Peninsula SWAT Scene Ends With 4 Arrests For Assault, Weapons Charges: Police

SAN MATEO, CA – A total of four people – three of them teens – were arrested this week following a months-long investigation by the San Mateo Police Department's Crime Reduction Unit, authorities say. The operation, which officials say required "extensive pre-planning," was carried out Thursday at three different locations in San Mateo.

According to San Mateo police, the investigation into the suspected criminals began after a group of gang members "...violently assaulted a man following a verbal altercation."

"This investigation was done in close collaboration with the San Mateo Gang Intelligence Unit and the San Mateo County Gang Suppression Unit," police said in a news release.

Come Thursday, authorities apparently had enough to go off to serve search warrants connected to the case.

"Early this morning the extensive efforts of all agencies involved culminated in the successful service of 3 search warrants here in the City of San Mateo by the North Central Regional SWAT and with the assistance of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s SWAT Team," police said.

When the operation was complete, four suspects were in custody on assault and weapons related charges, police aid.

"Officers seized a .40 caliber firearm with the serial number removed, gang indicia, and evidence from the day of the assault," police said. "The Crime Reduction Unit will be following up on this investigation in the coming days and asks for anyone who may have information that could help in this case to please call."

Those arrested were identified as:

• Vasega Masina 21-year-old San Mateo resident
  Charges: 29800(a) PC Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 1203.3 Probation Violation
• Jojiua Etu 18-year-old San Mateo resident
  Charges: SMPD Arrest Warrant for 245(a)(4) PC Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 12022.7(a) PC Assault- Great Bodily Injury, and 186.22(a) PC Gang Enhancement
• Walter Elias 19-years-old San Mateo resident
  Charges: 23920 PC Possession of a Firearm with Altered Serial Number
• Daniel Vanisi 18-year-old San Mateo resident
  Charges: SMPD Arrest Warrant for 245(a)(4) PC Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 12022.7(a) PC Assault- Great Bodily Injury, and 186.22(a) PC Gang Enhancement

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Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone