SIMI VALLEY : Police Raid Homes of Gang Members
Simi Valley police conducted a first-ever search Wednesday for probation violations at the residences of 17 gang members and one non-member, authorities said.
Two men were arrested in the sweep, in which Ventura County probation officers also participated, said Lt. Jon Ainsworth of the Simi Valley Police Department. Sanctions may be sought against seven others for possible violation of probation conditions, he said.
Jason Barton, 18, was arrested on suspicion of possessing hashish, and David Quijada, 18, was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant stemming from a previous alcohol offense, Ainsworth said.
Twenty Simi Valley officers, including six members of the department’s special enforcement detail, split into four teams and conducted the raids between 7 and 9:30 a.m.
“Although frequently surprised, the occupants were cooperative and submitted to the court-authorized search,” Ainsworth said.
Although no guns were found, police confiscated several knives, drug paraphernalia, ammunition and various gang-related items, including graffiti samples and clothing, he said.
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