A total of 30 suspects were arrested and 20 firearms were seized—including four assault weapons and two unregulated firearms known as “ghost guns”—in a recent operation targeting a “violent organized criminal group” in Stockton, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
During the operation, law enforcement officers were able to prevent two violent crimes—including a planned shooting—and arrested a man suspected of shooting and attempting to kill a Stockton police sergeant after a pursuit.
The investigation, involving the Stockton Police Department and California Department of Justice, began on Aug. 2 after Stockton officers responded to an armed carjacking victimizing a 69-year-old man, and ended with a large-scale multiagency operation on Sept. 21.
“Working collectively, we were able to conduct focused enforcement on those groups that continued to drive violence in our city,” Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden said in the statement. “We will not tolerate gun violence.”
The vehicle pursuit began when officers found the stolen vehicle, and the suspects stopped and exited the vehicle to shoot at the sergeant pursuing them, striking the officer many times. All but one suspect evaded arrest, until additional suspects were apprehended later.
One of the arrested suspects was charged with carjacking, assault with deadly weapon upon a peace officer, active participation in a criminal street gang, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Two others were charged with accessory in the crimes.
The remaining suspects captured face various charges, such as possession of a firearm, illegal transfer of a firearm, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of cocaine for purpose of sale, and child endangerment.
