Gang Sweep in Hemet Area Results in 15 Arrests

A gang sweep conducted by various local law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals in the nearby San Jacinto Valley, primarily for parole violations and drug possession.

The sweep was conducted Thursday by members of the Hemet/San Jacinto Gang Task Force, the San Jacinto Police Department Special Enforcement Team, California Highway Patrol, and additional Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force teams, according to the Hemet Police Department. Approximately 20 law enforcement officers participated in this event, conducting high visibility saturation patrol in areas frequented by gang members.

All 15 arrested are residents either of Hemet or unincorporated areas east of Hemet. Officers also conducted predetermined probation and parole compliance checks targeting documented gang members.

Those arrested were:

Matilda Colazo, 32, parole violation

Chesre Deckard, 40, fraud warrant

April Dennis, 26, possession of a controlled substance

Daniel Deluna, 42, post-release community supervision violation

Joey Brooks, 43, parole violation

Ricardo Ramirez, 19, vandalism warrant

Ben Lamantia, 26, possession of a controlled substance

Roshell Scott, 26, possession of a controlled substance and a switchblade knife

Ronald Schaffer, 55, possession of a controlled substance

Carlos Lopez, 19, possession of a controlled substance

Michael Perry, 55, possession of a controlled substance, community supervision violation

Ozzy Van Dyke, 23, possession of a controlled substance

Aaron Smith, 29, post-release community supervision violation

Sandra Jones, 44, post-release community supervision violation

Rashan Price, 36, parole violation

Anyone with non-emergency information regarding gang activity who does not wish to come forward should use the online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951-922-7601. This allows you to send information anonymously to the Riverside County Gang Task Force. Any information you provide can serve as a voice for the community and play a significant role in making your neighborhood and Riverside County a safer place to live.

If you would like more information about the Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force, please visit www.riversidecountygtf.org.