Outbreak Of Violence In Prompts LAPD Raid On MS-13

LOS ANGELES, CA —A raid targeting MS-13 gang members following an outbreak of violence in the San Fernando Valley netted three arrests and a cache of guns, authorities announced Thursday morning.

The raid were carried out across Los Angeles County Wednesday morning, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Detectives zeroed in on the gang during the murder investigation of a Bradley Hanaway, a 34-year-old homeless who was shot and killed as he slept outside the Valley Plaza Recreation Center in North Hollywood. His murder is one of several violent crimes in the area linked to MS13, police allege. The gang is also believed to be responsible for at least five other violent assaults in the area of the recreation center shortly after Hanaway's slaying.

Authorities said to expect more arrests soon.

Several additional suspects are outstanding. However, "we expect to have them in custody in the coming days, and do not believe there is an immediate threat to the community," the LAPD said in a statement.

Investigators seized weapons, ammunition, electronic media and gang paraphernalia from approximately 10 locations raided, the LAPD said.

"Over the past year, tagging and other evidence of MS13's presence has been observed at multiple locations throughout the Valley," the statement said. "Officials believe the gang is attempting to establish a foothold by directly challenging rival gangs in the area."

Investigators said Hanaway's slaying by members of MS13 was motivated by the gang's attempt to take over the area in and around the Valley Plaza Recreation Center.

"This... operation not only assisted investigators in the furtherance of their investigation, but also sent a message to MS13 that their criminal presence will not be tolerated in the San Fernando Valley or anywhere within the City of Los Angeles," the LAPD said.

Police requested the assistance of the Department of Children and Family Services during the operation because investigators believed there would be children at the raid locations who were possibly subjected to neglect and/or abuse by suspects under investigation. A total of 20 children were assessed and three investigations involving nine children were initiated, but no children were immediately removed, police said.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.