During a massive raid operation in Santa Clarita on Thursday, eight members of the Newhall 13 Gang were taken into custody.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the crackdown was the outcome of a two-year investigation into severe felonies including criminal street gang activity.
Thirteen search warrants were served at various sites throughout the Santa Clarita Valley following the identification and location of the suspects.
Eleven persons, including two minors, were taken into custody and eight suspects were apprehended. Four weapons, body armour, gang-related apparel, and other evidence linked to criminal activities were also discovered by deputies.
Authorities did not identify the gang members that were apprehended.
“Newhall 13 has been a generational gang for several years, and they’re responsible for a lot of our Part-I crimes, or crimes against person, including shootings and assault with a deadly weapon,” Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station Lt. Brandon Barclay told The Santa Clarita Valley Signal. Adults frequently enlist those under the age of eighteen to attempt to perform their labour, which is done on the streets.
With assistance from the FBI Los Angeles Division, the L.A. County Department of Child and Family Services, and the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office, over 150 LASD employees participated in the operation.
“The Juveniles and Gangs (JAGS) team detectives who led this effort have worked tirelessly for two years to bring this case to completion,” the sheriff’s department said. “Every arrest made and every weapon recovered is a step toward preserving the peace and quality of life our community deserves. Violent crimes will not be tolerated in Santa Clarita.”
