Police Begin Pre-Fiesta Gang Sweeps

Since the gang-related killing of a Westside teen on 7/16, Santa Barbara police have arrested nearly 40 known and suspected gang members and associates. “We’re not being a bunch of jackbooted bullies and thugs, but we’re sending a very clear message that despite what some gang members might think, we’re still in charge of policing the streets,” said police spokesperson Lt. Paul McCaffery. Most of the arrested were juveniles caught for violations ranging from inciting gang violence to driving without a valid license.

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