10 Arrested in Gang-Related Carjackings

Ten gang members were arrested early Friday in connection with a series of carjackings in the Firestone area, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

The suspects, ages 17 to 22, were arrested without incident in Los Angeles, Huntington Park, South Gate, Downey and Lynwood, said Sgt. Ron Spear. The Sheriff’s Department, the district attorney’s office, FBI and Treasury Department served the search-and-arrest warrants.

A sheriff’s special weapons team was sent to a duplex in the Firestone area, where one warrant was served, because deputies believed that a suspect might be hiding in the attic. After firing tear gas into the attic, deputies searched the building and concluded that the man had fled.

Four handguns, ammunition, 10 automobile stereo systems and car parts were recovered at the various locations, Spear said.

“The carjackings took place over a three-month period, perpetrated by members of four different Hispanic and black gangs,” he said. “The methods used often included swarming the victims and using force, fear and weapons to deprive them of their vehicles and other property.”

All but one of the suspects was ordered held without bail.