Cryptography

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Over a five day span, Fresno Police MAGEC detectives and Homeland Security arrested 52 people in a massive gang operation. 37 of those were active gang members with a violent past.

"It's not just taking that weapon or gang member off the street that's important," said police chief Jerry Dyer. "It's a message that sends to their fellow gang members."

The operation prompted by three shootings between rival gangs.

The recent uptick in gang violence and anticipation of an active summer meant more than 70 with the multi-agency gang enforcement consortium and Homeland Security had boots on the ground.

"We're not going to tolerate gang violence in our city now or in the summer months," Dyer said.

12 search warrants were served, including one at California and Eunice.

Action News was there as detectives arrested Hiram Williams and seized two firearms.

"One of those firearms had an extended magazine that can fire a significant number of rounds in a short period of time," Dyer said.

In addition to the 13 firearms seized, Chief Jerry Dyer discussed the concerning modifications made to the weapons.

"They're not known for their accuracy. There's potential for innocent people to be shot adjacent residents to be struck or vehicles," he said. "So it poses a significant concern when those types of firearms are in the hands of gang members."

Fresno police partners with Homeland Security on a weekly basis, but Dyer says this is one of their most successful operations.

"We're able to work closely with them utilize technology intelligence and narrowly focus on people actively involved in gangs and possession of firearms," he said.

It wasn't the first, nor will it be the last operation. Chief Dyer says the department will execute a number of these operations throughout the next few months with Homeland Security and the ATF.

Comments are closed.