A multi-agency operation in San Bernardino and Highland has resulted in the arrests of 33 people known gang members, on a variety of charges including murder and attempted murder, authorities announced Monday.
The arrests were made by a task force that was formed after investigators in March noticed an increase in homicides and carjackings in the two cities, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The group was comprised of investigators from the sheriff’s and probation departments, FBI, California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino Police Department.
The crimes were found to be the result of a rivalry between Blood and Crip gangs, specifically the Tre Roc Mafia, California Gardens Crips and Delmann Heights Bloods, the Sheriff’s Department said.
The investigative team identified suspects over the past three months and conducted a “special operation” on Dec. 5, officials said.
The 33 arrests included three for murder, 29 counts of attempted murder, 16 counts of conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder, and two counts of accessory to murder, according to authorities.
“This effort was absolutely necessary,” Sheriff John McMahon said in the news release. “Gang violence and violent crimes don’t have jurisdictional boundaries, so law enforcement must work together to rid the streets of these gang members who are reigning terror in our neighborhoods. There were a number of victims that were not affiliated with gangs or had gang ties. A four year old boy and 2 month old baby were innocent victims of this violence.”