More than a dozen gang members arrested in Livingston

More than a dozen known gang members, mostly juveniles, were arrested during a three-month law enforcement operation, the Livingston Police Department announced this week.

“Officers have proactively conducted numerous probation compliance checks with documented gang members and followed up on reports of gang members (who) intimidated residents,” police Chief Ruben Chavez said in a news release.

Javier Guardado, 19, was arrested May 15 on suspicion of failing to register as a gang member and a probation violation, the release stated.

Jose Guzman, 33, was arrested March 11 on suspicion of making criminal threats, criminal street-gang participation and a probation violation, police said.

Carlos Cortez, 18, and Anthony Hernandez, 21, were arrested Feb. 21 on suspicion of making criminal threats, conspiracy and street-gang participation, according to police.

Ten juveniles were also arrested on suspicion of a variety of allegations including brandishing a firearm, making criminal threats, vandalism, conspiracy and street-gang participation, police said.

The sweeps targeting gang members were conducted by Livingston police, the Merced Police Department and the Merced County Probation Department.

“Those individuals who commit crimes to support gang activities will be addressed in an expeditious and lawful manner using all available resources,” Chavez said in the prepared statement. “The Livingston Police (Department) is committed to the safety of the community in addressing gang violence in an aggressive, proactive manner.”

This story was originally published May 22, 2015 at 11:03 AM with the headline "More than a dozen gang members arrested in Livingston."