Riverside Gang Sweep Nets 50 Arrets

The efforts of several different law enforcement agencies have lead to the arrest of more than 50 gang members in Riverside County.

“Operation Compromise” targeted members of two rival street gangs: the Eastside Riva, made up entirely of Hispanics, and the 1200 Blocc Crips, made up entirely of African Americans. The gang crackdown resulted in the arrest of 50 known gang members, the seizure of 28 guns, and 2 pet rattlesnakes.

Multiple agencies participated in the sweep, including the Riverside Police Department, Riverside County Sherriff’s Department, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Their main goal was to target the gangs’ leadership.

The gangs are considered two of the most dangerous street gangs in the Inland Empire. The Eastside Riva is the oldest and most violent street gang in Riverside and has over 800 members. For years they have been at war with the 1200 Blocc Crips, which has about 200 members.

According to Riverside District Attorney Rod Pacheco, violence between the two gangs has led to multiple deaths, including the death of innocent people and children. Both gangs actively traffic narcotics as well.

Pacheco praised the sweep that culminated from 14 months of work by the district attorney’s office and the various law enforcement agencies involved.