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Nearly four dozen people have been arrested following an investigation into a 2022 homicide in California.
An 18-month investigation into a gang-related homicide in Merced County, California, has resulted in the arrest of 41 individuals, per ABC 30. The operation, dubbed "Operation Red Rooster," targeted a prominent criminal street gang and was a collaborative effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The investigation began in 2022 following a homicide and attempted homicide in Livingston, linked to the gang. While one suspected shooter was arrested, another remained at large until the recent operation. The operation culminated on Thursday (May 30) with the seizure of over 60 pounds of illegal drugs and nearly 30 firearms from various locations across the county, according to a release from the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Among those arrested was Freddy Hernandez, who authorities identified as responsible for the 2022 homicide in Livingston.
"No fentanyl in our town, no gang violence on our streets. No murderers are going to get away with what they thought they were going to get away with," said Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira.
The operation involved the Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team, local city and county law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and the California Department of Justice. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.