defendants Convicted:
- Andres Hernandez (23)
- Andrew Collazo (21)
Charges: Gang-related homicide, attempted murder, and assault with a firearm
Conviction Date: January 2023
Impact: Long-standing investigation demonstrating persistence of gang violence
July 11, 2024 – Gang-Related Kidnapping/Torture Case
Incident: Eight individuals arrested in a gang-related kidnapping, torture, and firearms case in San Joaquin County
Agencies: San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office AGNET Unit and Stockton Police
Charges: Gang enhancements, kidnapping, torture, weapons violations
Significance: Demonstrated inter-jurisdictional gang crime coordination
August 2024 – Narcotics Investigation
Operation: Special Investigations Unit concluded months-long narcotics investigation
Focus: Gang members and narcotics violators
Result: Multiple arrests with gang enhancements
September 13-15, 2024 – Lodi Bowling Lounge Shooting
Location: Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar, North Sacramento Street
Time: Approximately 8:17 PM
Victims: Two men in their 30s shot; both suffered critical injuries but survived
Suspects Arrested:
- Pete Martinez (18)
- 16-year-old juvenile
Evidence Recovered: Two firearms recovered from suspect vehicle
Classification: Gang-related and targeted shooting
Response: Armed security guard returned fire during incident
Business Impact: Bowling alley temporarily closed; reopened with heightened security measures
Community Impact: Residents expressed fear after shooting outside family-oriented venue
September 19, 2024 – East Elm Street Gang Arrests
Location: 400 block of East Elm Street
Operation: Gang enforcement sweep
Suspects Arrested:
- Two juveniles (ages 16 and 17)
- Contreras (27)
- Martinez Galeno (adult)
Documentation: All suspects documented gang members on searchable probation
Evidence: Loaded firearm with extended magazine recovered from suspect vehicle
Charges: Weapons offenses with gang enhancements and probation violations
December 28, 2025 – West Harney Lane Fatal Shooting
West Harney Lane Homicide Investigation
Date and Time: December 28, 2025, approximately 10:33 PM
Location: 800 block of West Harney Lane, apartment complex
Victim: Male victim known by street name "Manos," member of Varrio Latino Locos (VLL) N14 Norteño gang
Injuries: Multiple gunshot wounds, including gunshot to the face; CPR attempted at scene
Outcome: Victim transported to county hospital where he was pronounced deceased
Gang Context: Third VLL member killed in past year (following "Monch" and "Chooch")
Police Assessment: Shooting appeared isolated and gang-related
Case Number: LPD Case #25-7995
Investigation Status: Active investigation with detectives following up on leads as of December 29, 2025
Significance: Most recent fatal shooting in Lodi; represents escalating pattern of violence targeting VLL members; indicates ongoing gang conflict with potential for retaliatory violence
Law Enforcement Response and Gang Enforcement
Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
The Lodi Police Department's Special Investigations Unit, established in 1996, focuses on proactive law enforcement targeting:
- Career criminals with gang affiliations
- Gang members and documented gang associations
- Sex offenders with criminal histories
- Narcotic violators and drug dealers
The unit maintains two detectives dedicated specifically to gang enforcement who routinely conduct contact cards for gang members, documenting intelligence and maintaining current gang intelligence databases.
Gang Suppression and Reduction Programs
Enforcement Statistics and Metrics
| Metric | Value/Result |
|---|---|
| Violent Crime Solve Rate | 70-80% |
| Personnel Increase (2022-2023) | From 70 to 81 officers |
| Dedicated Gang Detectives | 2 detectives |
| SIU Established | 1996 |
| Gang Enforcement Priority | Ongoing focus area |
Crime Trends and Statistical Analysis
Violent Crime Trends
According to recent data, Lodi has experienced significant fluctuations in violent crime:
| Crime Category | Rate/Statistic | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide Rate | Varied (peak 2018, 2023) | 2023 was deadliest year since 2018 |
| Gang-Related Incidents | +105% (2022-2023) | Significant resurgence |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 in 223 chance | Among highest in California |
| Violent Crime Rate | 3.83 per 1,000 residents | Higher than most communities |
| Property Crime Rate | 20.80 per 1,000 residents | Significant concern |
| Violent Crime Victim Chance | 1 in 261 | Higher than most communities |
Comparative Safety Data
Firearms in Gang Violence
- 69.9% of homicides in California in 2024 involved firearms
- 20.1% of all homicides in California were gang-related in 2024
- Gang shootings in Lodi have been occurring "at far greater rates than we're comfortable with," according to police officials
Contributing Factors and Challenges
Systemic Issues
Law Enforcement Challenges
- Data Reporting Issues: Lodi PD experienced Records Management System (RMS) challenges and only began full reporting in August 2024
- Resource Constraints: Despite personnel increases, responding to proactive gang enforcement while maintaining regular patrol coverage remains challenging
- Community Fear: Some community members express reluctance to report gang activity due to fear of retaliation
Community Impact
Economic Impact
Business owners near gang activity hotspots report considering closing their businesses. The liquor store owner whose employee was killed in 2020 expressed ongoing fear about business operations. Property values in high-crime areas may be affected by frequent shooting incidents and gang presence.
Psychological Impact
Community members express fear when violence occurs near family-oriented venues like bowling alleys. Trauma affects families of victims and witnesses, creating lasting psychological effects. Youth in high-gang-activity areas report feeling pressure to affiliate for protection.
Social Disruption
Gang activity disrupts community events and public spaces. Youth feel pressure to affiliate with gangs for protection and social identity. Schools in areas near gang activity experience disruption and safety concerns.
Recent Developments and Current Status
2024-2025 Trends
As of late 2024 and early 2025, Lodi continues to face significant gang-related challenges:
- Gang enforcement remains a top priority for Lodi Police Department's Special Investigations Unit
- The December 28, 2025 West Harney Lane shooting demonstrates that gang violence persists and may be escalating
- The targeting of Varrio Latino Locos members indicates ongoing gang conflicts, with three members killed in the past year
- Police continue proactive enforcement, including probation sweeps and targeted operations on known gang hotspots
- Enhanced security measures have been implemented at previous incident locations
- The recent killing of "Manos" from VLL raises concerns about potential retaliatory violence
Statewide Context
California's overall violent crime landscape provides context for Lodi's situation:
- California's violent crime rate increased 1.7% in 2023 but decreased 6% in 2024
- Homicide rates have been declining after a pandemic surge but remain above 2019 levels
- Gang-related homicides account for approximately 20% of all homicides statewide
Conclusion
Lodi's gang landscape is characterized by the historic Norteño-Sureño rivalry, with Varrio Centro Lodi (VCL) and Varrio Latino Locos (VLL) representing primary local Norteño sets. While the city achieved a significant reduction in gang activity by 2019, recent years have witnessed a dramatic resurgence, particularly in 2023-2025. The December 28, 2025 fatal shooting at the 800 block of West Harney Lane represents the most recent and concerning manifestation of gang violence in the city. The victim, known as "Manos," was a member of Varrio Latino Locos N14 and represents the third member of VLL killed in the past year, indicating an escalating pattern of violence targeting this specific gang. The shooting occurred at an apartment complex, with the victim suffering multiple gunshot wounds including being shot in the face. As of December 29, 2025 (today), the investigation remains active with no arrests announced.
Gang membership in Lodi has historically numbered around 163 members across approximately 6 active gangs, though these figures fluctuate and may be higher given recent activity. The city's law enforcement has responded with specialized units (SIU), community programs (Breakthrough Project, CalGRIP), and increased personnel, achieving a relatively high solve rate for violent crimes at 70-80%.
However, significant challenges persist, including the influence of prison gangs, firearm availability, geographic proximity to higher-crime areas like Stockton, and socioeconomic factors that make gang membership attractive to vulnerable youth. The fact that VLL has lost three members in one year suggests an active gang conflict that may continue to produce violence unless successfully interrupted by law enforcement or community intervention efforts. The pattern of recent incidents—from the 2020 liquor store homicide through the September 2024 bowling alley shooting and culminating in the December 28, 2025 Harney Lane killing—demonstrates that gang violence remains an urgent public safety concern requiring sustained law enforcement attention, evidence-based community intervention programs, and coordinated multi-agency efforts.
References and Sources
- City of Lodi - Gangs Information Page
- CBS Sacramento - Lodi Homicide Coverage
- Lodi Police Department Official Website
- Wikipedia - Norteños Gang Encyclopedia
- Wikipedia - Sureños Gang Encyclopedia
- United Gangs - Norteños (Norte 14) Profile
- California Department of Justice - Open Justice Crime Statistics
- Neighborhood Scout - Lodi Crime Statistics and Rates
- CBS Sacramento - Lodi Bowling Lounge Shooting September 2024
- CBS Sacramento - Alan Ruiz Jr. Homicide Investigation
- CBS Sacramento - Gary Parmar Liquor Store Homicide 2020
- San Joaquin County District Attorney - Rodrigo Ignacio Case Conviction
- Public Policy Institute of California - Crime Trends Analysis
- California Attorney General - Transnational Gang Information
- Lodi Police Department - Special Investigations Unit
- Board of State and Community Corrections - Gang Reduction Programs