Stockton Police Arrest 5 In Gang Raid
STOCKTON, Calif. (CBS13) -- A long-term investigation has led to the arrest of five alleged gang members in a crime-plagued area of Stockton, and law enforcement is searching for additional suspects who are still at large, authorities said.
The Stockton Police Department said officers and ATF agents served warrants on eight gang members and their alleged accomplices Thursday, arresting five on numerous narcotics and conspiracy charges. Three more are still being sought by authorities.
The arrests come after a lengthy investigation into a neighborhood near California and Park Streets, about a square mile in total, that experienced 3 homicides, 107 robberies, 57 assaults and 16 drive-by shootings in a 13-month period.
Investigators said they identified one particular street gang who was driving the crime wave through illegal firearms and narcotics sales.
Authorities have arrested 42-year-old Michael Oliver, 35-year-old Anthony West, 38-year-old David Fernandez, 38-year-old Shampale Preciado and 46-year-old Joseph Blair.
Investigators are still searching for 38-year-old Sergio Loza, 29-yea-rold Melvin Smith and 42-year-old Inger Johns.
