CA - 10 Vagos Motorcycle Gang Members Arrested in Multiple Raids

OFF THE WIRE
Another 10 members of the Vagos motorcycle gang were arrested after a series of raids in California. The raids came after an 18-month investigation into the motorcycle gang. Charges include rape, drug violations, weapon violations, and murder.

Last month the leader of the San Jose Chapter of the Hells Angels was killed during a gun fight at a Nevada hotel between the Hells Angels and the Vagos club. A few motorcycle gang members have already been arrested in connection with the shooting. The LA Times reports that a some of the members taken into custody yesterday were also suspected to be involved with the shooting.

"It's a dangerous organization ... that's responsible for putting drugs into our communities and schools," said Senior Special Agent David King. "These individuals are armed to protect their criminal enterprise, and they've shown how quickly they are willing to use their guns in public.''

State agents and local officials executed 52 search warrants in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Imperial counties.

The 18 month investigation has already resulted in the arrest of 25 Vagos gang members. Authorities have also seized hundreds of weapons, including grenade launchers, and at least 20 kilos of cocaine.

"Department of Justice agents put their lives on the line to protect Californians," state Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris said in a prepared statement. "They provide the expertise and leadership we need to tackle gangs that are becoming more organized, more sophisticated and more lethal. The outlaw motorcycle gangs our agents targeted today are one example of the need for California to continue our coordinated and smart approach to targeting gangs committing serious, violent crimes."

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