LANCASTER – Seven teams from the sheriff’s department on Thursday conducted a massive crime sweep in the Lancaster area, from Cedar Avenue to Sierra Highway and from Avenue J to Avenue J-7.
The area was chosen based on input from the community indicating a recent rise in gang activity and narcotics sales, according to Palmdale Community Relations deputy Robbie Royster.
The operation was expected to continue into Thursday night. As of 7 p.m., three arrests had been made, Royster said.
- Desidario Rentaria was arrested for possessing a stun-gun, while on probation, and was also found to have a narcotics warrant for his arrest.
- Larry Grew was arrested for a $25,000 warrant.
- Tamera Garrett was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sale.
Antelope Valley Crime Fighting Initiative coordinator Larry Gregg said the operation was a success, even though the weather was cold and windy.
“Like everyone else, even criminals want to get into a warm place when nights are like this,” Gregg stated. “Although only a few arrests have been made, we want the community to see that if they are willing to partner with us and share their concerns regarding their neighborhood, we will dedicate resources to their problems.”
Gregg further encouraged community members to get involved in the safety of their community by joining a neighborhood watch group, joining the Volunteer on Patrol Program, or reporting crime anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Residents can provide this information directly to the Palmdale Station by calling 661-272-2400 or to the Lancaster Station by calling 661-948-8466. Residents may remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Teams participating in Thursday’s saturation operation include the COPS Bureau, Safe Streets Bureau, Lancaster and Palmdale Stations.
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Armen Ians says
Maybe there should be zones of tolerance in the area. The AV is big enough to designate certain deserted areas where Vices can flourish. Have all the girls and beer sellers sell their wares in the middle of now where. The demand for illegal acts is taught through exposure (education/experience). Losing battle unless its acknowledged, embraced, and regulated.
Of course, never going to happen. Politicians, church goes lust for power, control leads them to forever persecute. To the point where their alter boys and cadets become the persecuted. Just like the Indians….never ending.
melvin polatnick says
Native born Chicagoan’ drug dealers are in a state of flux, there are too many cooks in the kitchen. Jive talkers and Cha-Cha dancing criminals refuse to share their territories with illegal Indians from Mexico. Gangbangers must learn from New York’s drug dealers how to get along.
T-Bone says
They could do a sweep there 365 Days a year for the past 20 years and have the same results. They really needed Community Input!
jan11 says
do they also call you T?
T-Bone says
I’ve been called a lot of things in my life! Do they call you jan12 today?
Frank Rizzo says
They call me the Rizz!
T-Bone says
What’s up Rizz?! lol
jan12 says
yeah, and all the newspapers should have this headline more often.
Lynn says
I’m surprised that’s all the people they caught. I would like to invite the Kern County Sheriff’s to start taking this action in Rosamond. A lot of those creeps are moving out there.
Forewarned says
Good job to the Sheriff’s! High Five^ And thank you to the people who care enough about their community to call in any suspicious or criminal activity.
dumbandblind says
I hope the LEAPS plane was flying around helping the Deputies on the ground.