Gang Task Force Arrests Suspects in Palmdale, Identities Withheld by Los Angeles Authorities

A large-scale operation targeting gang members in Los Angeles County resulted in the arrest of thirteen people.

Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were looking into an Antelope Valley street gang accused of violent acts. Several gang members were identified, along with their homes.

On Thursday, search warrants were executed in 18 sites in Lancaster and Palmdale with the assistance of multiple authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

During the searches, detectives seized 23 firearms, including two AK-47 rifles, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, and a considerable quantity of drugs. At one area, LASD’s Arson and Explosives Detail discovered suspected C-4 explosives and a mortar, which they securely removed.

Thirteen defendants were arrested under 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

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The accused were all booked at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station and held without bail. Their identities were not revealed. The court hearing is planned 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 continue under investigation. Anyone with additional information can contact OSS Bureau Lieutenant Daniel Rodriguez at 310-680-2511.

Reference: 13 arrested in large-scale operation targeting Los Angeles County gang members