Seattle Police on Watch for Gang Members From L.A.
Seattle police, trying to stem the influx of Los Angeles gang members into the Northwest, have begun watching bus stations and Amtrak arrivals since their success at intercepting gang members at the airport.
Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C., authorities have joined in the effort after being notified that gang members were flying to those cities and renting cars to drive to Seattle.
Earlier this year, several reputed gang members were arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after arriving on flights from Los Angeles, but none have been detected in recent weeks, police said.
The Washington State Patrol has stepped up its watch for vehicles carrying gang members, and surveillance also is being conducted at Greyhound and Amtrak stations, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Gene Wilson in Seattle.
Portland and Vancouver investigators have been given descriptions on the ages, dress and habits of gang members so they can be identified at airports in those cities.
Customs officials at the U.S.-Canadian border between Washington and British Columbia also are on alert, said Wilson.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
