Rocket launcher, weapons, meth seized; 4 gang members arrested by Lakewood Sheriff’s

Members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Operation Safe Streets (OSS) Bureau gang detectives assigned to Lakewood Sheriff’s Station seized a rocket launcher, handgun, silencer, ammunition for an assault weapon, body armor, and suspected methamphetamine during the service of search warrants on Wednesday.

OSS investigators developed information during their investigation of a gang-related attempt murder incident and an assault with a deadly weapon incident that lead to the service of search warrants at eight locations Wednesday; six of the locations were in the city of Paramount, one in the city of Compton, and one in the city of Long Beach. Both shooting incidents occurred in the City of Paramount in May 2012.

During the service of the search warrant in the 16400 block of Georgia Avenue, Paramount, a rocket launcher, silencer, assault rifle magazine loaded with live rounds, body armor, .357 caliber live rounds, and suspected methamphetamine were seized.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Arson Explosives detectives determined the AT-4 (Anti-Tank) rocket launcher was inoperable. The rocket launcher, which appears to be a military weapon, was designed to only be fired one time and cannot be reloaded. It lacks a serial number and therefore determining its origins may not be possible.

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services removed two young children for placement from the location on Georgia Avenue. Southeast Animal Control Agency personnel removed several pit-bull puppies from the same address.

Suspect Jose Gutierrez (age 30, resident of Paramount) was arrested for illegal possession of a rocket launcher, possession of a silencer, ex-felon in possession of ammunition and magazines, and possession for sales of methamphetamine. Suspect Jimmy Regalado (age 25, resident of Paramount) was arrested for possession for sales of methamphetamine. Suspect Armando Nunez (age 34, resident of Long Beach) was arrested for illegally possessing ammunition and vandalism. Suspect Jorge Galvan (age 29, resident of Paramount) was arrested for an outstanding warrant. All four suspects are gang members.