Police seize rocket launcher, other weapons in gang bust

City News Servicepresstelegram.com
Posted: 06/21/2012 09:34:01 AM PDT
June 21, 2012 4:37 PM GMTUpdated: 06/21/2012 09:35:17 AM PDT

PARAMOUNT — A rocket launcher, a handgun, a silencer, ammunition for an assault weapon, body armor and suspected methamphetamine were seized when search warrants were served today and four gang members were arrested, a sheriff's deputy said.

Detectives with the sheriff's Operation Safe Streets developed information during an investigation of a gang-related killing and assault with a deadly weapon that led to search warrants being served at six locations in Paramount, one in Compton and one in Long Beach, said Deputy Mark Pope.

The shootings that prompted the investigation occurred in Paramount in May.

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

The rocket launcher was an anti-tank weapon which was inoperable. It was designed to be fired one time without reloading. It lacked a serial number, which is expected to make determining its origins difficult, Pope said.

Two children and several pit bull puppies were also seized at the same address.

Jose Gutierrez, 30, was taken into custody in part on suspicion of possession of the rocket launcher and silencer, and being an ex-felon in possession of ammunition and possession of methamphetamine for sale.

Jimmy Regalado, 25, of Paramount was arrested on suspicion of selling of methamphetamine. Armando Nunez, 34, of Long Beach, was arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing ammunition and vandalism. Jorge Galvan, 29, of Paramount, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

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