Thirteen suspects were arrested during a large-scale operation targeting gang members in Los Angeles County.
Detectives with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department were investigating an Antelope Valley street gang accused of violent crimes. Several members of the gang were identified, along with their residences.
With help from several agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), search warrants were served at 18 locations throughout Lancaster and Palmdale on Thursday.
During the searches, detectives seized 23 firearms, including two AK-47 rifles, high-capacity magazines, ammunition and a large amount of narcotics. At one location, suspected C-4 explosives and a mortar were found, which were safely removed by LASD’s Arson and Explosives Detail.
Thirteen suspects were arrested on felony charges including:
- Possession of a destructive device or explosive
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Felon in possession of ammunition
- Carrying a loaded firearm – not the registered owner
- Possession of a controlled substance while armed
- Possession of a machine gun
- Possession for sale of a controlled substance
- Possession of methamphetamine for sale
The suspects were all booked at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station and held on zero bail. Their identities were not released. A court hearing is scheduled for March 24.
“In an effort to combat criminal street gang activity, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department formed the Operation Safe Streets (OSS) Bureau in 1979,” officials said. “There are OSS teams assigned to patrol stations throughout the county that are dedicated to investigating, identifying, and apprehending suspects involved in criminal street gang activity.”
The cases remain under investigation. Anyone with additional information can call OSS Bureau Lieutenant Daniel Rodriguez at 310-680-2511.
