On Wednesday December 19th, another Valley-Wide operation was conducted by teams from the Palmdale and Lancaster Sheriff's Station. This operation targeted a specific gang within the valley by conducting parole and probation searches of individual gang members who were previously arrested when the gang was targeted several years ago. The teams spread out across the valley and searched locations in Palmdale, Lancaster and Quartz Hill. In total twenty-one locations were searched and three people arrested.
The arrest charges were;
Possession of methamphetamine and additional methamphetamine was discovered during the booking process.
Possession of a gun
Violation of probation.
The operation was planned by the Sheriff's Department's Safe Streets Bureau (SSB). This unit is tasked with the reduction of crimes committed by gang-members. Lieutenant Larry Del Meese commented that it was important to re-visit gang members following their release from jail or prison to ensure they are complying with the terms and conditions of their Parole or Probationary status. He said, "While the majority of those contacted were in compliance with the terms and conditions of their Parole and Probation, a small percentage of those contacted were arrested. This shows that there are still some of these gang members, and their family and associates, which are violating the law. We will continue to do our duty until their illegal activities stops."
Lieutenant Larry Gregg, the Antelope Valley Crime Fighting Initiatives (AVCFI) coordinator reported that since November of this year numerous operations have occurred that have resulted in nearly 100 arrests and nearly 150 searches and search warrants conducted. He said it is especially important, at this time of year, for the citizens and law enforcement to remain vigilant to ensure a safe holiday season. He added that these types of operations would continue into and throughout 2013. Lieutenant Gregg said, "It is always the goal of not only the Sheriff's Department, but the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale to make each year safer than the last. While that may not always be the case we will not waiver from our commitment to do so." He added that with growing support and assistance from the public crime would continue to drop in the area.
The public is encouraged to provide information regarding any crimes directly to the Palmdale Sheriff's Station by calling 661-272-2400, or they can report it anonymously by contacting "Crime Stoppers" at 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Prepared by Deputy Robbie Royster
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