15 arrests as violent gang is hit again

Dramatic sweep includes 200 officers, ‘flash-bang’ grenades

In a second such raid this year, 200 federal and local law-enforcement officers targeting one of Northern California’s most violent street gangs swooped down on North Richmond on Wednesday, arresting 15 people on drug charges.

The arrests took place during simultaneous 10 a.m. raids as Contra Costa County sheriff’s deputies, Richmond police and FBI SWAT team members served 12 federal arrest warrants and 14 search warrants.

As a sheriff’s helicopter circled overhead, FBI agents dressed in camouflage jumpsuits swarmed the area during the raids, during which authorities lobbed “flash-bang” grenades to disorient suspects.

Several people were detained in the area of Fifth and Market streets in North Richmond, an unincorporated community of 4,000 residents that police say is a hotbed for drug sales, shootings and violence.

“Our goal is to take the violence out of North Richmond,” Contra Costa County sheriff’s Lt. Kitty Parker said at the scene.

Nearly a pound of methamphetamine was recovered during the raids, said Jimmy Lee, Contra Costa County sheriff’s spokesman.

At least six suspects sought Wednesday face federal drug and gang-related charges that will remain sealed pending their appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Wayne Brazil in Oakland, said Special Agent Joseph Schadler, FBI spokesman in San Francisco.

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15 arrests as violent gang is hit again
SFGate