Series of shootings sparks fear for Cathedral City business, residents

We’re less than two months into the new year and Cathedral City police already have a series of new shootings to solve. A 22-year-old man was shot and killed at the Landau Plaza Jan. 31, a home and two cars were shot at last Friday and a 47-year-old man is recovering after being shot twice at Sky Blue Water Trail Monday night. All of the shootings happened on or near Ramon road.

“That is very scary to us because it’s a little too close to home,” said Tim Atcheson, manager of Don & Sweet Sue’s Caf in Cathedral City.

Don & Sweet Sue’s Caf has been in business for 22 years on Ramon Road.
Atcheson said as the city grows, so does the crime, which surrounds the restaurant. The safety of his employees and customers are a priority.

“Our parking lot is well lit, our building is well lit. Our restaurant is well lit. It’s busy and active,” said Atcheson.

Noe Suarez grew up in Cathedral City said he knows which areas to avoid and when.

“At night, usually when more crime happens, there are areas you just don’t want to be in. It’s just dark and you could potentially run into something you don’t want to be a part of,” said Suarez.

Cathedral City police said the crimes are not related and they are working diligently to solve them.

While officers ask for your help to come forward with any information, Atcheson wants more help from police.

“Hopefully the Cathedral City Police Department will cruise the area a little more especially in the evening,” he said.

CCPD told News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2 it doesn’t have the option to put more officers on the street, but it will have its on-duty officers circulate the area more often and for longer periods of time.