“The results of this months-long investigation likely bring a sigh of some relief to the law-abiding residents of Stockton.  A special thank you to the California DOJ special agents and local law enforcement officers who investigated and arrested these dangerous suspects and removed firearms from the streets of Stockton.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

STOCKTON – On June 2, 2022, the California Department of Justice, Stockton Police Department and San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announced the results of a months-long joint investigation dubbed Operation Hybrid Havoc Takedown.

The operation began in January 2022 and targeted the criminal activities of numerous criminal street gangs in the city of Stockton.  Members of the gangs were allegedly responsible for a series of violent crimes, including at least two homicides, and were identified by the Stockton Police Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office as a significant threat to the community. The agencies then requested the assistance of the California Department of Justice.

“I am thankful for the work of our agents and our partners in Stockton,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta.  “Today, we are announcing that we have not only taken dangerous individuals, illegal guns, and drugs off Stockton streets — but also helped bring closure to families grieving for the loss of their loved ones. While we recognize that the trauma of gun violence and crime continues be felt across our communities, today we helped the Stockton community take an important step toward healing.”

 

 

As a result of the investigation:

• 90 people were arrested,
• 58 firearms were seized – including 12 ghost guns and 10 assault weapons,
• $23,000 in U.S. Currency were seized,
• as well as cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamines, heroin, fentanyl, and of marijuana.

The investigation continues, and additional arrests are anticipated.

Among those arrested were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Damien Cook, 18, and a 15-year-old boy for their alleged roles in a gang-related shooting that occurred on January 23, 2022, in the 1800 Block of Platte Road. Additionally, Cook was arrested for another gang-related shooting that occurred on February 25, 2022, in the 400 Block of East Flora Street.
• Antonio Thomasson, 35, for a homicide that occurred on February 11, 2022, in the 8000 Block of North El Dorado Street.
• Antonio Hoskins, 30, and Roverta Howard, 38, for a homicide that occurred on May 15, 2022, in the 8100 Block of West Lane.
• Gregory Miller, 30, Paul Harris, 25, Nolan Hurd, 22, James Ruiz, 26, and CL Butler, 30, for conspiracy to commit a burglary of a marijuana dispensary, and firearms possession. Butler was also arrested for a gang-related shooting that occurred on March 20, 2022, in the 100 Block of Gateway Court. Butler and Harris were arrested for conspiracy to commit an additional gang-related shooting and firearms possession.
• Elexis Freeman, 26, and two 17-year-old males for robbery, and firearm possession. Freeman and one male juvenile (17 yrs. old) were also arrested for conspiracy to commit an additional robbery.
• Rudy Maldonado, 25, for evading, firearms possession, and sales of a controlled substance.

Along with those already charged, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office will be reviewing the cases of all those arrested for potential filing in San Joaquin County Superior Court. The alleged crimes include murder, conspiracy to commit murder, firearms and narcotics trafficking, as well as gang enhancements.

The Stockton Police Department expressed gratitude to the:

• California Department of Justice/California Highway Patrol (Special Operations Unit),
• San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office,
• Federal Bureau of Investigation,
• Manteca Police Department,
• Lodi Police Department,
• San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office,
• San Joaquin County AB109 Task Force,
• California Department of Corrections,
• S. Marshal’s Fugitive Apprehension Task Force,
• and Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, and Firearms.