Eighteen alleged members of a Kern County street gang are in custody, following a sweep through Delano by local law enforcement and the FBI.
The arrests follow several months of investigation and authorities say at least one gang member is connected to a recent murder there.
The Kern County Sheriff's department focused on a very active northern county street gang. Investigators say those gang members were responsible for drug activity, threats against sheriff's deputies, conspiracy to commit murder and involvement in a grand theft auto ring.
At a news conference Wednesday, Kern County District attorney Ed Jagles said the gang was knocked off their feet. "They were dealt a hell of a blow today." said Jagles.
More than 100 peace officers, including Kern County Sheriff's deputies, CHP officers and FBI agents, had an abrupt way of waking up suspected gang members, a knock at the door then a set of handcuffs.
"The investigation disturbed their drug trafficking and their auto theft ring." said Kern County Undersheriff Marty Williamson. Officials recovered six guns they believe may have been used in violent crimes in Delano.
The gang is also alleged to have made threats to kill Kern County Sheriff's deputies.
Deputies are still looking for suspected gang member Francisco Cubeiro. The 18 year old is wanted for conspiracy to commit murder and numerous drug charges.
The people arrested today face various criminal charges and will likely appear be in court soon.
"It's going to rock them back on their heals." said Jagles. "They're going to spend much more time worrying about what law enforcement is going to do next rather than thinking about who they're going to shoot or drive out of the neighborhood."
