YouTube rap video leads to multiple arrests of gang members
Seven members of a suspected street gang have been arrested after officials say a YouTube video played a big part in proof of their crimes.
Monterey Police Department Lieutenant Ethan Andrews tells us for the past several months, the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team (PRVNT) had been investigating members of a suspected street gang operating on the Monterey Peninsula.
During this investigation, a music video on YouTube came to light, showing what appears to be the group engaging in various illegal activities.
As a result of this investigation, search warrants and arrests warrants were obtained for multiple persons in Monterey County.
On Monday, members of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Salinas Police Department Violence Suppression Unit (VSU), Monterey Peninsula Regional Special Response Unit (SRU), California Highway Patrol, Marina Police Department, Seaside Police Department, Monterey Police Department, and PRVNT served warrants at locations in Salinas, Seaside, and Marina.
Carlos Arrazola, 30, of Salinas was arrested on a warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm and gang enhancement. His bail was set at $250,000.
Robert Lopez, 24, of Seaside was arrested in Monterey for a warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm and a gang enhancement. He was additionally charged with fresh felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, felon in possession of ammunition and gang enhancement. His bail was set at $250,000.
Aracadio Perez, 21, of Seaside was arrested on a warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm and gang enhancement. His bail was set at $250,000.
Martin Trinidad, 24, of Seaside was arrested on a warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm and gang enhancement. His bail was set at $250,000.
Jose Rodriguez, 22, of Seaside was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and gang enhancement. His bail was set at $30,000.
Mario Villagrana, 24, of Seaside was arrested on a warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm and gang enhancement. His bail was set at $250,000.
Armando Pimentel, 23, of Seaside was already in custody on other charges and was additionally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and gang enhancement.
Andrews tells us this case is still open, and they are going to continue to pursue tips and other information. If you have additional information, please contact PRVNT at (831) 646-6926 or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact the Tip-Line at (831) 646-3840.
