Modesto police found a number of homeless individuals living in caves along the Tuolumne River last weekend.
The Modesto Police Department teamed up with local community volunteer group 9.2.99 to clean up the site, specifically in the Crater Ave. and Dallas St. Area.
The big picture: Police said in a statement that the homeless people living in the area had dug caves into the riverbank to live in.
- Police and volunteers removed 7,600 pounds of trash, as well as two truckloads and a trailer of garbage.
- The caves were about 20 feet below street level, and some of them were furnished by the homeless living in them, according to a report from KOVR.
What they’re saying: “This particular area has been plagued by vagrancy and illegal camps, which have raised concerns due to the fact that these camps were actually caves dug into the riverbanks,” Modesto police said in a statement.
- The City of Modesto said in a statement that city and state departments are working collaboratively to implement immediate safety measures, starting with barricades and temporary fencing.
- The city said law enforcement, the fire department and other city staff will monitor the area.
- “The City recognizes the importance of not only addressing the immediate safety risks but also working towards a comprehensive solution to permanently eliminate these caves,” the city said. “Our commitment is to navigate this situation with diligence, taking into account the structural safety of the surrounding areas. The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priorities, and we appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our residents during this process.”
