Gang, Gun Sweeps Highlight Sheriff’s Roundup

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office recently released its first quarter roundup video, a run-down of notable arrests, changes in staffing, and a behind-the-scenes look into the training and day-to-day routine of Sheriff’s deputies. This season’s report is highlighted by four major cases the law enforcement agency was directly involved with.

First and foremost, the video recaps the arrest of alleged MS-13 gang members in the Santa Maria area, which was a joint operation with Santa Maria’s police department. Over 16 search and arrest warrants were issued, with all 16 individuals being taken into custody early last month.

The next high-profile case was the removal of 83 illegally owned firearms from the Santa Barbara area, including 3 assault weapons and over 6,000 rounds of ammunition. With help from the Department of Justice, Sheriff’s deputies arrested 10 people in connection with the firearms.

Also included in the roundup was the arrest of former UCSB student Daniel Chen, 21, who was linked via DNA evidence from an unrelated drug charge to the brutal gang rape on campus in 2014. Chen, who was arrested February by UCSB police officers, faces rape and false imprisonment charges.

The most recent case was the arrest of Pierre Haobsh, 26, the Oceanside man charged with killing well-known herbalist Dr. Weidong “Henry” Han, 57; his wife, Huijie “Jennie” Yu, 29; and their daughter, Emily Han, 5.

Just two days after the family was found shot, wrapped in plastic, and duct taped in the garage of their 4640 Greenhill Way home, Haobsh was arrested at a San Diego County gas station. Sheriff Bill Brown commended everyone involved, saying he was “proud of their extraordinary efforts.”