CHP Warns Its Officers of Gang Death Threats

California Highway Patrol officers were warned of a possible death threat from one of Los Angeles’ most notorious street gangs, while a task force of more than 200 Los Angeles police officers arrested more than 150 suspects in the latest crackdown on gangs, authorities said Saturday.

The CHP broadcast a statewide alert, warning its officers to be especially vigilant when stopping motorists.

“We have an unverified threat that the Crips are going to kill five CHP officers a day in retaliation for past arrests,” CHP spokesman Mike Brey said. “We do not know the reason for this threat.”

Brey said the threat was received late Friday night at the CHP communications center in Sacramento. The warning was broadcast to units throughout the state.

“While it’s unverified, we can’t ignore it,” Brey said. “We’re being especially cautious.”

The CHP said Saturday that there had been no recent reports of violence against its officers.

The broadcast went out as a contingent of 219 Los Angeles Police Department officers swept the Central City area in the department’s continuing crackdown on street gangs. Officers said 154 people were arrested--92 of them suspected gang members--104 traffic citations were issued, 21 cars were impounded and four guns were seized.

Late Friday night, a 21-year-old gang member was shot to death in the east Compton area, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The man, whose name was not immediately released, was gunned down by two men who drove up to the driveway in which he was standing and shouted a gang slogan, deputies said. There were no arrests.