LANCASTER – Lancaster was one of seven cities targeted for a pre-dawn gang raid Thursday, which netted 22 arrests and an assortment of handguns, rifles, shotguns and gang-related paraphernalia.
According to a news release issued Friday, more than 300 deputies and officers, from several agencies, teamed up to serve search warrants at 32 locations in seven cities. The warrants were part of several ongoing investigations into gang related murders, shootings and assaults that stem from a bitter feud between rival gangs. Although the gangs originated in Compton, the warrants were served in Lancaster, Hawthorne, Lynwood, Long Beach, Los Angeles and Anaheim.
As a result of the 5 a.m. operation, 17 males, three females and two juvenile suspects were arrested and jailed on varying charges, including murder, assault with a firearm, and illegal possession of firearms.
Law enforcement also seized an assortment of handguns, rifles, and shotguns, which were illegally possessed by ex-felons, found to be stolen, or suspected to have been used to commit crimes. Gang related paraphernalia along with other evidence of gang membership was also seized, according to the release.
Additionally, three children were taken into custody by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
Information on the locations that were raided in Lancaster, as well how many arrests occurred in Lancaster, was not immediately available Friday afternoon.